C.H. Robinson statement after Supreme Court oral arguments in Montgomery v. Caribe

C.H. Robinson, the leader in Lean AI supply chains, presented oral arguments to the U.S. Supreme Court in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, a case that will determine whether freight brokers may be held liable under varying state laws for accidents involving federally licensed motor carriers. As one of the world’s largest logistics platforms—trusted by 75,000 customers and 450,000 contract carriers to manage 37 million shipments annually—C.H. Robinson depends on consistent federal rules that keep goods moving safely and efficiently nationwide.

Last year, C.H. Robinson joined a request to the Supreme Court to review an issue critical to preserving the uniform federal framework that governs motor carrier and broker services—a system designed to support both reliable supply chains and consistent safety oversight nationwide. Because the vast majority of goods move by motor carrier, uniform regulation is vital to the U.S. economy. The Supreme Court granted review.

In its oral arguments to the Supreme Court today, C.H. Robinson explained that for nearly a century, federal law has comprehensively regulated interstate trucking, and Congress has expressly preempted states from using their tort laws to impose new duties on freight brokers and shippers. Allowing fifty different tort regimes to regulate broker services through jury verdicts would be contrary to Congress’s design of uniform federal freight laws.

“A single, uniform federal framework is essential to keeping interstate commerce safe, efficient, and consistent with Congress’s design,” said Dorothy Capers, Chief Legal Officer at C.H. Robinson. “Allowing a patchwork of state tort laws to regulate broker services would undermine that system, increase uncertainty, and disrupt the flow of goods Americans rely on every day.

The United States Government presented oral arguments alongside C.H. Robinson supporting federal preemption. A total of thirteen friend-of-the-Court briefs were filed in support of C.H. Robinson’s position—including by the United States, individual States, leading companies, trade associations, and law professors.

“We appreciate the Supreme Court’s consideration of this important case and the United States Government’s support for a uniform federal approach,” Capers added. “We look forward to a decision that provides clarity for the transportation system and the businesses and consumers who depend on it.”

C.H. Robinson remains committed to a transportation system that is both safe and dependable, supported by clear national standards that benefit everyone on the road and everyone who relies on the movement of goods. The Court’s decision is expected by the end of June 2026.