Given that all shipments move under some sort of contract and that shippers' rights in relation to carriers and intermediaries are governed by laws, it's critical that transportation and logistics personnel understand the applicable laws and regulations. But recent corporate layoffs and other cutbacks have left many companies without ready access to that information in-house.

A new book, Transportation, Logistics and the Law, can help fill that growing knowledge gap. Author William A. Augello, executive director of the Transportation Consumer Protection Council, adjunct professor of law at the University of Arizona, and a Logistics columnist, offers a succinct but thorough review of all U.S. laws that affect transportation and logistics activities.

The 219-page book includes easy-to-research texts of the most important statutes and regulations governing carriers and intermediaries; citations for court decisions, public laws and international treaties that affect transportation; an explanation of the legal impact of tariffs, bills of lading, contracts, rate agreements and insurance policies; and numerous appendices containing important legal facts and reference materials. The book also provides practical advice on how to protect shippers', carriers' and intermediaries' rights and interests.

For more information or to order a copy of Transportation, Logistics and the Law, visit www.transportlawtexts.com or call Augello at (503) 531-0203.