What happened?
In August 2020, Lanter Delivery Systems, a major overnight delivery company, abruptly terminated its services to several of its longtime customers, including Timeless Logistical Solutions and other companies. These customers allege that Lanter engaged in a coordinated scheme to disable and kill their businesses by unlawfully depriving them of the very means by which they operate their logistics and delivery companies.
What are the claims?
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit allege a variety of claims against Lanter, including:
- Tortious interference with contract: The plaintiffs allege that Lanter interfered with their existing contracts with other customers by terminating its services without notice or cause.
- Unlawful conspiracy: The plaintiffs allege that Lanter conspired with other companies to boycott and blacklist them, making it difficult for them to operate their businesses.
- Antitrust violations: The plaintiffs allege that Lanter engaged in anticompetitive practices, such as predatory pricing and price fixing, in order to drive them out of business.
What is the status of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit is currently pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The plaintiffs have filed an amended complaint, and Lanter has filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. The court has not yet ruled on the motion to dismiss.
FAQs
Q: Who is Lanter Delivery Systems?
A: Lanter Delivery Systems is a major overnight delivery company that provides transportation and courier services to the Agricultural, Automotive and Trucking Industries.
Q: What is the Lanter Delivery Systems lawsuit about?
A: The Lanter Delivery Systems lawsuit is about allegations that the company engaged in a coordinated scheme to disable and kill its competitors by unlawfully depriving them of the very means by which they operate their logistics and delivery companies.
Q: What are the claims in the lawsuit?
A: The plaintiffs in the lawsuit allege tortious interference with contract, unlawful conspiracy, and antitrust violations.
Q: What is the status of the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit is currently pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The court has not yet ruled on the motion to dismiss the complaint.
Q: What could be the outcome of the lawsuit?
A: If the plaintiffs are successful, they could be awarded damages, including lost profits and punitive damages. The court could also order Lanter to change its business practices.
Q: What impact could the lawsuit have on the overnight delivery industry?
A: If the plaintiffs are successful, the lawsuit could have a significant impact on the overnight delivery industry. It could lead to increased competition and lower prices for consumers.
Conclusion
The Lanter Delivery Systems lawsuit is a major development in the overnight delivery industry. The outcome of the lawsuit could have a significant impact on the way that overnight delivery services are provided in the United States.
References:
- C. Pepper Logistics v. Lanter Delivery Sys., 4:20-cv-01444-MTS (E.D. Mo. 2023): https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/business-journal/st-louis-area-transport-heavyweights-sue-over-millions/63-02058717-f40b-4096-b23a-096e65ae77d0
- Lanter Delivery Systems: HOME: https://www.lanterdeliverysystems.com/
- Lanter Delivery Systems | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lanter-distributing