3PL/Third-Party Logistics and Transportation Law 

As trusted Texas 3PL and transportation lawyers, we help logistics providers, carriers, and brokers navigate the legal complexities of contracts, regulations, and risk management in a fast-moving industry.

3PL/Third-Party Logistics and Transportation Law 

Williams McClure and Parmelee often serve as outside general counsel to a range of 3PL/third party logistics and transportation industry clients. We assist our clients by providing them with enhanced clarity of thought on legal related issues.  We assist them to be more effective as logistics business managers and leaders. We help them focus on and manage the day-to-day operations in a challenging industry which provides transport or transit services and moves people and products. We represent clients in commercial and corporate transactional matters, from business contracts to employer-employee relations.  In addition, we assist in investigations and offer guidance when a business dispute or regulatory challenge arises.  Our firm also has experience in supply chain, logistics management, and warehousing related issues. 

The 3PL/ third party logistics and transportation industry is inherently labor intensive.  Human Relations consulting and employment law skills are an essential part of the services that we provide to our transportation and 3PL industry clients.  We also have experience in many types of contracts up and down the transportation and logistics chains, including drafting, negotiation, and revision of carrier contracts, broker contracts, shipper contracts, warehouse contracts, operating agreements, service agreements, and a wide range of other transportation and logistics contracts in the industry.  

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3LP/Third-Party Logistics & Transportation Law Questions

  • Various laws and regulations are continuously impacting the third-party logistics (3PL) and transportation industries in Texas, particularly those related to labor, safety, and trade. 3PLs must stay informed about updates to labor laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), as well as the impact of trade policies and tariffs on their operations. Additionally, there are ongoing requirements for renewing licenses and complying with federal regulations like the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). 3PLs must also comply with laws to prevent unfair treatment, impacting hiring and workforce management. Other examples of some key areas affecting logistics:

    • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations which Impact trucking and transportation operations within the 3PL sector, including hours of service and safety standards

    • Employment and Labor laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) which impact human resources departments, management and the employee workforces

    • Changes in Tariff and Trade Agreements can significantly impact the cost and efficiency of international shipping operations for 3PLs

    • Import and Export Restrictions can disrupt supply chains and require 3PLs to find alternative routes or suppliers

    • Infrastructure Investment and spending, including road, bridge, and port improvements, can directly impact the efficiency and cost of logistics operations for 3PLs 

    • Evolving environmental regulations and policies are impacting 3PL operations, particularly in warehouse and transportation aspects.  For example, ongoing requirements for renewing licenses and complying with federal regulations like the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA)

    • The integration of robotics and automation and other technologies in, for example, warehousing and inventory management is revolutionizing the 3PL industry 

  • As Texas third-party logistics (3PL) and transportation lawyers, we are well versed in the legal aspects of outsourced logistics and transport services. We have represented trucking companies, parcel services companies, other 3PL industry companies, including 3PL providers, shippers, carriers, and brokers. We offer guidance on contracts, compliance, regulations, employment law issues, dispute resolution, independent contractor relationships and other aspects of transportation law. Our lawyers help clients navigate the complexities of transportation law, supply chain management, and regulatory requirements.  3PLs should stay informed about these laws and regulations by consulting with our legal and compliance professionals and leveraging consulting, analysis, drafting and compliance services. Examples of areas of experience or guidance include:

    • 3PL lawyers assist in creating and reviewing contracts related to operations, warehousing, transportation, freight forwarding, and other logistics services

    • We provide risk management advice and help clients identify and manage potential risks associated with 3PL operations, such as accidents, cargo theft, and cybersecurity threats

    • 3PL lawyers assist our clients to adhere to state and federal regulations governing transportation, hazardous materials, and other relevant areas

    • 3PL lawyers oversee litigation, mediations, arbitration, and other forms of dispute resolution related to cargo loss, damage, delays, and other contractual breaches

    • 3PL lawyers advise clients on appropriate insurance coverage for their logistics operations, including cargo insurance and liability insurance

    • We provide strategic advice on optimizing supply chain operations, mitigating risks, and ensuring efficient movement of goods. 3PL lawyers have experience with the legal aspects of shipping

    • We handle legal issues specific to the transportation industry, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations, Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations 

    • We provide analysis on state-level regulations in Texas, including Texas traffic laws, safety laws, insurance requirements, and vehicle registration issues 

    • We have the capability to assist third-party logistics (3PL) and transportation companies with regulatory investigations

    • 3PL lawyers draft, review, analyze and negotiate contracts between 3PL providers and their customers and business partners

    • Our Human Relations consulting and employment law skills are an essential part of the services that we provide to our transportation and 3PL industry clients

    • As 3PL and transportation attorneys in Texas, we also represent a wide variety of companies in various segments of the transportation and logistics industries in establishing, improving and assisting with effective independent contractor relationships

    • Our 3PL lawyers play a crucial role in helping businesses navigate the legal complexities of the logistics and transportation industry. 

