Topic
litigation
Finance Progressive battles truck crash claim, says tractor-trailer wasn't covered
Progressive Express Insurance Co. has sued in Houston federal court for a declaratory judgment that it owes no coverage for a 2023 tractor-trailer crash on U.S. Highway 290 involving MMT Carriers and driver Rolando Rodriguez-Nunez. The insurer says the crash equipment—a 2005 Volvo tractor and 2015 utility trailer—was not listed on the policy, which covered a 2012 Freightliner Cascadia. The underlying personal injury lawsuit seeks more than $1 million in damages.
Logistics Trucksafe Bootcamp Adds Live Deposition Simulation to Prepare Trucking Fleets
FreightWaves reports Trucksafe Consulting's fifth annual Fleet Compliance Bootcamp, Sept. 16-17 in Indianapolis, adds a half-day Live Deposition Simulation and Rule 30(b)(6) Preparation Seminar on Sept. 18. The training prepares fleet safety directors for plaintiff attorneys' questioning, with settlement data from ATRI showing the financial stakes.
Logistics Nuclear Verdicts: $86M Awarded Despite No Negligence? Covenant CEO Warns of Trucking Crisis
A Utah jury awarded $86M against QXO despite finding no negligence, highlighting the trucking liability crisis. Covenant Logistics CEO David Parker says insurance costs surged 300% while coverage dropped 50%, and DOT enforcement has removed 2–3% of capacity.
Logistics C.H. Robinson's $600M Nuclear Verdict Poses Existential Threat to Broker Model
A $600 million Dallas County nuclear verdict against C.H. Robinson threatens the freight brokerage model, with Citibank calling it existential. The company will appeal, but the case could redefine broker liability for carrier vetting and independent contractor classification, raising insurance costs and reshaping shipper carrier-selection strategies.
Trade Tariffs on trial: Small businesses take Trump's latest trade levies back to court
Two groups of small businesses have filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration's latest tariffs, which impose double-digit levies on imports from 60 trading partners covering 99% of US imports. The lawsuits argue the government failed to justify the measures under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and that the tariffs are effectively replacing those struck down by the Supreme Court in February.
Logistics Prime Sues IRS for $11 Million Over Reefer Diesel Tax; Small Carriers Can Claim Same Credit
Prime Inc., a large refrigerated carrier, has filed a federal lawsuit against the IRS seeking a refund of $11 million in fuel excise tax paid on diesel used for reefer units. The carrier argues that reefer diesel is an off-highway use and thus nontaxable. The same fuel tax credit is available to any business, including small carriers and owner-operators, that burn taxed fuel for nontaxable purposes.
Logistics California jury holds 3 trucking firms liable in $52.1M nuclear verdict over subcontractor crash
A California jury awarded $52.1 million to a motorcyclist injured in a 2021 crash involving a truck subcontracted twice. The verdict reinforces that trucking companies cannot delegate liability to independent contractors under California law, with hours-of-service violations playing a key role. The case warns logistics firms to ensure subcontractor safety compliance.