Podcast
Under The Hood: Truck Law
Hosted by Fellerman & Ciarimboli · EN
Under the Hood is a trucking law podcast hosted by attorneys Ed Ciarimboli and Corey Suda of Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, who dig into the real-world legal issues shaping the commercial trucking industry — from freight broker liability and negligent hiring to double brokering, FMCSA regulations, and the landmark court decisions changing how trucking litigation works.
Drawing on decades of combined experience representing victims of catastrophic truck accidents, Ed and Corey break down complex legal concepts in plain language — using real case examples, deposition stories, and industry data to explain what's really happening on America's highways and why it matters.
Whether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, freight broker, fleet safety director, trucking company executive, or someone affected by a commercial truck accident, Under the Hood delivers straight-talk analysis on the laws, regulations, and industry practices that impact trucking safety and accountability nationwide.
New episodes monthly. Have a trucking law question? Leave it in the comments — it might be featured in a future episode.
6episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Illegal Double Brokering
1w ago00:21:59Tap to summarizeIllegal Double Brokering Exposed | Why Shippers and Brokers Are Liable When Loads Get Flipped | Under the HoodIllegal double brokering has quietly become one of the most dangerous — and most common — practices in the freight industry. What happens when the carrier that shows up to haul your load isn't the carrier you actually hired? Who's responsible when that unvetted carrier causes a catastrophic crash? And why does an industry built on 30-second verification checks keep looking the other way?In Episode 6 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda dig into illegal double brokering — building directly on last episode's breakdown of the Supreme Court's Montgomery v. C.H. Robinson decision. They explain exactly how double brokering happens, why it's against federal law, and how a simple bill of lading check could prevent stolen freight, unqualified drivers, and deadly crashes on our highways.In this episode, you'll learn about:What illegal double brokering is and how it happens in the freight industryWhy double brokering is prohibited under federal motor carrier lawHow the Montgomery v. C.H. Robinson decision has intensified scrutiny of double-brokered loadsReal deposition testimony revealing how often carriers are never actually verifiedWhy the bill of lading and the name on the side of the truck must matchHow double brokering shows up in Amazon freight network casesThe link between double brokering and cargo theftWhy unverified carrier swaps put unqualified, uninsured, or unsafe drivers behind the wheelHow shippers and brokers can protect themselves with a simple verification policyThe role of carrier vetting services like Carrier411 and Truckstop in preventing unsafe hiresWhy the freight brokering industry is lobbying for double-brokering liability immunity — and why that's the wrong solutionHow public opinion and focus group data reveal what jurors really think about "that's just how the industry works" excusesWhy uniform federal safety rules exist to protect the public, regardless of a carrier's sizeWhat shippers, brokers, and trucking companies should do right now to avoid liability after a crashWhether you're a shipper, freight broker, fleet owner, safety director, trucking company executive, CDL driver, or someone involved in a commercial truck accident, this episode breaks down a practice happening in freight lanes across the country every single day — and what it takes to stop it before someone gets hurt.Have a trucking law question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/
Transcribe →Episode 5: Montgomery Decision
May 2700:32:58Tap to summarizeLandmark Supreme Court Decision Changes Freight Broker Liability | What Every Trucking Company Needs to Know | Under the HoodA unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision could permanently change how freight brokers, trucking companies, and crash victims approach commercial trucking litigation. What does the Montgomery decision mean? Can freight brokers now be held responsible for hiring unsafe motor carriers? And how could this reshape trucking safety across the country?In Episode 5 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda break down the Supreme Court's landmark ruling involving broker liability and negligent carrier selection. They explain why this decision is one of the most significant trucking law developments in years and how it could improve highway safety by requiring brokers to properly vet the carriers they hire.In this episode, you'll learn about:The U.S. Supreme Court's Montgomery decision and why it mattersFreight broker liability for negligent carrier selectionFAAAA preemption and the federal safety exception explainedHow brokers should evaluate trucking companies before assigning freightFMCSA safety ratings and why they don't tell the whole storyHow violation histories can identify unsafe motor carriersThe connection between freight brokers and chameleon carriersWhy proper carrier vetting can prevent catastrophic truck accidentsHow technology, AI, and safety databases help brokers assess carrier riskThe importance of English proficiency and CDL compliance for commercial driversWhy responsible trucking companies benefit from stronger safety standardsHow this decision could improve accountability throughout the trucking industryWhat truck accident victims and trucking companies should know moving forwardWhether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, freight broker, fleet owner, safety director, trucking company executive, or someone involved in a commercial truck accident, this episode explains one of the most important legal decisions affecting the trucking industry today—and what it means for the future of trucking safety.Have a trucking law question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/
Transcribe →Episode 4: The Chameleon
Apr 2200:27:55Tap to summarizeChameleon Carriers Explained | The Hidden Threat to Trucking Safety | Under the HoodWhat are chameleon carriers, and why are they becoming one of the biggest safety concerns in the trucking industry? How can unsafe trucking companies shut down after repeated violations only to reopen under a new name? And what responsibility do freight brokers have when they hire these carriers?In Episode 4 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner at Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda break down one of the trucking industry's fastest-growing problems. They discuss recent national investigations, the role of FMCSA oversight, broker liability, fraudulent CDL schools, and how these unsafe carriers put both professional truck drivers and the motoring public at risk.In this episode, you'll learn about:What "chameleon carriers" are and how they operateHow trucking companies reopen under new DOT numbers after safety violationsFMCSA regulations and why enforcement has become increasingly difficultWhy some trucking companies repeatedly evade safety oversightThe dangers of inadequate driver training and fraudulent CDL programsEnglish proficiency requirements for commercial truck driversHours of Service violations and driver fatigueElectronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and telematics complianceFreight broker liability and the importance of carrier vettingWhy minimum insurance coverage may not protect crash victimsHow poor truck maintenance contributes to catastrophic accidentsThe impact unsafe carriers have on responsible trucking companies and professional driversCurrent legal issues surrounding broker immunity and trucking litigationWhether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, fleet manager, freight broker, trucking company owner, or someone affected by a commercial truck accident, this episode provides insight into one of the most important safety issues facing the trucking industry today—and why accountability matters.Have a trucking law question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/