    • Our guidance in contracts, regulations, and dispute resolution is essential for ensuring smooth operations and mitigating potential risks. 

    • Finance Agreements

    • Independent Contractor Agreements

    • Broker Agreements

    • Security Agreements

    • Buy Sell Agreements

    • Indemnity Agreements

    • Settlement Carrier Agreements

    • Collateral Agreements

    • Service Agreements

    • Rental Agreements

    • Employment Agreements

    • Management Agreements

    • Customer Service Contracts

    • Refrigerated Materials Transport and Delivery Service Agreements

    • Regional Services Provider Agreements

    • Trailer Agreements

    • Parcel Contracts

    • Courier Delivery Services Agreements

    • Standard Operating Procedures Agreements

    • Regional Small Parcel Services Procedures Agreements

    • Transportation Services Agreements

    • Master Service Agreements (MSAs)

    • Technology Services Agreements

    • Service Order Agreements

    • Master Broker-Carrier Agreements

    • Staffing Services Agreements

    • Intellectual Property Agreements

    • Refueling Services Agreements

    • Assignment Agreements

    • Loan Agreements

    • Lease Agreements

    • Mutual Performance Agreements

    • B2B and B2C Package Delivery Services Contracts

    • Independent Carrier Agreements

    • Factoring Agreements

    • Fleet Leasing Agreements

    • Maintenance Agreements

    • Truck Rental Agreements

    • IT Services Contracts

    • Shipper’s Agreements

    • Small Parcel Carrier Agreements

    • Pharmaceutical Transport and Delivery Services Contracts

    • Courier Delivery Service Contracts

    • Asset Purchase Agreements

    • Master Motor Vehicle Lease Agreements

    • Contract Courier Agreements for Transport of Radioactive Materials

    • Owner-Operator Agreements

    • Hold Harmless Agreements

    • Motor Vehicle Retail Installment Sales Contracts

    • Distribution Agreements

    • Customer List Purchase Agreements

    • Drug Company Courier Agreements

    • Agreements for Shipment of Tobacco Products

    • Tire Inspection Agreements

    • Storage Facility Service Agreements

    • Tractor Lease Agreements

    • Mutual Performance Independent Contractor Agreements

    • Motor Courier Services Agreements

    • Master Freight Services Agreements

    • Driver Leasing Agreements

    • Interstate Transport Agreements

    • Contract Carrier Transportation Services Agreements

    • Shippers Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure Agreements

    • Release and Qualified Assignment Agreements

    • Freight Transportation Services Agreements

    • Moving and Freight Transport Member and Operating Agreements

    • Waiver of Liability Agreements

    • Independent Retail Mail Center Location Agreements

    • Shipping Service Guides

    • Cross-Border Delivery Services Agreements

    • 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) Contracts

    • Equine Transport Services Agreements

    • Master Owner/Operator Lease Agreements

    • Aircraft Lease Agreements

    • Motor Contract Carrier of Property Lease Agreements

    • Truck and Trailer Equipment Lease Contracts

    • Agency Agreements for International Express Transportation Services for Packages and Documents

    • Waiver and Release of Indemnity Agreements

    • Winery Shipping Addendums for Transportation Carrier

    • Service Guides for Parcel Delivery Services

    • Facility Supplements to Transportation Agreements

    • Terminaling Storage and Throughput Services Agreements

    • Administrators Limited Warranty Agreements for Vehicle

    • Accounts Factoring and Security Agreements

    • Rental-Purchase Agreements

    • Independent Drivers Contract Agreements and Policies

    • Transportation Broker Agreements

    • OSHA Agreements

      • Vehicle Service Contracts

      • Heavy Equipment Rental Agreements

      • BMC-84 Surety Bonds and BMC-85 Trust Fund Agreements

      • Staff Leasing Agreements for Transportation Companies

      • Rent-to-Own Agreements (RTO Agreements)

      • Cross-Dock Logistics Facilities Agreements

      • Dispatch Agreements

      • Contracts for Value Engineering Services with Transportation Authority

      • Bills of Lading

      • Broker-Carrier Agreements

      • Overnight Shipment Services Agreements

      • Moving and Storage Transport Agreements

      • Waybills

      • Certificates of Origin

      • Purchase Orders

      • Warehouse Shipping Orders

      • Packing Lists

      • Shipper’s Letters of Instruction (SLI)

      • Alcohol Shipping Agreements

      • Renters Contracts

      • Vehicle Storage Agreements

      • Fleet Services Contracts

      • Rent-to-Own Contracts

      • Offloading Agent Contracts

      • Intermodal Agreements

      • Petroleum Transport Contracts