Are Your Carrier Choices Bad? Why the New SCOTUS Ruling Matters for Your 3PL Vetting

The Supreme Court just stripped away the biggest legal shield in the freight industry. With the May 2026 ruling in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, the Court unanimously decided that freight brokers and shippers can no longer hide behind FAAAA preemption to avoid "negligent selection" lawsuits.

For years, brokers used federal law to dismiss claims that they hired unsafe carriers. Those days are over. Under the new ruling, if a carrier you or your partner selects is involved in a major accident, you can be held liable in state court for failing to exercise ordinary care during the vetting process. This isn't just a legal shift; it’s a direct threat to the bottom line of any brand with a loose supply chain.

Why Vetting is No Longer Optional

Vetting is no longer a "back-office" task: it is your primary defense against multi-million dollar liability. Shippers must now prove they used rigorous, data-driven standards when choosing a 3PL Maryland partner. If your current provider is just chasing the lowest rate without verifying safety scores, insurance limits, and crash histories, they are handing you a massive legal risk.

As a Hazmat certified 3PL, Lanta Logistics operates under enterprise-level standards that prioritize safety and compliance. Whether you are utilizing our food-grade warehouse or our Mid-Atlantic fulfillment centers, our vetting protocols are designed to exceed the "ordinary care" standard now required by the Court.

Protect Your Operations

The Montgomery ruling proves that the "cheap" option is often the most expensive. Operating out of our Glen Burnie warehouse, we provide the structured, performance-driven logistics required to scale safely. We don’t just move boxes; we manage risk across every touchpoint of your supply chain.

Stop gambling with your carrier selection and partner with a team that understands the new legal landscape. Contact Lanta Logistics today to shore up your supply chain and protect your brand from negligent selection claims.