Supreme Court rules trucking broker can be held responsible for using dangerous haulers

By John Kelly, Michael Kaplan, Jim Axelrod

May 14, 2026 / 4:26 PM EDT / CBS News

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-trucking-broker-case/

The Supreme Court ruled that a man injured in a truck crash can sue the freight broker that arranged the load. The case highlights safety risks in the trucking industry, including companies that evade federal oversight by reopening under new names. CBS News found these “chameleon carriers” are linked to more severe crashes and deaths. The ruling may pressure brokers to better screen drivers.

Facts:

Shawn Montgomery lost part of his leg in a 2017 truck crash in Illinois and sued C.H. Robinson, the broker that hired the driver.

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled he can continue his lawsuit.

Large brokers argued they should not be responsible for screening safety; the court disagreed.

CBS News reported that online shopping has increased trucking demand, straining the fleet.

Thousands of trucking companies evade oversight by reopening under new names (“chameleon carriers”).

These carriers are four times more likely to be involved in severe crashes than regular carriers.

CBS found over 30,000 carriers using fake or undeliverable addresses.

At least 141 deaths and 1,800 injuries occurred in crashes involving these carriers over five years.

C.H. Robinson said a truck operator deceived them by double brokering loads.

The FMCSA workforce has decreased by 10% while the number of trucking firms rose 31% since 2015.