3PL Logistics Savannah GA | 3PL Logistics Attorney

Overview

HunterMaclean has represented clients in their logistics needs for most of its 139-year history. With attorneys working from offices in Savannah and Brunswick, Georgia, HunterMaclean is able to offer seamless legal representation to its logistics clients.

Members of HunterMaclean’s logistics practice group understand the language, procedures, and practical realities of today’s logistics industry. From warehousing to third-party logistics, our attorneys offer timely legal counsel relating to the logistics field in Georgia and throughout the Southeast.

Our attorneys negotiate, draft, and implement warehouse leases, as well as warehouse operation agreements. We also have extensive experience in negotiating warehouse automation agreements, agreements for the licensing and implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (which often have complex logistics and warehousing components), and various other types of agreements relating to technology used in the logistics industry. Our team excels at land use planning, zoning, and site plan review for warehouse and logistics developments, and provides counsel regarding 3PL agreements and disputes.

At HunterMaclean, our attorneys negotiate warehouse deals, mediate disputes with 3PL providers, and provide solutions to logistics-related challenges. HunterMaclean knows how to defend and resolve disputes. Our attorneys have extensive experience in litigation, mediation, arbitration, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution that can save time and costs otherwise incurred in litigation. HunterMaclean has dozens of attorneys in fields ranging from transportation law and litigation to maritime law and taxation, enabling clients to utilize the Firm’s expertise for related problems.

Our knowledge of the industry is supported by the Firm’s presence in Savannah and Brunswick, Georgia, two major port cities that serve as logistics hubs along the East Coast of the United States.

The Port of Savannah has been the nation’s fastest-growing container port over the past eight years, the fourth largest container port in the United States, and the second busiest container port on the East Coast. The Port of Brunswick has the distinction of being the fifth largest auto port in the nation, third for auto imports, and is the second largest grain facility on the East Coast.

HunterMaclean partners with the Center of Innovation for Logistics to present the annual Savannah Logistics Lunch, a regional focus from the Georgia Logistics Summit.

Logistics practice HunterMaclean

Experience

Negotiation, drafting, and implementation of Warehouse Operation Agreements for public warehousing operations, single customer agreements, and blended operations in numerous states throughout the South and Midwest.
Negotiation, drafting, and implementation of Warehouse and industrial leases in single and multi-use facilities as well as Warehouse parks in several states, east and west of the Mississippi.
Representation and advice concerning bodily injury, shrinkage, damaged product and demurrage claims arising in Warehouse, Transportation, and Maritime operations.
Interpretation and resolution of insurance policy issues both general and specific to Warehouse, Transportation, and Freight Brokerage operations.
Land use planning, zoning and site plan review for Warehouse and Transportation specific developments.
Representation of Carriers in claims involving cargo, property damage and bodily injury for Warehouse and Transportation entities.
Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of logistics provider in large-scale cargo damage matter.
Engaged by regional warehousing provider to defend “toxic Chinese drywall” claims.
Providing advice concerning employment issues arising during Maritime, Transportation and Warehouse operations. This has included authoring employment manuals for Warehouse and Transportation operations in several states and rendering advice in employee specific circumstances on an ongoing basis. Our attorneys are experienced with Restrictive Covenants and Separation Agreements for key employees as well as issues pertaining to Immigration and Temporary Employment Issues.
Resolution of Maritime and Domestic Transportation contract and bodily injury claims, litigation, arbitration and mediation.

Publications & Presentations

Publications

Blockchain and Logistics

In this article for Savannah Morning News, attorney Christopher “Smitty” Smith explains how blockchain technology is changing the logistics industry.

Savannah Logistics Lunch Focuses on Industry Disruptors

Colin McRae and Brad Harmon discuss the upcoming Savannah Logistics Lunch in their article for Business in Savannah.

Savannah Logistics Lunch Focuses on Technology and Transportation

The 2016 Savannah Logistics Lunch will take place on July 21 at the Armstrong Center. Co-presented by the Center of Innovation for Logistics and HunterMaclean, this event will explore Technology and Transportation.

