Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II

The Court decided that the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act overrides (preempts) Montgomery's state-law claim that a freight broker negligently chose an unsafe carrier or driver. The Court also concluded that the claim was not covered by the law's safety exception.

Justice Barrett wrote the 9–0 opinion, joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Alito, Thomas, Sotomayor, Kagan, Gorsuch, and Jackson; Justice Kavanaugh concurred.

Majority

Kavanaugh

Alito

Barrett

Roberts

Thomas

Sotomayor

Kagan

Gorsuch

Jackson

People injured in truck crashes may be unable to bring this type of state negligence claim against a freight broker. For example, a person hurt by a carrier chosen by a broker cannot use this claim if it is preempted under the Court's decision.

Lower courts must apply the decision in similar lawsuits against freight brokers. Parties with pending negligent-selection claims will need to assess whether federal law bars those claims.

The Court decided that federal trucking law preempts Montgomery's state-law negligence claim against the freight broker. The safety exception did not apply.

Truck-crash victims, freight brokers, and motor carriers are affected. Similar state claims alleging that a broker chose an unsafe carrier or driver may be barred.

Lower courts will apply the decision to similar cases. Parties in pending broker-negligence suits must evaluate whether the federal law blocks their claims.