Category: Transportation Law

Transportation Lawyer Association Regional Conference 2018

February 1, 2018  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

Barna Guzy and Steffen attorney Carole Clark Isakson recently represented the firm’s transportation department and attended the regional conference of the Transportation Lawyers Association (“TLA”) in Chicago.  The TLA is an independent bar association, comprised of in-house, government and private practice attorneys.  Its members assist providers and commercial users of domestic and international logistics and transportation services, in all modes.  Because TLA members are all attorneys, one of its primary purposes is to keep its members ahead of the constant changes in the specialized legal environment governing all aspects of the supply chain and passenger travel.   TLA members come from all over the country to attend these educational conferences.   This year’s TLA conference included discussion of cross border shipments, continuing implementation of electronic logging devices in trucks, the ever shifting dynamics of risk allocation among the various parties to shipping contracts, and employment issues particular to the transportation industry.   BGS lawyers consistently seek out educational opportunities to stay abreast of changes in the law (or industry) that may impact our clients.    

Read More

BGS Joins the Duluth Superior Transportation Association

January 16, 2018  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

The Transportation Department at BGS is involved with many transportation related organizations, and recently joined the Duluth Superior Transportation Association (DSTA).  The DSTA has more than 100 active members in a variety of transportation industries, including aerospace, rail, trucking, logistics, and maritime. Within those industries DSTA members include transportation companies, manufacturers, commercial shippers, supply chain managers, and government agencies.  In addition to regular meetings that focus on transportation-related topics, the DSTA also sponsors tours of facilities that are of interest to members  and group activities.  In keeping with its mission to enhance the community, it also offers scholarships and sponsors community events. Carole Clark Isakson and Jackie Campbell of BGS recently enjoyed attending the DSTA holiday dinner and auction at the Black Bear Casino and Resort in Carlton, MN.  A highlight of the evening was reconnecting with company owners with whom they had worked over a decade ago! The food was excellent, the auction was entertaining, and money was raised to support the DSTA Scholarship Fund.  This fund was set up to offer an annual scholarship to a student/students in the Transportation and Logistics program at the University of Wisconsin in Superior.   BGS is looking forward to attending future DSTA events, and is proud to be a member of the DSTA!

Read More

Employee Spotlight: Jackie Campbell, Legal Administrative Assistant

October 11, 2017  |  Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.

Jackie Campbell became a member of Barna Guzy & Steffen  in 2016 when two  attorneys  for whom she had worked for more than twenty-five years joined the firm. Over many years of working with transportation lawyers, including Jim Wills, Jackie became essential to the team and gained a base of impressive knowledge about the unique industry. Knowing the law isn’t as critical as knowing the way the system works and the intent of the regulations; Jackie would tell you it also has a lot to do with knowing who to call (and call.. and call!). In July of 2017, Jackie’s expertise was put to the test when she was called on to help an important Minnesota trucking client regain its illustrative safety rating. The company was given a “Conditional” rating by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in 2014.  This was a blow to the company due to the influence a negative rating can have on maintaining relationships with vendors, customers (shippers) and employees.  In fact, many shippers will cancel contracts or simply refuse to deal with a carrier that does not have a “Satisfactory” rating. Not only are motor carriers subject to inspection of  vehicles and log books while on the road, each company is also subject to periodic audits by the U.S. Department…

Read More