Growth in Perishables Sector Creates Opportunity for Logistics Providers

At the recent Savannah Logistics Lunch, more than 200 attendees gathered to hear a panel discussion on the growth of the cold chain and perishables industry sectors in the Coastal Georgia region. One word came up again and again: opportunity. Attorneys Colin McRae and Brad Harmon discuss further in this article for the Savannah Morning News.

Logistics Lunch brings Georgia Logistics Summit to Savannah

The Georgia Logistics Summit, presented each year by the Center of Innovation for Logistics, is the premiere logistics event in Georgia. This year the Center of Innovation for Logistics and HunterMaclean have developed a new event focused specifically on the coastal Georgia region: the Savannah Logistics Lunch.

Trux: Keeping up with everything that moves

HunterMaclean has spent much of its long history serving the legal needs of companies at every stop on the nation’s evolving transportation continuum. Lyle Fitzsimmons from Trux magazine interviews attorney Brad Harmon to learn more about the firm’s transportation and logistics practice.

Ship-to-Shore: Logistics and Liability

If you have ever ordered an item online, bought a new iPhone, or picked up a ripe California orange at the grocery store, you have utilized the enormous web of logistics that transports cargo around the world. In their article for Elegant Island Living, attorneys Colin McRae and Brad Harmon explain the complicated business of logistics liability.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): Transforming Logistics (and Everything Else)

In our increasingly interconnected world, technology is constantly providing new tools and new opportunities, creating business models that were almost unthinkable only a few years earlier. Many of these new tools involve the use of “software-as-a-service” (or SaaS), in which a vendor or service-provider makes a software application available for widespread use through an Internet site or mobile app. The near-universality of mobile devices and wireless or broadband communications is now enabling SaaS to transform how we conduct both our lives and our businesses.

The Effect of Recent Global Affairs on Local Logistics

The recent Russian embargo on certain agricultural imports from the U.S. and other Western countries will have an impact on local logistics and maritime commerce. The ban applies largely to U.S.-grown food products, including meats, vegetables and processed foods—all items heavily trafficked in Georgia’s ports. Attorneys Brad Harmon and Colin McRae explain how this will affect our local economy.

Takeaways from the 2014 Georgia Logistics Summit

Logistics, a vital component of Georgia’s economy, represents more than $15 billion annually. HunterMaclean attorneys recently attended the 2014 Georgia Logistics Summit and gained valuable insight into how the logistics industry can deliver in the face of rising costs, increased regulation, and global competition.

Will the Proposed Online Sales Tax Bill Hurt the Logistics Industry?

HunterMaclean Partner Brad Harmon discusses the potential impact of the Marketplace Fairness Act on Savannah’s logistics industry.

Liability Laws Affecting Inland Logistics

HunterMaclean partner Brad Harmon explores the intricacies of liability issues in the inland logistics industry, offering valuable advice to shippers, carriers, and third-party logistics providers.

Navigating Maritime Law and Liability

HunterMaclean partner Colin McRae discusses the unique maritime laws governing the transport of cargo at sea.

Recreational Boating and the Law

Maritime attorney Colin McRae explores liability issues related to recreational boating, explaining why the law can be different at sea than on land.

Multi-Channel Commerce Provides Growth Opportunities

Attorney Brad Harmon explores how multi-channel commerce is shaping today’s logistics industry.

How Maritime Law Affects You

This article for Business in Savannah discusses timely maritime law issues.

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Changes Set for 2013

Partner Brad Harmon explains the changes to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requirements that will begin to affect employers in 2013.

Allocation of Financial Responsibility Among Insurers Based on the MCS-90 Endorsement

By HunterMaclean Attorneys, published in Transportation Update (Spring 2009).

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Re-Adopts Controversial HOS Rule

In a move that could cause further controversy and ignite more litigation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently decided to re-adopt as an interim rule a controversial transportation rule which legally allows truckers to drive for 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty period, followed by an off-duty period of at least 10 hours. The re-adoption of this rule came as a result of a court order requiring the FMCSA to reconsider the impact the rule has on driver safety.

