Logistics and supply chain

The global economy relies on the rapid transportation of goods from producer to end user, whether by road, sea, air or rail. At Penningtons Manches Cooper, our highly regarded team of logistics lawyers specialises in advising companies across this fast-moving sector on how to navigate the legal issues they face on a day-to-day basis.

Logistics law and supply chain guidance

With an international network of offices and strong ties to correspondents in Europe and Africa, our lawyers are well placed to assist organisations operating in multiple jurisdictions on a broad spectrum of logistics matters. We have been doing so for many years. Our clients include some of the world’s largest logistics companies and insurers, as well as freight forwarders and cargo interests. We stay abreast of regulatory developments and industry trends to ensure our clients remain compliant and competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

We have particular expertise in advising on domestic and cross-border road transport disputes under both the CMR and domestic rules, claims involving carriage by air, including those under the Montreal and Warsaw Conventions and IATA, CAA and dangerous goods regulations, a broad range of regulatory matters, commercial disputes and the drafting of transport and logistics contracts.

Our logistics team is equipped to advise on all aspects of the journey, drawing on the expertise of colleagues across a number of practice areas, including shipping, international trade, aviation, disputes, insurance and personal injury.

The team is also adept at handling multimodal transport issues, including those involving rail and inland waterways. We regularly advise on liability, compliance, and contractual frameworks in these areas, and are called upon to assist with customs and import/export regulations, sanctions compliance, and the legal implications of evolving technologies such as autonomous vehicles and digital freight platforms.

The team has exceptional knowledge and expertise of the legal, commercial and operational issues of the logistics sector and is always available to answer any query.

In addition, we have extensive experience advising on day-to-day matters affecting companies involved in trade and distribution, whether they are freight forwarders, warehouse operators, or end clients. We provide legal support on issues related to the negotiation and resolution of industrial warehouse leases, complex incidents at logistics platforms, and litigation involving logistics chains.

We also have a strong track record in handling the property requirements of the logistics sector. Our real estate team represents clients on the acquisition, sale and lease of warehouses, industrial units and distribution facilities as well as advising on the planning and development of such sites. We frequently play a key role in complex infrastructure projects within the sector.

How we help our clients

Advice on domestic and international road transport disputes, including claims under the CMR

Claims involving carriage by air

Guidance on commercial disputes

Road transport regulatory matters

Terms and conditions for transport contracts

Site acquisition, development, lettings and sales of warehouses, industrial units, distribution facilities

Projects and infrastructure schemes from inception to operation

Resolution of disputes over the operation of logistics platforms

International issues in relation to contracts of sale and purchase, including Incoterms

Guidance on disputes over contracts of supply

Resolution of disputes over lease contracts

Advice to carriers, freight forwarders and customs agents on regulatory issues

They always provide the right resources to answer any query, however small, with professionalism and good timing as if they were part of the company. Their support in claims involving containers and forwarding companies stands out.

What we value most is their availability, experience, and professional attitude. One of the best teams we have worked with in Europe.

Penningtons can be relied upon to prioritise matters that need handling as a matter of urgency.

Exceptional response levels, even with tight deadlines. A lot of knowledge of the sector and a very practical approach that allows external lawyers to interact with the internal transport team and provide business-oriented solutions.

Recent work highlights

Spanish food distribution networks

Drafting various transport and warehousing agreements for a large Spanish fresh and frozen food business, including preparing agreements for primary and capillary networks, and the company’s last mile needs.

International freight and logistics agreement

Assisting a global freight forwarding and logistics group with the drafting all of its logistics, warehousing and project cargo agreements, tailored to support operations across multiple jurisdictions.

Storm damage mitigation strategy

Advising a global logistics company and its insurers following the collapse of a warehouse roof in Spain during a snow storm and a subsequent fire while demolition works were carried out.

Development and sale of industrial park

Representing an industrial developer on the acquisition of a prime industrial park in the UK, advising on all lettings and construction work before acting on the sale of the industrial park for £43 million.

High value cargo theft litigation

Advising a Spanish carrier in relation to the theft of high value cargo during international transit. The matter required coordination with insurers and other stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.

Damages to industrial structure

Acting on a major claim involving both material and non-material damage to a bridge sustained during a multi-modal transport operation comprising road, inland waterway and sea carriage.