Common Website Mistakes That Could Jeopardize Your Transportation Business

In today’s digital-first world, a strong online presence is essential for businesses of all kinds, including transportation companies. Your website is often the first point of interaction potential customers have with your brand, making it a critical tool for growth and credibility. However, many transportation businesses overlook key aspects of website management, which can lead to costly legal and operational pitfalls.

As one of the top TMS software and solutions providers in the United States, TMS-Digital understands the unique challenges transportation businesses face. With Protected Harbor, our trusted technology partner and a leading Managed Services Provider (MSP), we go beyond just websites, delivering end-to-end solutions for IT infrastructure, cloud services, and security. Together, we’re committed to helping transportation businesses navigate the digital landscape and secure their success.

Here are five key reasons why companies should regularly review and update the language used on their websites:

1. Independent Contractor Issues

   Websites are often among the first resources regulators and plaintiffs’ attorneys examine when building reclassification cases. Employment-like language on a site can be misinterpreted in independent contractor reclassification disputes, potentially serving as evidence of control over an independent contractor driver or even the driver of a third-party motor carrier handling brokered loads. Such language can jeopardize a driver’s independent contractor status or raise joint employment concerns. Regularly revising or removing problematic language ensures companies are better positioned to defend themselves if classification challenges arise.

2. Corporate Veil Piercing Concerns

   Organizations with multiple related corporate entities often unify their operations under one primary brand name and flagship website for branding purposes. While effective for marketing, this approach can blur the lines between different entities. Clear delineation, such as dedicated sections for each entity within the corporate website, helps distinguish their roles, mitigating the risk of enterprise or single-entity liability claims.

3. Misrepresentation of Operations

   Companies must ensure their websites accurately reflect the transportation services they provide. For example, a property broker’s website might inadvertently use language implying it offers motor carrier services rather than merely brokering loads to third-party carriers. Such misrepresentation can create confusion and expose the company to unnecessary liability.

4. Cargo Liability

   Unlike motor carriers, property brokers are not statutorily liable for cargo losses. However, language on broker websites that implies the provision of motor carrier services can strengthen a plaintiff’s argument that the broker was presenting itself as a carrier. This could lead to the broker being held responsible for cargo losses. Careful wording can prevent these misinterpretations.

5. Accident Liability

   Similar to cargo liability risks, language on a broker’s website suggesting it provides motor carrier services can support plaintiff arguments for holding the broker responsible for accident liability. Ensuring accurate and clear language mitigates this potential legal exposure.

Regularly auditing website language is a critical step in minimizing legal risks and maintaining clear and accurate representations of business operations.

Going Beyond Websites: A Holistic Approach to Technology

While your website is a vital component of your business, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. A robust and secure IT infrastructure is the foundation of any successful transportation company.

TMS-Digital and Protected Harbor offer comprehensive technology solutions, including:

• Cloud Services: Scalable and secure cloud-based tools to support your operations and improve accessibility for remote teams.
• Infrastructure Management: Reliable, high-performance infrastructure tailored to meet the unique needs of transportation businesses.
• Security Solutions: Advanced cybersecurity measures to protect your data, mitigate threats, and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Together, we provide a complete technology ecosystem that empowers your business to grow, innovate, and stay ahead of the competition.

Conclusion: Secure Your Technology, Secure Your Success

Your transportation business’s success depends on more than just a functional website—it requires a resilient and scalable IT foundation. By addressing common pitfalls in website management and investing in secure, compliant, and high-performing technology solutions, you can safeguard your business and position it for sustained growth.

TMS-Digital, in partnership with Protected Harbor, offers unparalleled expertise to help transportation businesses optimize their technology. From websites to infrastructure, cloud, and security, we provide the tools and support you need to thrive in a competitive industry.

Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

Don’t let outdated technology or website issues hold your transportation business back. Contact TMS-Digital today to learn how our partnership with Protected Harbor can help you build a secure, modern, and scalable technology framework that drives success.