Under The Hood: Truck Law

Fellerman & Ciarimboli

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.

Episodes

  1. Jul 9

    Illegal Double Brokering

    Illegal Double Brokering Exposed | Why Shippers and Brokers Are Liable When Loads Get Flipped | Under the Hood Illegal 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 industry Why double brokering is prohibited under federal motor carrier law How the Montgomery v. C.H. Robinson decision has intensified scrutiny of double-brokered loads Real deposition testimony revealing how often carriers are never actually verified Why the bill of lading and the name on the side of the truck must match How double brokering shows up in Amazon freight network cases The link between double brokering and cargo theft Why unverified carrier swaps put unqualified, uninsured, or unsafe drivers behind the wheel How shippers and brokers can protect themselves with a simple verification policy The role of carrier vetting services like Carrier411 and Truckstop in preventing unsafe hires Why the freight brokering industry is lobbying for double-brokering liability immunity — and why that's the wrong solution How public opinion and focus group data reveal what jurors really think about "that's just how the industry works" excuses Why uniform federal safety rules exist to protect the public, regardless of a carrier's size What shippers, brokers, and trucking companies should do right now to avoid liability after a crash Whether 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/

  2. May 27

    Episode 5: Montgomery Decision

    Landmark Supreme Court Decision Changes Freight Broker Liability | What Every Trucking Company Needs to Know | Under the Hood A 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 matters Freight broker liability for negligent carrier selection FAAAA preemption and the federal safety exception explained How brokers should evaluate trucking companies before assigning freight FMCSA safety ratings and why they don't tell the whole story How violation histories can identify unsafe motor carriers The connection between freight brokers and chameleon carriers Why proper carrier vetting can prevent catastrophic truck accidents How technology, AI, and safety databases help brokers assess carrier risk The importance of English proficiency and CDL compliance for commercial drivers Why responsible trucking companies benefit from stronger safety standards How this decision could improve accountability throughout the trucking industry What truck accident victims and trucking companies should know moving forward Whether 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/

  3. Apr 22

    Episode 4: The Chameleon

    Chameleon Carriers Explained | The Hidden Threat to Trucking Safety | Under the Hood What 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 operate How trucking companies reopen under new DOT numbers after safety violations FMCSA regulations and why enforcement has become increasingly difficult Why some trucking companies repeatedly evade safety oversight The dangers of inadequate driver training and fraudulent CDL programs English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers Hours of Service violations and driver fatigue Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and telematics compliance Freight broker liability and the importance of carrier vetting Why minimum insurance coverage may not protect crash victims How poor truck maintenance contributes to catastrophic accidents The impact unsafe carriers have on responsible trucking companies and professional drivers Current legal issues surrounding broker immunity and trucking litigation Whether 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/

  4. Mar 20

    Episode 3: Inside a Fatal Truck Accident Investigation

    The First 24 Hours After a Truck Accident | Critical Evidence That Can Make or Break Your Case | Under the Hood What 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 crucial How trucking company rapid response teams investigate crashes The importance of preserving dash camera and driver-facing camera footage Electronic logging devices (ELDs), telematics, and truck data downloads Preservation letters and why they can save critical evidence Cell phone forensics, distracted driving, and digital evidence How crash reconstruction experts determine fault The role of scene inspections, skid marks, roadway defects, and vehicle inspections Truck maintenance records, brake failures, and product liability claims Driver fatigue, Hours of Service violations, and sleeper berth investigations Human factors experts and accident reconstruction in trucking litigation Why truck drivers should prioritize medical treatment before delivering a load Common mistakes that can permanently damage a truck accident case Whether 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/

  5. Mar 19

    Episode 2: The Trucking Attorney's Perspective

    Truck Driver Safety, Drug Testing, ELD Rules & Cargo Loading | Under the Hood Can 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 drivers What happens after a failed or refused DOT drug test Truck driver hiring, background checks, and negligent hiring claims Owner-operator insurance requirements and liability after a crash Independent contractor vs. employee status under FMCSA regulations Driving in dangerous weather and refusing unsafe loads Snow squalls, multi-vehicle pileups, and emergency safety tips Electronic Logging Device (ELD) malfunctions and paper log requirements Cargo securement, sealed loads, and who is liable for improperly loaded freight Dash cameras, AI safety technology, and distracted driving prevention Co-driver responsibilities and reporting unsafe driving behavior Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs), pre-trip inspections, and out-of-service violations Whether 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/

  6. Mar 17

    Episode 1: Getting to Know Ed & Corey

    Workers' Compensation, Independent Contractors & Truck Accident Claims | Under the Hood What 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-operators Independent contractor vs. employee status in the trucking industry Occupational accident insurance policies and survivor benefits Multi-state trucking accidents and jurisdiction challenges Sealed load accidents and cargo shift liability Third-party claims against shippers and loading companies What to do if your trucking company doesn't carry workers' compensation insurance Why truck drivers should preserve employment and shipping documents Reporting traffic violations and protecting your CDL The importance of dash cameras and driver-facing cameras Insurance coverage, punitive damages, and protecting trucking companies from catastrophic claims Common mistakes that can jeopardize trucking accident cases Whether 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/

  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Fellerman & Ciarimboli
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fellerman & Ciarimboli