Logistics and 3PL

From moving goods across the country to managing complex warehousing operations, logistics companies face unique legal challenges that can affect their bottom line. Whether you operate a third-party logistics (3PL) company, manage a freight brokerage, or run a warehousing facility, your business needs reliable legal guidance to protect operations, stay compliant, and foster growth. Our attorneys partner with logistics and supply chain businesses to deliver tailored, results-driven legal solutions for every stage of your operations.

Comprehensive Legal Services for the Logistics Industry

Contract Drafting, Review, and Negotiation

Contracts are the foundation of a successful logistics operation, defining the terms of every transaction, partnership, and service agreement. PKC helps logistics companies draft, review, and negotiate agreements that align with their business goals, including:

  • Carrier and Shipper Agreements: Establishing clear terms for liability, freight claims, service expectations, and payment timelines.

  • Warehouse Agreements: Defining terms for storage, inventory management, insurance coverage, and liability for lost or damaged goods.

  • Freight Brokerage Contracts: Structuring agreements between shippers and carriers to protect your brokerage from disputes.

  • Technology Vendor Agreements: Negotiating contracts for logistics management software, tracking platforms, and other technology providers.

  • Service-Level Agreements (SLAs): Drafting enforceable SLAs to meet customer expectations and minimize disputes.

We ensure your contracts are precise, enforceable, and designed to protect your business from unforeseen risks.

Mergers, Acquisitions, and Corporate Transactions

Whether you’re acquiring a smaller competitor, merging with another business, or selling your logistics company, we provide strategic counsel and transactional expertise to help you achieve your business goals. Our attorneys assist with:

  • Conducting due diligence to identify risks and opportunities

  • Negotiating purchase agreements and terms

  • Ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations during transitions

Dispute Resolution for the Logistics Industry

Disputes in the logistics industry can disrupt operations, harm customer relationships, and lead to costly litigation. PKC offers strategic legal representation to resolve conflicts such as:

  • Freight and Cargo Claims: Handling disputes over lost, damaged, or delayed shipments, including claims under the Carmack Amendment.

  • Payment Disputes: Pursuing unpaid invoices and defending against unjustified payment holds or deductions.

  • Contract Breaches: Resolving disputes with carriers, shippers, or technology vendors over service failures or unmet terms.

  • Liability for Accidents: Managing claims related to accidents, spills, or environmental violations involving your fleet or facilities.

  • Customer Claims: Addressing complaints about service failures, delays, or inventory inaccuracies.

We prioritize cost-effective resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration, but are prepared to litigate aggressively when necessary to protect your business.

Risk Management and Liability Protection

In the logistics industry, risk is ever-present, whether it involves physical goods, data, or customer relationships. PKC helps you identify potential liabilities and implement strategies to mitigate risk, including:

  • Insurance Coverage Analysis: Reviewing your policies to ensure adequate protection for cargo, general liability, and errors and omissions.

  • Indemnity Clauses: Drafting contractual provisions to shift liability away from your business in agreements with clients, carriers, and vendors.

  • Regulatory Risks: Implementing internal policies to ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and labor laws.

  • Cybersecurity Risks: Advising on measures to protect logistics management systems from data breaches and cyberattacks.

By managing risks proactively, we help you focus on growing your business without unnecessary exposure.

Employment and Workforce Management

The logistics industry depends on a large, diverse workforce, including warehouse workers, drivers, and administrative staff. PKC assists with:

  • Driver and Worker Classification: Ensuring proper classification of employees versus independent contractors to avoid IRS or Department of Labor penalties.

  • Employment Contracts: Drafting agreements for managerial staff, warehouse employees, and drivers, with clear terms for duties and compensation.

  • Wage and Hour Compliance: Advising on overtime, meal breaks, and payroll requirements under state and federal labor laws.

  • Workplace Policies: Developing handbooks and safety protocols to address OSHA standards, harassment policies, and workplace conduct.

  • Non-Compete and Confidentiality Agreements: Protecting your business relationships, client lists, and proprietary logistics methods.

Our attorneys provide practical workforce management solutions to keep your business running smoothly while minimizing disputes.

Industry-Specific Experience

PKC proudly serves a wide range of logistics and supply chain businesses, including:

  • Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PLs): Helping 3PLs manage customer agreements, technology partnerships, and liability concerns.

  • Freight Forwarders and Brokers: Supporting compliance, carrier agreements, and customer relationships for domestic and international freight.

  • Warehouse Operators: Advising on storage contracts, safety compliance, and liability for inventory loss or damage.

  • Last-Mile Delivery Providers: Addressing agreements for gig drivers, technology platforms, and fleet management.

  • E-Commerce Fulfillment Centers: Supporting vendor relationships, logistics software agreements, and compliance with international shipping requirements.

Our deep knowledge of the logistics industry allows us to provide focused, practical legal support to meet your specific business needs.

Why Logistics Companies Choose PKC

  • Industry Knowledge: Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the logistics and supply chain industry’s operational and regulatory challenges.

  • Comprehensive Services: From contracts and compliance to dispute resolution, we offer complete legal support for your business.

  • Client-Centered Approach: We focus on building long-term relationships and delivering practical solutions tailored to your business goals.

Contact Our Dallas-Fort Worth Logistics Attorneys

The logistics industry is fast-paced and competitive, requiring sharp legal guidance to navigate its challenges. Don’t let legal complexities disrupt your operations. Reach out to Peters Kussmaul Crosier PLLC today and take the first step toward protecting and advancing your logistics business.