Executive Summary
Gordon Hearn represents international and domestic interests involved in the transportation, supply chain and distribution of goods in litigation, regulatory and contractual matters.
He advises shippers, receivers, carriers, logistics providers (3PL’s, supply chain and “fulfillment” providers, freight forwarders, load brokers, customs brokers and warehousemen) and their insurers on their legal interest and exposure in the international, cross-border and domestic carriage of goods by all modes of carriage.
Gordon provides advice and representation in the following areas:
- Litigation: Cross-Border and Domestic Commercial Litigation, Cargo Claims, Products Liability, Insurance and Casualty Claims
- Contracts: Drafting and Negotiation
- Insurance: Coverage and Related Issues
- Regulatory Compliance: Operational and Licensing Issues
- Sale of Goods (Domestic and International)
- Multi-Modal (ocean, air, rail + road) and Inter-modal (rail + road) carriage
Gordon is a Past President of the Transportation Lawyers Association, an independent, international bar association whose members assist providers and commercial users of transportation and logistics services.
Gordon is a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars throughout North America on the above matters. Gordon has authored numerous related papers and articles.
Expertise
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Insurance
- Transportation & Logistics
Representative Work
- Gordon has represented numerous manufacturing, consumer products, agri-business and pharmaceutical companies from “start ups” to “Fortune 500” in transit, handling and storage risk identification and related risk management best practices, including the preparation of and implementation of international and domestic supply chain logistics and purchase and sale agreements
- Gordon has acted as lead counsel on a wide array of international and domestic litigation matters including transportation casualty incidents, cargo loss, damage and delay claims, product liability and commercial disputes and related insurance coverage matters
- Gordon has provided conflict resolution, regulatory and contracting advice for a broad range of transportation service providers including national trucking fleets, international freight forwarders and a Class 1 U.S. railroad
Articles and Presentations
- Innovating Your Freight Brokerage Against Potential Risk – Presentation to the Transportation Intermediaries Association Capital Ideas Conference, April 2022
- A Moveable Feast: A Cookbook for Cross-Border Claims Involving Cuisine Article published The Transportation Lawyer, April 2022
- Doing Business in Canada: Freight Broker Framework – Industry “white paper” sponsored by the Transportation Freight Intermediaries Association and Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association, April, 2021
My Blog
Board Memberships
- Transportation Lawyers Association (President 2012 – 2013)
- Conference of Freight Counsel
- Transportation Intermediaries Association
- Canadian Transport Lawyers Association
- Canadian Board of Marine Underwriters
- Marine Club (President 2000-2001)
Recognition
- Martindale Hubbel Peer Review: 2025 AV “Preeminent”
- Avvo Rated Top lawyer 2025 - “Superb Attorney”
- Chambers Global (Canada) – (Transportation Law)
- The Legal 500 Canada – “Leading Lawyer” (Road and Rail)
- Best Lawyers in Canada 2008-2025 (Transportation Law)
- Best Lawyers in Canada 2006-2025 (Maritime Law)
- Who’s Who Legal Canada (Shipping Law)
- Lexpert (Road and Rail) – 2025 “Most Frequently Recommended”
- Lexpert (Shipping and Maritime Law) – 2025 “Repeatedly Recommended”
- Doyles Guide – Leading Transport Lawyers – Canada: Preeminent
- Best Lawyers in Canada Transportation Law Lawyer of the Year – Toronto (2015, 2021)
- Best Lawyers in Canada Maritime Law Lawyer of the Year – Toronto (2013)