Court of Appeals Decision Could Alter Rules on Liability for Inland Carriers

By Colin A. McRae, published on November 13, 2006, in Savannah Business Report.

A recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit essentially torpedoed the Supreme Court’s attempt in 2004 to establish a uniform policy for dealing with loss and damage claims on intermodal shipments moving in international commerce.

“This is an important decision that will impact a number of area companies,” said Colin McRae, a maritime attorney and partner at the law firm of HunterMaclean. “Transportation of cargo is big business in coastal Georgia.”

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Admiralty - A Review of the Eleventh Circuit’s Opinions in 2005

By Colin A. McRae, published on July 1, 2006, in Mercer Law Review 57, no. 4.

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Loss Allocation in Light of the MCS-90 Endorsement

Chapter by HunterMaclean Attorneys in the treatise Truck Accident Litigation, 2d Ed., published on January 5, 2006, by the American Bar Association.

Loss Allocation In Light of the MCS-90 Endorsement: A Survey of Select Federal and State Case Law

By HunterMaclean Attorneys, published in Transportation Update (Fall 2005).

Admiralty - A Review of the Eleventh Circuit's Opinions in 2003

By Colin A. McRae, published on July 1, 2004, in Mercer Law Review 55, no. 4

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Admiralty - A Review of the Eleventh Circuit's Opinions in 2002

By Colin A. McRae, published on July 9, 2003, in Mercer Law Review 54, no. 4.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit published four opinions dealing with Admiralty issues in 2002. While the total number of opinions is not as high as in recent years, the court addressed numerous issues that are relevant and important in today’s Admiralty practice. The court dealt with coverage under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (“LHWCA”), cargo liability limitation by inland carriers through a Himalaya clause in an ocean bill of lading, protection and indemnity coverage for cargo damage claims, the doctrine of forum non conveniens, and the applicable law to be used by federal courts sitting in diversity. In addition to these four Eleventh Circuit cases, there were two Supreme Court cases involving preemption in the maritime arena that will be very important to Admiralty practitioners.

Logo Liability: A Truckload of Trouble

By HunterMaclean Attorneys, published on January 26, 2003, in Savannah Morning News.

Admiralty - A Review of the Eleventh Circuit's Opinions in 2001

By Colin A. McRae, published on July 9, 2002, in Mercer Law Review 53, no. 4.

The Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit handed down ten opinions dealing with admiralty law during the calendar year 2001. Five of these cases dealt with the traditional admiralty concepts of allision, maintenance and cure, the “savings to suitors” clause, marine insurance and indemnity. The Eleventh Circuit also decided three cargo cases dealing with the unsettled package limitation of the Carriage of Goods by Seas Act. Finally, two cases called on the Court to decide how to reconcile traditional admiralty principles with new federal environmental legislation, showing the increased interplay between environmental resource protection and admiralty law.

Admiralty - A Review of the Eleventh Circuit's Opinions in 2000

By Colin A. McRae, published on July 9, 2001, in Mercer Law Review 52, no. 4.

The Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit decided fourteen admiralty cases with written opinions in 2000. These cases can generally be divided into three broad categories: (1) cases involving the interpretation of federal statutes such as The Americans with Disabilities Act, (“ADA”), the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (“FSIA”), the Suits in Admiralty Act (“SAA”), The Carriage of Goods By Sea Act (“COGSA”), and the Federal Maritime Lien Act (“FMLA”); (2) cases involving the interplay of admiralty law and state law in suits involving claims for attorney fees, the application of laches, and marine insurance issues; and (3) cases involving traditional maritime issues such as the interpretation of maritime contracts, salvage law and sovereign immunity.

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Presentations

Legal Considerations in Implementing your Vision

Presented by Milton L. Petersen and Colin A. McRae at the Southeastern Warehouse Association Convention in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, on September 18, 2015.

Changes to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 45 and 37

Presented by Bradley M. Harmon to the Commercial & Business Litigation Committee at the Transportation Lawyers Association Annual Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida from April 29 to May 3, 2014.

