Shawn Montgomery, Petitioner v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, et al.

The Supreme Court said federal law preempts, or overrides, this state common-law negligence claim against a freight broker for choosing an unsafe motor carrier or driver. The Court also said the claim did not fit the federal statute's safety exception.

This makes it harder for people injured in truck crashes to sue brokers under state negligence law for poor carrier selection. Brokers, carriers, insurers, and crash victims will all feel the effect in shipping and accident cases.

Lower courts will apply this ruling to similar broker-negligence suits and likely dismiss claims that fit the same theory. Parties in pending cases will refocus on claims not barred by the federal statute or on claims against other defendants.

The case asked whether a freight broker can be sued under state negligence law for picking an unsafe motor carrier or driver. The Supreme Court said federal law bars that claim.

People hurt in truck crashes may have fewer state-law claims against brokers. Freight brokers and their insurers may face less exposure from negligent-selection suits.

Lower courts must follow this ruling in similar cases. Lawyers will likely revisit pending suits and argue over which claims, if any, remain available.