Stone | Dean’s Transportation and Logistics Practice Group represents some of the nation’s largest motor carriers, freight companies, and their insurers. With a deep understanding of the complex legal landscape governing the movement of goods, we provide aggressive, informed representation in both litigation and compliance matters across state and federal courts.
Our attorneys are nationally recognized leaders in transportation law, having authored some of the most influential decisions in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals under the Carmack Amendment to the Interstate Commerce Act. We routinely speak at national and regional conferences, and we provide legal education, claims training, and cost-containment strategies to van lines, insurers, TPAs, and independent moving and storage businesses.
Comprehensive Legal Support for the Transportation Industry
We represent clients in a full spectrum of matters, including:
- Cargo Loss & Damage Claims
- Commercial Freight Disputes
- PUC & DOT Compliance
- Carriers’ & Warehousemen’s Liens
- Tariff & Rate Disputes
- Employment Law Claims
- Personal Injury & Property Damage Defense
- Agency Disputes & Liability Allocation
- Intellectual Property Issues
- Warehouse & Carrier Security Claims
Whether advising on regulatory compliance or defending high-stakes litigation, our team offers unmatched industry knowledge and strategic insight.
Landmark Decisions
Stone | Dean attorneys have been at the forefront of shaping transportation law, with published opinions that have clarified and strengthened carrier protections under the Carmack Amendment:
- White v. Mayflower Transit, LLC, 543 F.3d 581 (9th Cir. 2008) – Emotional distress claims preempted by Carmack Amendment.
- Hall v. North American Van Lines, Inc., 476 F.3d 683 (9th Cir. 2007) – Carmack preemption applies for federal removal jurisdiction.
- Allstate Ins. Co. v. Mayflower Transit, LLC, 616 F. Supp. 2d 1003 (C.D. Cal. 2009) – Claim filing must meet CFR specificity requirements.
- Steiner v. Horizon Moving Systems, Inc., 568 F. Supp. 2d 1084 (C.D. Cal. 2008) – Late removal allowed when federal question is revealed in discovery.
- Sompo Japan Ins. Co. of America, Inc. v. VIP Transport, Inc., 568 F. Supp. 2d 1080 (N.D. Cal. 2008) – Defined “delivery” broadly under Carmack.
- Farrah v. Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc., 555 F. Supp. 2d 1066 (N.D. Cal. 2008) – Shipper’s intent controls Carmack applicability.
- Moore v. La Habra Relocations, Inc., 501 F. Supp. 2d 1278 (C.D. Cal. 2007) – Household goods agents not individually liable under Carmack.
With over 1,500 transportation-related lawsuits and claims handled by our attorneys, we remain at the cutting edge of this dynamic legal sector.
