Attorney Details
Nathaniel G. Saylor
Practice Concentration
Mr. Saylor's practice focuses on a wide array of transportation and logistics issues including transportation and logistics contracting; regulatory compliance; NVOCC/Ocean freight forwarders licensing and compliance; indirect air carrier licensing and compliance; intermodal issues; international transportation; third-party logistics; security (including C-T PAT certification and indirect air carrier compliance); carrier bonding; cross-border operations; cargo claims; and freight charge disputes.
Profile
Nathaniel G. Saylor’s practice includes licensing and commercial contract matters within all modes of transportation, including motor, air, ocean and rail. Saylor’s clients include motor carriers, property brokers, indirect air carriers, non-vessel operating common carriers, and other forwarders. He focuses on complex contractual issues that arise when multiple parties -- including carriers, third-party intermediaries and/or multiple modes of transportation -- are involved. Saylor regularly counsels clients on regulatory compliance obligations, especially as they relate to licensing and authorities. In this regard he regularly assists in merger and acquisition projections and client restructurings to ensure continuity of permits and authorities. He is a frequent speaker at transportation industry association conferences across the nation.
On The Road
- Arranging for Air and Ocean Transportation - Legal Considerations
Apr 11, 2019, Nathaniel G. Saylor, Transportation Intermediaries Association's 2019 Capital Ideas Conference & Exhibition - Orlando - Transportation Intermediaries Association Webinar Series: Negotiating Customer Contracts- Assessing Your Risk Tolerance
Aug 15, 2018, Nathaniel G. Saylor - Bridging the Gap Between Shipper Contract and Insurance Requirement Panel
Apr 11, 2018, Nathaniel G. Saylor, Transportation Intermediaries Association Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition - Palm Desert, CA - Government Regulation of Supply Chains Panel
Sep 25, 2017, Nathaniel G. Saylor, Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals - Atlanta, GA - International Logistics - Real World Examples of What Can Go Wrong, And How to Prevent It
Jul 20, 2017, Nathaniel G. Saylor, Scopelitis Webinar Series - Customer Contracts Considerations for Brokers and Other Non-Asset Logistics Providers
Jun 15, 2017, Nathaniel G. Saylor, Scopelitis Webinar Series - Motor Carrier Contract Considerations - Beyond the Basics
May 18, 2017, Nathaniel G. Saylor, Scopelitis Webinar Series
Publications
- Law Alert: FMCSA Announces Guidance on Definition of “Broker” and “Bona Fide Agent” as well as on Role of Dispatch ServicesFMCSA will issue guidance regarding the definition of what constitutes a “broker” and a “bona fide agent” of a broker. The guidance is not a rulemaking and will be effective immediately. However, FMCSA has nevertheless requested comment on the guidance and may issue updated guidance based on comments received. The comment period will be open for 60 days. The guidance is issued pursuant to a mandate of the IIJA, which directed FMCSA to consider the role of so-called “dispatch services” in transportation and whether such services can be considered a “bona fide agent” of a motor carrier. The question of whether a dispatch service can be a bona fide agent of a motor carrier is important because bona fide agents of motor carriers are not required to hold broker authority when acting in the capacity of an agent of the motor carrier.
- Transportation Brief: Spotlight on The Firm’s Air and Ocean PracticeFreight forwarders that handle air and ocean cargo face a daunting set of legal hurdles at every turn. The Scopelitis Air and Ocean Practice helps clients navigate this often-uncertain legal environment by charting a course to success that aligns with the unique objectives of each business. Learn more about how Scopelitis attorneys help businesses with air cargo and ocean cargo issues, respectively.
- Transportation Brief: M&A Considerations for Air and Ocean ForwardersFreight forwarders that engage in air and ocean moves have become attractive targets for strategic and private-equity-backed acquisitions over the past several years. Buyers should be aware that change-in-control notice and approval processes for these businesses are more complicated when compared to U.S. surface-transportation providers. Read more about scenarios to consider, including but not limited to a few that have the potential to complicate and delay transactions.
- Transportation Brief: Questions Remain After Change in Export Air Cargo RulesIn the Spring 2021 edition of The Transportation Brief, we advised on an upcoming change to the rules governing cargo offered for international air transportation. The new rule, effective June 30, 2021, requires all cargo to be screened or handled pursuant to an “alternative framework.” This has caused significant disruption in the supply chain as shippers, air forwarders, and all-cargo aircraft operators attempt to navigate new compliance obligations. Read more about these difficulties and how to stay ahead of the curve.
- Transportation Brief: Spotlight on Investigations and AuditsWhile the transportation industry is largely deregulated, a surprising number of federal, state, and local government agencies write and administer a long—and growing—list of rules affecting transportation providers. These agencies regularly inspect for noncompliance, and they have the power to assess civil penalties for violations, place assets “out of service,” or worse. When the inspectors come calling, it is important to be prepared.
