Recently-enacted laws and regulations have significantly changed the scope of motor carrier authority and brokerage authority. As a result of MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century), motor carrier authority is now limited to performing transportation services using vehicles the motor carrier owns or leases and separate brokerage authority is required for a motor carrier to provide transportation services using other motor carriers.

For motor carriers and their affiliated brokerage entities, it is important that your shipping agreements, electronic communications, rate confirmations, terms and conditions and overall operations are reviewed and managed to ensure compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, as well as to minimize exposure. Through a well-crafted set of legal transportation agreements, you can limit your liability to stay in line with your insurance coverage and protect against unforeseen exposure. Our trucking lawyers have extensive experience with freight brokerage contracts and regulations. From drafting contracts to enforcing contracts and defending against claims, our team is ready to protect your transportation company with your best interests in mind. As always, please contact us if you have any questions.