Robert Pleines

Jan 22, 2025 | jdsupra.com | Jordan Call |Robert Pleines |Jonathan Todd

As one example, many commentators in the transportation industry expect the second Trump Administration to roll back the Biden Administration’s rules and policies regarding independent contractor classification, in an effort to support the traditional independent contractor model. However, as a practical matter, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) will likely have minimal ability to independently influence independent contractor classification analyses nationwide.

Jan 21, 2025 | beneschlaw.com | Jordan Call |Robert Pleines

The role of independent contractor owner-operators (“ICOOs”) in the trucking industry has a long history as a business model and also as a lightning rod for scrutiny. At the start of 2025, the popular consensus is that the legal status of independent contractor relationships will see a markedly different approach under the upcoming second Trump Administration compared to the Biden Administration.

Nov 27, 2024 | jdsupra.com | Brian Cullen |Robert Pleines

1. State Registration Fees and Tax RatesOne of the first items that motor carriers and private fleets should assess is the cost structure of commercial vehicle registration fees and state tax rates across the different states where the motor carrier or private fleet operator is eligible to register their motor vehicles and equipment.

Oct 31, 2024 | jdsupra.com | Brian Cullen |Robert Pleines

This article provides shippers with ways to contractually incorporate environmentally conscious policies and sustainability requirements within their Transportation Services Provider contracts. Why should shippers integrate sustainability into their transportation agreements? Shippers are facing increasing pressure from federal and state governmental entities, as they are now targeted to comply—and ensure their Transportation Service Providers comply—with environmental laws and regulations.

Oct 30, 2024 | jdsupra.com | Robert Pleines |Christopher C. Razek

So often in the fierce competition for growth, small businesses get frustrated with enterprise players’ ability to undercut pricing and leverage relationships within the private sector to the disadvantage of equally suitable providers. Government contracts represent significant opportunities for small businesses, particularly those in the transportation and logistics industry.