The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously on May 14, 2026, that C.H. Robinson can face lawsuits for negligent hiring. The court determined that federal law does not shield freight brokers from state-level claims regarding carrier selection. This decision follows a 2017 crash involving Shawn Montgomery, who sustained severe injuries from a truck arranged by the company.
C.H. Robinson Worldwide shares fell 4.5% after the ruling. The decision may increase liability and insurance costs across the freight brokerage industry. It also signals a need for more stringent safety vetting of trucking carriers.
C.H. Robinson expressed disappointment with the outcome but stated it respects the court's decision. The company affirmed its ongoing commitment to safety.