Transportation: Rail (for Shippers)

What the team is known for

Highly respected firm with a strong stable of attorneys representing a large number of significant railroad shippers and other railroad customers from a wide range of industries. Known for its expertise in representing clients before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in such matters as unreasonable practice disputes and rail rate reasonableness challenges. Also active in contract litigation before state and federal courts. Further noted for representing clients before the Interstate Commerce Commission.

Strengths

Sources describe Slover & Loftus as "aleading rail shipper firm with a deep, talented bench of attorneys."

Work highlights

Acted on behalf of Fluor Marine Propulsion to file a joint petition with the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program and the United States Army Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command at the STB seeking a declaratory order that line owner Canadian Pacific had to transport the Government’s shipments on its Ballston Spa, New York, short rail line. The STB ruled that Canadian Pacific had a common carrier obligation to transport the Government’s shipments.

Notable practitioners

Frank Pergolizzi represents shippers in litigation at both a federal and state level, and also maintains an active regulatory practice. He is experienced in rail contract disputes and negotiations regarding transportation and fuel supply rates.

John LeSeur is well regarded for the strength of his practice in fuel surcharge litigation cases. He represents clients from a range of sectors, including energy and steel.
"A very solid practitioner with a lot of knowledge."

Kelvin Dowd represents companies in cases involving challenges to carrier rail rates, and is particularly noted for his work with coal industry clients.

Peter Pfohl advises shippers from a multitude of industry sectors in matters such as rail contract disputes and fuel surcharge litigation.
"An amazing lawyer with a wonderful practice. He's the best in the business." "He does excellent work for his clients and he's extremely highly regarded."

Robert Rosenberg advises clients on a range of matters before the STB, such as rail rate cases and rail abandonment issues.
"He's extremely knowledgeable, he gives sound advice and he's very smart on all the technicalities." "Smart, thoughtful, and labors hard on very important technical rulemaking proceedings."