Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary, P.C.

Scopelitis has assembled a COVID-19 task force that is analyzing late-breaking international, national, and state developments on this issue as they impact the transportation industry. Learn more.

The Scopelitis COVID-19 Task Force is monitoring the evolving legal landscape in these difficult times and is addressing questions and concerns unique to the transportation industry. Here are some of the more common and pressing considerations.

FMCSA issued a limited waiver for commercial drivers whose CDLs, CLPs, operator’s licenses, and/or medical cards have expired or are set to expire after March 1, 2020. The waiver, which is effective immediately and valid through June 30, 2020, comes in response to state DMV and medical clinic closures that have made it difficult for commercial drivers to renew expiring licenses and medical cards in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the pandemic continues to spread, state and local transportation news is changing by the hour – changes that stand to have a huge impact on your business. For a list of Shelter in Place jurisdictions, contact Scopelitis.

Pennsylvania’s Governor Wolf issued an order effectively requiring all non-life sustaining businesses to close their physical locations and move to a virtual/telework business model to attempt to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Shortly after, Governor Newsom issued an order to California residents to “stay at home” except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of critical businesses. Read more about what this means for the transportation industry.

FMCSA issued an Expanded Emergency Declaration on Wednesday afternoon, adding to the list of transportation services covered under the exemption and clarifying the exemption’s carve-out for “mixed loads.”

The FMCSA has issued an emergency declaration, temporarily suspending certain federal safety regulations, including hours-of-service rules, for motor carriers and drivers providing vital supplies and services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this issue:
 • AB5 and ABC: The Story Continues
 • FLSA Conditional Denied In Driver Case
 • Choice of Law Questions Continue in California
 • Hemp Transportation Remains Risky Business
 • PHMSA Fails to Act on "Harmonization" Rulemaking
 • Spotlight on Class Action Defense
 • Scopelitis Attorneys on the Road 
 • Scopelitis For the Record
 • Dispatches

California Federal District Judge Roger Benitez granted a preliminary injunction in California Trucking Association v. Beccera. The order enjoins the State from enforcing AB 5 as to any motor carrier operating in California pending entry of final judgment in the case by the District Court. Read more on this news.

California Federal District Judge Roger Benitez considered whether to grant a preliminary injunction in California Trucking Association v. Beccera. Read more about the latest AB 5 news.

On December 31, 2019, California Federal District Judge Roger Benitez granted a temporary restraining order in California Trucking Association v. Beccera. The TRO enjoins the State from enforcing AB 5 as to any motor carrier operating in California. More on this news.

Scopelitis Partner Renea Hooper on how the plaintiff's trucking expert can help get your narrative in front of the jury.

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.

Updates 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.

The Scopelitis Labor & Employment team on making sure your company's fitness/agility tests are legal.

In this issue:
 • AB 5 – Practical Solutions to a Thorny Problem 
 • Bankruptcy Filings on the Rise
 • Dash Cam Video Retention Policy 
 • FMCSA Proposes Revisions to Hours of Service Rules
 • PHMSA Updating Rules on the Transportation of Lithium Batteries
 • Spotlight on Independent Contractor Legislative Counsel 
 • Scopelitis Attorneys on the Road 
 • Scopelitis For the Record
 • Dispatches

Scopelitis Partner Mike Langford has been elected ACTA's Chairperson. 

Scopelitis Partners Greg Feary, Shannon Cohen, and Chris McNatt quoted in Heavy Duty Trucking on California's AB 5 law.

Scopelitis' Labor & Employment practice on the growing marijuana trend increases employer uncertainty in drug testing and discipline.

Scopelitis President & Managing Partner Greg Feary in Law360 on California AB 5's impact on the transportation industry and beyond.