- Transportation Brief: Export Air Cargo Rules Changing in JulyOn July 1, 2021, the rules governing cargo offered for international air transportation will undergo a significant change. Read more about distinctions that will be eliminated, the technology involved, and how companies can plan for the upcoming changes.
- Law Alert: FMCSA Seeks Comment on Proposal Regarding Broker TransparencyThe Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has published a request for comment in response to a petition filed by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) regarding broker records.
- Transportation Brief: Hemp Transportation Remains Risky BusinessDetermining whether hemp qualifies for safe harbor is no easy feat. Read more about the complicating factors that go into determining whether or not to accept shipments of hemp and hemp-derived products.
- Scopelitis in the News: "Lobster Heist: Recent Court Ruling on Broker Cargo Liability - What You Need to Know." December 3, 2019. Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Newsletter.Scopelitis Partner Nathaniel Saylor offers a comprehensive legal analysis of the Seneca Logistics case and the key takeaways and implications for 3PLs based on the judge’s decision.
- Scopelitis International News: November 2019Updates from Scopelits' International Transportation & Logistics Law Team including insights on shipping sanctions, ICAO increasing the liability limit, assessing the risk of anti-corruption violations, and a contract review tip.
- Scopelitis in the News: "Appeals Court Hears Oral Arguments in Idaho Hemp Case." August 29, 2019.Scopelitis Partner Nathaniel Saylor in Transport Topics on the Idaho Big Sky hemp case.
- Law Alert: New TSA Program Could Help Avoid Civil PenaltiesThe Scopelitis Air Cargo Team on TSA's new Action Plan Program.
- Scopelitis International News: August 2019The latest international transportation news including changes to China NVOCC registration, UK SFO corporate co-operation guidance liability for a foreign subsidiary, OFAC violations, and upgraded Venezuela sanctions.
- Scopelitis International News: July 2019The latest from Scopelitis International Transportation & Logistics team, including TSA's Action Plan Program, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Brexit, and annual compliance check-ups.
- Scopelitis International News: June 2019Updates from Scopelitis' International Transportation & Logistics Law team.
- Scopelitis International News: May 2019Updates from Scopelitis' International Transportation & Logistics Law team.
- Scopelitis in the News: "Sales Agent Agreements: Are You Covering All the Bases?" May 4, 2019. Transportation Intermediaries Association's 3PL Perspectives Magazine.Scopelitis Partner Nathaniel Saylor on key shortcomings often seen in 3PL/agent agreements.
- Scopelitis International News: April 2019Updates from Scopelitis' International Transportation & Logistics Law team.
- Transportation Brief: Transporting Hemp Still Risky Business After 2018 Farm BillThe 2018 Farm Bill (the Bill) removed hemp and hemp-derived products—provided they contain a THC concentration of 0.3% or less—from the Controlled Substances Act’s definition of marijuana, effectively decriminalizing the transportation of those products at the federal level. But, as some carriers and their drivers have learned, states can prohibit transportation of hemp and related products within their borders.
- Transportation Brief: Spotlight on Scopelitis Emerging Tech PracticeThe way transportation companies conduct business today is changing quicker than ever, with technology presenting new opportunities and challenges. The Scopelitis Firm actively follows these changes and frequently assists newly-formed, technology-based transportation companies and established companies that seek to adopt new technologies to enhance their existing business model.
- Scopelitis International News: March 2019Updates from Scopelitis' International Transportation & Logistics Law team.
- Scopelitis International News: February 2019Updates from Scopelitis' International Transportation Law team.
- Law Alert: Idaho and Other States Dig In Their Heels on Interstate Hemp TransportationMore from Scopelitis on the Big Sky Scientific, LLC v. Idaho State Police case involving shipments of hemp that pass through their borders.
- Scopelitis International News: January 2019Updates from the Scopelitis International Transportation Law team.
- Transportation Brief: U.S. EPA Enforcement of California Air Resources Board (CARB) Regulations Outside of CaliforniaIf your company hires or dispatches heavy-duty trucks to operate in California various CARB regulations may apply to your operations. Read more from our attorneys.
- Law Alert: California Joint and Several Motor Carrier ListPursuant to the statutory “publication” requirement under CA Labor Code §2810.4 a list of motor carriers that have outstanding California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement wage and hour liabilities has been published. Read more.
- Scopelitis International News: December 2018From Scopelitis' International Practice, this issue focuses on Canine Cargo Screening; Freight Forwarder Contract Issues; FCPA M&A Diligence Guidance and New GDPR Guidelines.
- Scopelitis International News: November 2018From Scopelitis' International Practice, this issue focuses on Iran Sanctions Update; TIACA Air Cargo Forum 2018; Freight Forwarder Contract and the GDPR Offspring.
- Scopelitis International News: October 2018From Scopelitis' International Practice, this issue focuses on NAFTA-2; Air Cargo Advance Screening Program; FCPA Update and the Sulfur Cap.