Transcribe →Episode 3: Inside a Fatal Truck Accident Investigation
Mar 2000:51:17Tap to summarizeThe First 24 Hours After a Truck Accident | Critical Evidence That Can Make or Break Your Case | Under the HoodWhat should you do immediately after a tractor-trailer accident? Why are the first 24 to 48 hours so critical? Can dash camera footage be lost forever? And how do trucking companies investigate crashes before victims even leave the hospital?In Episode 3 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner of Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda take a deep dive into what happens behind the scenes immediately following a commercial truck accident. They explain why preserving evidence is essential, how trucking companies deploy rapid response teams, and what victims and truck drivers can do to protect their rights before critical evidence disappears.In this episode, you'll learn about:Why the first 24–48 hours after a truck accident are crucialHow trucking company rapid response teams investigate crashesThe importance of preserving dash camera and driver-facing camera footageElectronic logging devices (ELDs), telematics, and truck data downloadsPreservation letters and why they can save critical evidenceCell phone forensics, distracted driving, and digital evidenceHow crash reconstruction experts determine faultThe role of scene inspections, skid marks, roadway defects, and vehicle inspectionsTruck maintenance records, brake failures, and product liability claimsDriver fatigue, Hours of Service violations, and sleeper berth investigationsHuman factors experts and accident reconstruction in trucking litigationWhy truck drivers should prioritize medical treatment before delivering a loadCommon mistakes that can permanently damage a truck accident caseWhether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, trucking company owner, or someone injured in a commercial truck accident, this episode explains how experienced trucking attorneys investigate serious crashes, preserve evidence, and uncover the facts that insurance companies often overlook.Have a trucking law question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/
Transcribe →Episode 2: The Trucking Attorney's Perspective
Mar 1900:55:21Tap to summarizeTruck Driver Safety, Drug Testing, ELD Rules & Cargo Loading | Under the HoodCan a trucking company force you to drive in dangerous weather? What happens if you fail a DOT drug test? Who is responsible when an improperly loaded trailer causes a serious crash? And what should truck drivers do if their electronic logging device (ELD) stops working?In Episode 2 of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner of Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda answer real questions from truck drivers, owner-operators, and motor carriers while discussing some of the most common—and costly—mistakes in the trucking industry. From driver hiring practices and DOT compliance to cargo securement and pre-trip inspections, they explain how these issues impact both safety and liability after a commercial truck accident.In this episode, you'll learn about:DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements for commercial driversWhat happens after a failed or refused DOT drug testTruck driver hiring, background checks, and negligent hiring claimsOwner-operator insurance requirements and liability after a crashIndependent contractor vs. employee status under FMCSA regulationsDriving in dangerous weather and refusing unsafe loadsSnow squalls, multi-vehicle pileups, and emergency safety tipsElectronic Logging Device (ELD) malfunctions and paper log requirementsCargo securement, sealed loads, and who is liable for improperly loaded freightDash cameras, AI safety technology, and distracted driving preventionCo-driver responsibilities and reporting unsafe driving behaviorDriver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs), pre-trip inspections, and out-of-service violationsWhether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, fleet manager, dispatcher, safety director, or trucking company owner, this episode offers practical legal guidance on staying compliant with FMCSA regulations, preventing catastrophic accidents, and protecting your business and your livelihood.Have a trucking law question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/
Transcribe →Episode 1: Getting to Know Ed & Corey
Mar 1700:55:40Tap to summarizeWorkers' Compensation, Independent Contractors & Truck Accident Claims | Under the HoodWhat happens if you're injured or killed in a tractor-trailer crash and your company says you're an independent contractor? Are you still entitled to workers' compensation? What if your truck overturns because of a shifted load? Should truck drivers report speeding tickets received in their personal vehicles? And what can trucking companies do when insurance carriers refuse to settle serious accident claims?In the first episode of Under the Hood, Ed Ciarimboli, partner of Fellerman & Ciarimboli Law Firm, and Trial Attorney Corey Suda answer real questions submitted by truck drivers, owner-operators, and trucking company owners from across the country. Drawing on years of experience handling complex commercial trucking litigation, they break down the legal issues that affect drivers every day.In this episode, you'll learn about:Workers' compensation rights for truck drivers and owner-operatorsIndependent contractor vs. employee status in the trucking industryOccupational accident insurance policies and survivor benefitsMulti-state trucking accidents and jurisdiction challengesSealed load accidents and cargo shift liabilityThird-party claims against shippers and loading companiesWhat to do if your trucking company doesn't carry workers' compensation insuranceWhy truck drivers should preserve employment and shipping documentsReporting traffic violations and protecting your CDLThe importance of dash cameras and driver-facing camerasInsurance coverage, punitive damages, and protecting trucking companies from catastrophic claimsCommon mistakes that can jeopardize trucking accident casesWhether you're a CDL driver, owner-operator, fleet owner, safety manager, or someone involved in a commercial truck accident, this series provides practical legal insight into the regulations, insurance issues, and litigation strategies that shape today's trucking industry.Have a question for a future episode? Leave it in the comments below and it may be featured in an upcoming episode of Under the Hood.Visit us online: https://www.fellermanlaw.com/
Transcribe →