The Supreme Court unanimously ruled Thursday that injured drivers can sue freight brokers who negligently hire unsafe trucking companies, overturning a prior decision by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. In Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, Justice Amy Coney Barrett authored the opinion stating federal law does not preempt state claims alleging negligent hiring by freight brokers like C.H. Robinson Worldwide.
The case involved Shawn Montgomery, a truck driver who lost part of his leg after his parked tractor-trailer was struck by another vehicle on an Illinois road. The driver responsible, Yosniel Varela-Mojena, was hauling cargo for Caribe Transport, with C.H. Robinson coordinating the shipment. Montgomery alleged that C.H. Robinson negligently hired the motor carrier and driver despite safety red flags, including poor driver qualifications, hours of service compliance, inspections, repairs, maintenance, and crash rates.
The Seventh Circuit had dismissed Montgomery’s claims under the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act, but the Supreme Court reversed that decision. Barrett clarified that states retain authority to regulate motor vehicle safety, meaning negligent-hiring claims fall within state jurisdiction even when brokers—not trucking companies—are defendants. The ruling mandates that freight brokers now face direct liability if they contract with unsafe carriers, rather than relying on federal preemption to avoid such lawsuits.
While the decision grants Montgomery the right to pursue his lawsuit against C.H. Robinson, it does not guarantee victory for the plaintiff. C.H. Robinson is contesting the claims on their merits. The ruling also carries significant industry implications: brokers must now prioritize safety records over speed and cost when selecting carriers, particularly for hazardous materials shipments. This shift aligns with ongoing federal efforts to enhance trucking safety, including recent Department of Transportation rules targeting unqualified foreign drivers and English proficiency requirements for commercial operators.
The Court’s decision underscores a clear legal obligation for freight brokers: ensuring contracted carriers meet safety standards is no longer optional but enforceable under state law when accidents occur.