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Legal Update: Issues Our Clients Are Asking Us About

Presented by Colin A. McRae and Bradley M. Harmon at the Southeastern Warehouse Association Annual Convention in Destin, Florida on September 14, 2013.

CSA 2010... Now What?

Presented at the ALFA Transportation Practice Group Seminar in Amelia Island, Florida, on May 4, 2012, by HunterMaclean Attorneys.

Best Practices to Prevent Lawsuits and Limit Your Trucking Company's Exposure

Presented at the Georgia Motor Trucking Association on September 15, 2005, by HunterMaclean Attorneys.

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News

SMN: Logistics Summit Puts Savannah in Spotlight

May 27, 2017

HunterMaclean partner Christopher “Smitty” Smith speaks with Mary Carr Mayle of the Savannah Morning News about this year’s Georgia Logistics Summit.

Second Annual Savannah Logistics Lunch Highlights Technology in Transportation

July 22, 2016

The Savannah Logistics Lunch, co-presented by the Center of Innovation for Logistics and HunterMaclean, was held on Thursday, July 21, at the Armstrong Center. With an audience of over 300, the second annual event was at full capacity.

BiS: PortSide: Luncheon celebrates logistics industry

July 22, 2016

The Second Annual Savannah Logistics Lunch on Technology and Transportation took place Thursday, July 21 at the Armstrong Center. Mary Carr Mayle covered the event for Business in Savannah.

Attorneys Christopher H. Smith, Francesca Macchiaverna, and Patrick L. Barkley join HunterMaclean

November 06, 2015

HunterMaclean is pleased to announce that the firm’s Savannah office has welcomed three new attorneys: Christopher H. “Smitty” Smith, Francesca Macchiaverna, and Patrick L. Barkley.

SMN: Panel discussion focuses on Savannah's perishable import growth, opportunity

August 19, 2015

The inaugural Savannah Logistics Lunch, hosted by HunterMaclean and the Center of Innovation for Logistics, was a great success. Katie Martin covered the event for the Savannah Morning News.

Savannah CEO: Savannah Logistics Lunch Presents Regional Focus on Growing Trade in Perishables

August 11, 2015

HunterMaclean is teaming up with Georgia’s Center of Innovation for Logistics to host the inaugural Savannah Logistic Lunch on August 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Savannah Airport. Thressea Boyd writes about the upcoming event for Savannah CEO.

Georgia CEO: HunterMaclean Marks 135 Years in the Practice of Law

December 16, 2014

The year 2014 marks the 135th anniversary of HunterMaclean. Lucy Adams from Georgia CEO interviewed Managing Partner Frank Macgill regarding HunterMaclean’s history, areas of expertise, milestone anniversary, and future.

The Creative Coast 'Front Porch' Podcast with Colin McRae

March 10, 2014

Savannah maritime and logistics attorney Colin McRae is interviewed on the Creative Coast podcast series, the Front Porch. His conversation with Creative Coast executive director Bea Wray touched on the port, maritime law, logistics, Critical Issues, and the great work that the Maritime Logistics Education Task Force (MLET) is doing to bring the next generation into the logistics field.

Fifteen HunterMaclean Attorneys Honored as 2014 Georgia Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

February 19, 2014

Atlanta magazine just announced the top attorneys in the state of Georgia, and 15 attorneys at HunterMaclean were named either Georgia Super Lawyers or Rising Stars.

HunterMaclean Attorneys Selected as Georgia Trend 2013 Legal Elite

December 02, 2013

HunterMaclean is pleased to announce that Georgia Trend recently honored five HunterMaclean attorneys in the magazine’s annual “Legal Elite” ranking, which recognizes top attorneys in the state of Georgia.

Brunswick Business Journal: HunterMaclean Critical Issues Forum in Brunswick Focuses on Logistics

November 15, 2013

HunterMaclean hosted a Critical Issues Forum in Brunswick on November 13. The Forum focused on logistics and attracted business leaders from across the region.

