Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC (Docket No. 24-1238; Certiorari Granted) Full Text (Excerpted from SCOTUS Docket & Amicus Briefs)

The U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari on October 3, 2025, in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC (Docket No. 24-1238), to resolve a split over whether 49 U.S.C. § 14501(c) preempts state common-law claims against a freight broker for negligently selecting a motor carrier or driver. The case arises from a fatal crash involving a carrier arranged by a broker; the petitioner argues that state tort claims are not preempted, while respondents (including C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.) assert federal preemption under the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA).The question presented is: 'Does § 14501(c) preempt a state common-law claim against a broker for negligently selecting a motor carrier or driver?' The ruling will set binding precedent for freight brokers and forwarders operating in the U.S., clarifying liability risks, carrier vetting obligations, and insurance/contractual risk transfer strategies across all states. Oral arguments are expected in the 2025–2026 term, with a decision likely in 2026.