TQL Dismissed as Defendant in Colorado Liability Case
Total Quality Logistics (TQL) was dismissed from a federal lawsuit in Colorado, where it had been accused of liability for the death caused by falling steel beams. The case involved Scott Miller, who died after debris fell onto his vehicle on U.S. Route 285 in June 2024. Deann Miller sued multiple parties including TQL and others along the supply chain. However, Judge Nina Wang ruled that there was insufficient evidence to establish vicarious liability or a principal-agent relationship between TQL and the driver involved. TQL had initially cited legal protections under the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (F4A), but withdrew this defense after the Supreme Court's decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, which removed such shields for brokers. The judge found Miller’s claims against TQL to be vague and unsupported by specific facts regarding employment or contractual relationships. The dismissal was without prejudice, allowing Deann Miller to refile with a different legal strategy. This ruling is seen as significant in the ongoing debate over liability of third-party logistics providers post-Montgomery decision.
Topics: 3PL federal court lawsuit logistics