WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a unanimous decision that could significantly impact the trucking and logistics industry nationwide, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that freight brokers can be held legally responsible for hiring unsafe trucking carriers.
The 9-0 decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC allows a personal injury lawsuit against freight brokerage giant C.H. Robinson to move forward after a crash that left Shawn Montgomery seriously injured and resulted in the loss of his leg.
Court Says Federal Law Does Not Block Safety Claims
At the center of the case was whether federal law shields freight brokers from liability related to carrier selection.
Writing for the Court, Justice Amy Coney Barrett said the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act, commonly known as the FAAAA, only preempts state laws tied to a company’s prices, routes, or services — not safety-related claims.
Because negligent hiring directly affects public roadway safety, the Court ruled that those claims can still be pursued under state law.
Allegations Against the Carrier
According to the lawsuit, C.H. Robinson allegedly hired a trucking company that had:
- A “conditional” safety rating
- A history of driver qualification deficiencies
Montgomery argued the broker should have identified those warning signs before assigning the freight load.
Industry Impact Expected
Legal and transportation experts say the ruling could have widespread consequences throughout the freight and logistics industry.
The decision is expected to:
- Increase pressure on brokers to conduct deeper safety reviews
- Reduce reliance on federal registration alone as proof of compliance
- Expand liability risks throughout the supply chain
With more than 780,000 motor carriers operating nationwide, the ruling raises the standard for safety accountability in freight operations.
Company Responds
C.H. Robinson said it was disappointed by the decision but reiterated its commitment to safe freight practices and working with regulators to improve transportation safety standards.
What It Means for the Ohio Valley
For trucking companies, freight brokers, and independent drivers across the Ohio Valley, the ruling could lead to stricter carrier screening procedures, additional compliance reviews, and greater legal exposure when working with unsafe carriers.
Bottom Line
The Supreme Court’s decision makes clear that freight brokers may be held accountable for the carriers they choose to hire. If a trucking company has a poor safety history, brokers could now face legal liability when accidents occur.
Credit: Original reporting by Jason Cannon for Overdrive Online (May 14, 2026).
