Transportation Attorney GA | Transportation Law GA

Overview

HunterMaclean’s transportation group consists of attorneys with years of experience in handling a wide range of transportation clients, from over-the-road (OTR) trucking companies and railroads to maritime vessels and commercial carriers. Our attorneys are up-to-date on the latest developments in transportation law and excel in representing clients facing freight, salvage, collision, and cargo claims, as well as accidents and catastrophic losses.

Our attorneys are available for round-the-clock investigations and can be dispatched within minutes or hours of serious accidents to supervise, coordinate, and assist. HunterMaclean is also an affiliate member of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association, where its attorneys regularly participate in Association functions.

We have represented drivers, carriers, railroads, shippers, brokers, and P&I clubs and insurers before various state and federal courts as well as before arbitration panels and administrative agencies. Our clients range from small, single-unit trucking companies to Fortune 500 companies. Over the years, we have effectively resolved hundreds of transportation matters involving catastrophic and large loss property damage, insurance, indemnity, and subrogation issues.

Beyond its litigation capabilities, HunterMaclean has a presence in the area of warehousing law and logistics. It has obtained operating authority for carriers and brokers at both the state and federal level and assisted in corporate restructuring to protect companies’ assets.

Experience

Obtained defense verdict in Maryland trial court for Class 1 railroad in FELA case brought by living, former railroad employee suffering from malignant mesothelioma who alleged that asbestos exposure while employed by the railroad caused his cancer. Argued successfully for affirmance of defense verdict in the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. Plummer v. CSXT, Circuit Court of Maryland for Alleghany County, C07-29379-F.
On behalf of a Class 1 railroad defendant, and on a certified question from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, obtained unanimous ruling from the Supreme Court of Georgia that an employer owed no duty to third-party, non-employees who came into contact with its employees’ asbestos-tainted work clothing away from the workplace. Williams, et al, v. CSX Transportation, 278 Ga. 888, 608 S.E. 2d 208, and subsequent summary judgment for the defendant in U.S.D.C. for the Southern District of Georgia.
Obtained reversal of a Tennessee jury’s adverse verdict on inadequate jury charge grounds in the Supreme Court of the United States, Hensley v. CSX Transportation, 556 U.S. 838 (2009).
Co-authored Amicus Brief on cancer issues to the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the Association of American Railroads in Norfolk & Western R. Co. v. Ayers, 538 U.S. 135 (2003).
Penske Truck Leasing LP: Court granted truck leasing company client’s summary judgment motion based on federal preemption argument pursuant to the Graves Amendment, 49 U.S.C. s. 30106
Hudd Distribution Services Inc./Maersk Distribution Services Inc.: Represent motor carriers in numerous personal/catastrophic injury cases
Bridge Terminal Transport Inc.: Represent carrier in numerous personal/catastrophic injury cases
Strickland v. Sysco Corp.: Represent trucking company in death case
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.: Represent trucking company in various personal injury/property damage cases
Maersk/A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S: Represent shippers in numerous cargo and personal injury claims
Quality Distribution, Inc.: Emergency Response Team Panel Counsel
Tennessee Express/TCW: Emergency Response Team Panel Counsel
Gordon Trucking, Inc./Heartland Express: Emergency Response Team Panel Counsel

Publications & Presentations

Publications

Hands-Free Georgia Act

In his article for Business in Savannah, attorney Allan Galis discusses the new Hands-Free Georgia Act regarding cell phone use and how it affects commercial drivers in the logistics industry.

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.

Tired Truckers and Commercial Vehicle Safety

By HunterMaclean Attorneys, published on June 25, 2014, in Savannah Morning News.

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.

Early, Aggressive Investigation and Assessment of Claims Key in Highway Transportation Litigation

Chapter by HunterMaclean Attorneys in the Aspatore book Inside the Minds: Strategies for Transportation Litigation and Dispute Resolution, published in 2013 by Thomson Reuters Pub.

Roll Stability Systems - Pending Federal Regulations and Tractor Trailer Accident Litigation

Attorneys Kate Lawson and Dennis Keene of HunterMaclean and Melanie Cheairs of Lorance & Thompson say a new federal safety standard on roll stability systems for tractor trailers could reduce injuries and accidents, but also result in legal claims that could change the dynamics of truck accident litigation. Click here for PDF.