The Florida Times-Union: Transportation Issues Highlighted at HunterMaclean Critical Issues Forum on Logistics

November 15, 2013

At HunterMaclean’s Critical Issues Forum in Brunswick on November 13, business leaders from across the area came together to discuss the logistics industry.

Savannah Business Journal: HunterMaclean's Critical Issues Forum Focuses on Logistics, Supply Chain Trends

October 16, 2013

HunterMaclean’s latest Critical Issues Forum addressed timely logistics issues with statewide impact.

Savannah Morning News: HunterMaclean Critical Issues Forum on Logistics

October 11, 2013

HunterMaclean’s latest Critical Issues Forum focused on timely logistics issues in Georgia and attracted business leaders from across the region.

HunterMaclean Attorneys Present to the Southeastern Warehouse Association on Transportation and Logistics

September 24, 2013

HunterMaclean partners Colin McRae, Dennis Keene and Brad Harmon shared insight into the latest trends in logistics in transportation with conference attendees from across the Southeast.

Fulton County Daily Report Honors Brad Harmon as “On the Rise” Attorney

August 26, 2013

HunterMaclean partner Brad Harmon has been recognized as one of Georgia’s top attorneys under the age of 40.

Savannah Magazine and Business in Savannah Honor Brad Harmon as a “Generation Next: Rising Star of Business”

March 06, 2013

HunterMaclean partner Brad Harmon is named a rising star in business under the age of 40.

HunterMaclean Creates Transportation Law Practice Team

January 10, 2007

HunterMaclean’s Transportation Law Practice Team unites the firm’s shipping, maritime, trucking and litigation experts to offer optimal representation for new and existing clients.

Court of Appeals Decision Could Alter Rules on Liability for Inland Carriers

November 13, 2006

By Colin A. McRae, published on November 13, 2006, in Savannah Business Report.

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Videos & Podcasts

Videos

Video: Highlights of 2016 Savannah Logistics Lunch

The 2016 Savannah Logistics Lunch, presented by HunterMaclean and the Center of Innovation for Logistics, was held Thursday, July 21, at the Armstrong Center with the topic of Technology and Transportation.

2015 Savannah logistics Lunch perishables panel

Savannah Logistics Lunch 2015

The inaugural Savannah Logistics Lunch, presented by HunterMaclean and the Center for Innovation in Logistics, featured a panel discussion on the growth of cold chain and perishables through the Port of Savannah.

Video: HunterMaclean Critical Issues Forum on Logistics

The HunterMaclean Critical Issues forum is an annual lecture series that brings together leaders from business, industry, government education and non-profit organizations for a breakfast gathering to hear speakers on important issues facing the community. The 2013 Forum focused on the logistics industry, which generates $15 billion annually in Georgia.

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Podcasts

Podcast: Savannah Logistics Lunch August 18, 2015

The first Annual Savannah Logistics Lunch was held at the Embassy Suites Savannah Airport on August 18, 2015. The Logistics Lunch was presented by HunterMaclean and the Center for Innovation in Logistics, and offered a regional, in-depth focus from the Georgia Logistics Summit.

Podcast: Colin McRae on The Creative Coast 'Front Porch'

Colin McRae is interviewed on the Creative Coast podcast series ‘The Front Porch. The wide-ranging discussion touches on maritime law, logistics, big ships, Georgia ports, and how local high school kids are getting involved.

Savannah Logistics Lunch 2015 SRO attendance

Inaugural Savannah Logistics Lunch Focused on Perishables

The Savannah Logistics Lunch presented a regional, in-depth focus from the Georgia Logistics Summit. The inaugural 2015 event featured a panel discussion on the growth of cold chain and perishables in the coastal Georgia region.

HunterMaclean Critical Issues Forum on Logistics

The 2013 HunterMaclean Critical Issues Forum addressed the logistics industry, which is a major economic engine for the port cities of Savannah and Brunswick and for the entire state of Georgia. A moderated panel addressed global competitiveness, infrastructure, technology, human resources, workforce needs, and much more. Includes a 3-minute highlight video and link to a video of the full 1-hour program.