The transportation and logistics industry is one of the largest in the world. In the United States alone, the transportation industry typically generates more than $1.5 trillion in annual revenue. In recent years, however, the industry has faced significant challenges. The global recession caused a decline in overall volume, while poor infrastructure and security concerns constrained growth in trade “hot spots.” These challenges were compounded by an ever-changing regulatory regime. Moving forward, the transportation industry must promote new infrastructure development, incorporate new technologies, decrease emissions and pollution, and capitalize on government investments. At the same time, individual companies must focus on core business matters such as workforce retention, corporate compliance, and outsourcing.
Cozen O’Connor’s transportation and logistics team is rare in its ability to provide superior litigation, transactional, and regulatory counsel. The team includes internationally recognized leaders in the highly specialized field of transportation law, many of whom have served the industry for decades. Our attorneys are as adept at negotiating ocean service contracts and defending damaged-goods claims as they are at analyzing antitrust/competition laws and appearing at congressional hearings on federal regulations.
We represent corporate clients operating in the major transportation subfields of maritime, aviation, intermodal, trucking, offshore energy, and logistics. Within these fields, we represent shipping companies, product manufacturers, ports and terminals, public and privately held transportation companies, suppliers, operators, lenders, lessors/lessees, insurers, investors, and governmental bodies.
Our transportation and logistics attorneys are located in offices in the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom, including at major ports and distribution hubs. This geographic reach is important for several reasons. Cozen O’Connor’s industry team members are well versed in specific state, regional, and national laws, and they have good rapport with counterparts around the world. Moreover, we are immediately available wherever clients need us and can quickly coordinate a response when matters arise that span multiple jurisdictions and time zones.
SERVICE AREAS
Litigation
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Appear before state and federal courts, courts of appeals, federal administrative agencies, and international and domestic arbitration panels
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Represent clients in complex commercial disputes and government contracting matters
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Defend clients against claims by domestic and foreign regulatory agencies
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Represent clients in claims arising from transportation accidents and disasters
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Handle bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings for transportation industry clients
Transactional
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Advise clients on financing, including asset-based finance, commercial or government-guaranteed debt, leasing, and complex securitizations
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Negotiate mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, business alliances, and industry consortia
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Advise on ratemaking, operational agreements, business contracts, and leases
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Support all phases of government contracting
Regulatory
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Advise companies on regulatory matters before U.S. and foreign agencies
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Counsel clients about laws covering cabotage, citizenship, and vessel requirements
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Advise clients on antitrust/competition laws, trade sanctions, and import/export licensing
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Advise on environmental matters related to transportation and logistics