Jim Wescoe represents motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, transportation intermediaries, and third-party logistics providers, and their insurers, in casualty-related litigation and cargo-related litigation throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. He also represents maritime personal injury defendants and cargo defendants. With more than twenty-five years of experience serving the transportation industry, and with his background in ocean marine claims adjustment and underwriting, Jim brings a unique perspective to his practice, particularly in complex and high value cases. He is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services to his clients, assisting them with contract drafting and review, coverage analyses, and navigating complex regulatory issues.
As a leader in the transportation industry, Jim is recognized as an authority in federal regulations governing motor carriers, brokers, and other businesses in the trucking industry, and he regularly assists clients with Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) compliance issues, citations, and regulatory disputes.
Jim serves as the co-managing partner of the commercial transportation group, where he oversees a team of attorneys dedicated to serving clients in the trucking and logistics sectors. He is also the Chairman of the TIDA Cargo Claims Committee, for whom he chairs, organizes and speaks at the annual TIDA Cargo Claims Seminar.
In addition to his legal practice, Jim is a regular contributor to industry publications such as The Transportation Lawyer, the TIDA Newsletter, and the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association magazine, PennTrux. His insights and analysis on transportation law and regulatory developments are highly regarded within the legal and business communities.
Jim’s commitment to client service excellence has earned him recognition as a BTI Client Service All-Star by the BTI Consulting Group in 2022. This prestigious accolade is awarded based on feedback from top legal decision-makers, highlighting Jim’s dedication to providing exceptional service and value to his clients.
Professional & Community Involvement
- Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA), Cargo Claims Committee Chair
- Transportation Lawyers Association (TLA), 2020 Annual Conference Education Program Committee, Member
- Conference of Freight Counsel, Member
- Traffic Club of Philadelphia, Member
- Maritime Law Association of the United States, Member
- Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Network, Chapter 750, Member
- 04.09.24 Speaker, “Dealing with Offset Issues when Settling/Managing Cargo Claims,” Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) Cargo Skills Seminar
- 03.30.22 Speaker, “Broker Liability in Third Party Claims,” Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA)
- 06.26.21 Speaker, “Putting Together a Dream Team: Formulating a Successful Strategy and Effective Team When Your Driver Is Criminally Charged after a Serious Accident,” Transportation Lawyers Association Annual Meeting
- 03.15.16 Chair, Speaker, TIDA Cargo Claims Seminar, Tempe, Arizona
- 03.10.16 Presenter, “Trucking Insurance and Trial and Litigation Strategies,” TIDA Skill Course
- 01.16.15 Presenter, “The Ethics of Social Media in Litigation,” TLA, Chicago, IL
- 10.2012 Presenter, “Strategies for Successfully Managing Freight Claims,” American Trucking Associations (ATA), Webinar
- 05.2012 Presenter, “Recent Developments in Cargo Claims Litigation,” Travelers Insurance Co. Inland Marine Claims Department, Naperville, IL
- 09.2011 Presenter, “Cargo Law: Developments & Trends in Cargo Litigation, Broker- Carrier Disputes & Freight Charge Claims,” Arkansas Trucking Seminar, Springdale, AR
- 09.2011 Presenter, “Introduction to Shipping Contracts,” TIDA Cargo Seminar, Cleveland, OH
- 03.2011 Presenter, “Dealing with ‘Hostage’ Shipments and Loads: Legal Rights and Available Remedies,” TIDA Cargo Seminar, Tempe, AZ
Cases and Experience
Obtained a dismissal of a lawsuit against a transportation broker in New Jersey state court where the shipper filed suit for cargo damages.
Defended a large motor carrier in a $2.9 million cargo claim filed by a foreign manufacturer in San Diego, California.
Resolved a rear-end collision case involving the death of the claimant in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts.
Negotiated the settlement of a multi-party lawsuit involving more than fifty vehicles, with six decedents and dozens of personal injury claimants arising from a snow-related pile up accident on Interstate 80 in northern Pennsylvania.
Paper Magic v. J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. (U.S. Court of Appeals, 3d Circuit, 2005) (transportation)
Lewis v. Atlas Van Lines (U.S. Supreme Court, 2008) (household goods cargo)
Daily Transport v. Maverick Transportation, U.S.D.C, Middle District of PA, 2012) (cargo)
Pelletron v. C.H. Robinson Worldwide, U.S.D.C., E.D.Pa., 2012 (broker liability)
Foam Fair v. J.K. Hackl Transportation, Inc. (cargo damages)
Continental v. Quick Enterprises (D.N.J, 2012) (broker liability)
Siaci St. Honore v. Ironbound Express, et al., S.D.N.Y., 2012 (cargo damages
Royal SunAlliance Ins. Co. v. National Consolidation Services, Inc., et al, SNDY, 2011 (limitation of liability)
Prior results cannot and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter that we or any lawyer may be retained to handle.