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.

New Hours of Service Rule Continues to Spark Controversy Within Transportation Industry

On December 27, 2011, the U.S Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published its new Hours-of-Service (HOS) rule intended to increase truck driver rest time and improve safety on highways. Whereas most of the provisions in the new rule take effect July 1, 2013, some went into effect this past February.

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.”

Click here for PDF

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.

Click here for PDF

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

Click here for PDF

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

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.

Click here for PDF

The Art of the Deal: Mediating Your Commercial Motor Vehicle Claims

Presented by HunterMaclean Attorneys at the 2014 ALFA International Transportation Seminar in Miami, FL on April 24, 2014.

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.

Providing Stability in an Unstable Environment: The Use of Roll Stability Systems in CMVs

Presented at the ALFA Transportation Practice Group Seminar in Tucson, Arizona, on May 10, 2013, by HunterMaclean Attorneys.

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

HunterMaclean Honored with Fourteen First-Tier Rankings in U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2022 “Best Law Firms”

November 05, 2021

HunterMaclean was honored to be recognized with fourteen first-tier rankings in the 2022 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.” First published in 1983, Best Lawyers is recognized as one of the oldest and most esteemed peer review guides in the legal profession worldwide.

HunterMaclean Honored with Eleven First-Tier Rankings in U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2021 “Best Law Firms”

November 05, 2020

HunterMaclean was honored to be recognized with eleven first-tier rankings in the 2021 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.” The complete list of rankings is published on the U.S. News website.

HunterMaclean Honored with Eleven First-Tier Rankings in U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2020 “Best Law Firms”

November 01, 2019

HunterMaclean was honored to be recognized with eleven first-tier rankings in the 2020 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.” The complete list of rankings is published on the U.S. News website.

HunterMaclean Honored with Ten First-Tier Rankings in U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2019 “Best Law Firms”

November 02, 2018

HunterMaclean, a business law firm with offices in Savannah and Brunswick, was honored to be recognized with ten first-tier rankings in the 2019 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.”

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.

Fifteen HunterMaclean Attorneys Recognized as 2016 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

February 19, 2016

Ten HunterMaclean attorneys were recently selected as 2016 Georgia Super Lawyers and five attorneys as 2016 Rising Stars. The prestigious Super Lawyers honor, awarded annually, represents the top five percent of attorneys in each state in the nation.

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.

Thirteen HunterMaclean Attorneys Honored as 2015 Georgia Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

February 20, 2015

HunterMaclean attorneys were recently honored as 2015 Georgia Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. The prestigious Georgia Super Lawyer honor is awarded annually to the top five percent of attorneys in the state.

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.

HunterMaclean Honored with Nine First-Tier Rankings in 2015 Edition of U.S. News - Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” ®

November 03, 2014

HunterMaclean was recently honored with prestigious first-tier rankings in nine practice areas in the 2015 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.”^®

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.

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.

HunterMaclean Honored in 2014 Edition of U.S. News - Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms”

November 01, 2013

HunterMaclean recently earned nine First Tier and four Second Tier rankings in the 2014 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.”

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.

25 HunterMaclean Attorneys Selected for The Best Lawyers in America® 2014

August 15, 2013

HunterMaclean is pleased to announce that 25 lawyers from the firm were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2014.

HunterMaclean Launches Emergency Response Team to Address Legal Needs of Truck Accidents on Southeast Highways

February 28, 2013

HunterMaclean‘s new HunterMaclean Emergency Response Team (HMERT) offers round-the-clock coordination to expedite responses to trucking accidents in Coastal Georgia.

Attorney Nicholas J. Laybourn Named Partner at HunterMaclean

January 02, 2013

Litigator Nicholas J. Laybourn was recently named a firm partner at HunterMaclean.

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.

Click here for PDF

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Videos & Podcasts

Videos

Video: Highlights of 2018 Savannah Logistics Lunch

The 2018 Savannah Logistics Lunch was held on July 20 at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. This year’s event explored the regional opportunities and challenges of Managing More for the Future.

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.

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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.