TRANSPORTATION: DESCRIPTION

McKenna Long & Aldridge has worked in a variety of areas of the transportation field, including commercial aviation, shipping, security requirements, hazardous materials transportation, representation before transportation regulatory agencies, and legislative matters.

MLA participated in development of the 1990 Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act and continues to counsel clients on regulatory changes mandated by that legislation, including training and registration requirements and application of the program to intrastate shipments.

Homeland Security Issues

The new Department of Homeland Security will be charged with, among other things, responsibility for border and transportation security. MLA's Homeland Security practice group brings to bear our expertise in government procurement issues, regulatory affairs, international trade and other matters affecting business operations.

Our experience in these matters is timely, considering the focus on new transportation security technologies and regulations, including:

  • "smart" shipping containers
  • enhanced security requirements for all modes of transportation, including commercial aviation and mass transportation systems
  • mandatory permits for shipment of hazardous biological organisms and toxins

Harbor Maintenance Tax

We obtained reversal of a judgment involving the period of recovery of the unconstitutional Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) on exports, thus allowing claimants nationwide to recover hundreds of millions of dollars of HMT taxes paid since 1987. The tax is an ad valorem charge on exports, imports, other shipments, and passenger transportation involving use of a harbor.

Commercial Aviation Sector

MLA has extensive experience representing clients involved in aviation-related businesses and transactions, such as:

  • Commercial airlines
  • Aviation equipment and parts suppliers
  • Buyers and sellers of aviation-related assets and companies
  • Companies seeking information and advice regarding federal and state regulation and legislation
  • Governmental entities that are financing airport expansion
  • Parties involved in complex litigation involving airport projects
  • Companies and individuals buying and selling aircraft
  • Parties involved with environmental matters at airports and other aviation facilities
  • Aviation companies seeking public and private debt and equity financing