- Scopelitis International News: September 2018From Scopelitis' International Practice, this issue focuses on FCPA enforcement; Anti-Boycott Laws; EU’s Global Data Protection Regulation and the New FMC Rule for NVOCCS.
- Scopelitis in the News: "Customer Contract Considerations for International Forwarders." June 20, 2018, Roanoke Trade.Scopelitis Partners Jacob Fisher and Nathaniel Saylor provide a brief overview of some legal and practical considerations to take into account when approached by a customer with a contract purporting to address international forwarding operations.
- Scopelitis in the News: "Be Cautious With Those Value-Added Services." Global Cold Chain Alliance's Cold Facts Magazine, March-April 2018 Edition.Scopelitis Partner Nathaniel Saylor on terms and conditions of value-added services.
- Scopelitis in the News: "CSA Study and Next Steps." September 2017 Logistics Carrier Journal, A Monthly Publication of TIAScopelitis Attorneys Nathaniel Saylor and Brandon Wiseman offer a summary of FMCSA's study of the CSA Program.
- Scopelitis in the News: "Setting the Record Straight on Broker Liability for Loss and Damage Claims." April 2017, The Logistics Journal (TLJ)Scopelitis Partner Nathaniel Saylor shares insight with TLJ on bad information and misunderstanding in the industry regarding whether and to what extent a broker is liable for cargo loss and damage claims.
- Scopelitis in the News: "The FDA's Continued Focus on the Logistics Industry: The Sanitary Food Transportation Act and Beyond." September 2016, The Logistics Journal (TLJ)Scopelitis Partner Nathaniel Saylor and Craig Helmreich share insights with TLJ on regulations that say the brokers are "shippers", thereby exposing brokers to direct regulation by FDA.
- Scopelitis In the News: "Carrier Selection Update (What Just Happened?)" June 2016 edition The Logistics Journal: A Publication of the Transportation Intermediaries AssociationScopelitis partner Nathaniel Saylor on potential liability related to carrier selection
- Scopelitis in the News: "Operational and Practical Considerations for the International Intermediary." September 2015, The Logistics Journal (TLJ)Scopelitis Partners Nathaniel Saylor and Jake Fisher share insights with TLJ on international air freight forwarders, in order to practically tender cargo to many international air carriers, must become “endorsed agents” of the International Air Transport Association (“IATA”).
- Scopelitis in the News: "International Logistics Operations—A Legal Primer" June 2015, The Logistics Journal (TLJ)Scopelitis Partner Nathaniel Saylor shares insight with TLJ on the arrangement of transportation to and from the U.S. by U.S. based intermediaries.
- Scopelitis in the News: Partner Nathaniel Saylor Talks to Transportation Intermediaries Association on a 2015 federal court case in Louisiana involving BASIC Scores in 3PLVIDEO from TIA: BASIC Scores in 3PL Court Case
- Scopelitis in the News: "Court Rejects Link Between BASIC Scores and Carrier Crash Risk" April 2015, The Logistics Journal (TLJ)Scopelitis Partner Nathaniel Saylor shares insight with TLJ on a favorable ruling for the industry when the federal district court of Louisiana granted summary judgment in a broker’s favor on numerous claims alleging broker liability for a highway accident.
- Scopelitis in the News: "Considerations in Negotiating Customer Contracts." September 2014, The Logistics Journal (TLJ)Scopelitis Partner Nathaniel Saylor shares insight with TLJ on some common requests from shippers, provide commentary on how those requests might impact your business, and suggest strategies for blunting the impact of onerous contract provisions.
- Scopelitis in the News: "Legal Structure Considerations for Diverse Logistics Operations." July 2014, The Logistics Journal (TLJ)Scopelitis Partners Nathaniel Saylor and Andy Light share insights with TLJ on whether clients should restructure their operations to separate various lines of business into different legal entities.
- Scopelitis in the News: "FMCSA’s Coercion Rule Provides Plenty of Cause for Concern." June 2014, The Logistics Journal (TLJ)Scopelitis Partner Nathaniel Saylor shares insight with TLJ on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) publishing its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) proposing regulations prohibiting coercion of drivers of commercial motor vehicles.
- The Logistics Journal
"Federal Preemption of State Law Claims Against Brokers," Transportation Intermediaries Association - "Court Provides Roadmap to Avoid
Vicarious Liability for Motor Carrier
Conduct," Transportation Intermediaries Association, The Logistics Journal
- The Logistics Journal
"FMCSA Actions Impacting Property Brokers and Surface Freight Forwarders," Transportation Intermediaries Association - "The Role of Load/Driver Tracking Applications in the 3PL Environment— Legal and Practical Considerations," Transportation Intermediaries Association, The Logistics Journal
- “Forwarders Face Lawsuits For Highway Accidents Caused by Truckers They Select,” Airforwarders Association, Forward Magazine (2011, co-authored)
- "Material Deviation: A Fallacious Argument Against Limitations of Motor Carrier Liability," Transportation Lawyers Association, The Transportation Lawyer (2011, co-authored)