On September 25, 2025, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Tranter v. Z&D Tour marked an important victory for fairness and common sense in civil litigation—particularly for businesses like trucking companies that operate statewide but face lawsuits far from where an accident or dispute occurs.

The Tranter ruling reaffirms that Pennsylvania courts must give serious consideration to where witnesses, evidence, and parties are actually located when deciding whether to transfer a case to another county under the doctrine of forum non conveniens. The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) joined other business and industry groups in filing an amicus brief supporting this position, emphasizing the importance of ensuring defendants are not forced to litigate hundreds of miles from where the events in question occurred.

What Happened

The case arose after a tragic multi-vehicle collision in Westmoreland County, near Pittsburgh. Plaintiffs—bus passengers injured in the crash—filed their lawsuits in Philadelphia County, nearly 300 miles away. Defendants sought to move the cases to Westmoreland County, where the accident, witnesses, and evidence were located. The trial court agreed, finding that trying the case in Philadelphia would impose unnecessary hardship.

The Superior Court, however, reversed that decision, ruling that the defendants had not proven the testimony of each witness was “critical” to their case.

On appeal, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court disagreed and reinstated the trial court’s ruling, clarifying the standard for venue transfers within the state.

What the Supreme Court Said

The Court reaffirmed its earlier precedents (Cheeseman and Bratic) and rejected the Superior Court’s “key witness” requirement as an improper and impractical burden. Instead, defendants only need to show—with specific information on the record—that litigating in another county would be significantly less oppressive or burdensome.

The Court also underscored:

• A plaintiff’s choice of forum deserves respect, but not absolute deference. Transfer may be warranted when a defendant can prove that another county would make it much easier to access witnesses or other evidence. 
• Trial courts have broad discretion to transfer cases for the convenience of parties and witnesses.
• Distance matters—while 100 miles is not an automatic threshold, it remains a useful guidepost for determining when venue becomes oppressive.
• Remote technology is not a substitute for in-person testimony, and convenience factors still matter in the digital age.

Why This Matters for Trucking Companies

For the trucking industry, the Tranter decision helps ensure a level playing field in Pennsylvania courts. Trucking companies are often named in lawsuits far from where an incident occurred—sometimes in counties known for their plaintiff-friendly reputations—forcing carriers to incur significant costs to transport witnesses, drivers, and records across the state.

By reaffirming that cases should be heard where the evidence and witnesses are located, the Supreme Court’s ruling curbs “venue shopping” and promotes fairness in Pennsylvania’s legal system. It also supports PMTA’s long-standing advocacy for reasonable, balanced judicial rules that allow businesses to defend themselves effectively without being punished by geography.

PMTA’s Role

PMTA was proud to join an amicus curiae brief in Tranter, partnering with other statewide business associations and the American Trucking Associations (ATA), to highlight how abusive venue practices increase costs for employers, drive up insurance premiums, and discourage investment in Pennsylvania. The Court’s decision reflects many of the arguments advanced in that brief—particularly the importance of trial courts retaining discretion to transfer cases based on practical realities, not artificial thresholds.

Looking Ahead

The Tranter decision brings much-needed clarity to the doctrine of forum non conveniens in Pennsylvania and reinforces the principle that justice should be local when possible. For trucking companies and other businesses with statewide operations, it provides reassurance that cases will be judged where the facts occurred—not simply where plaintiffs believe the venue is most favorable.

PMTA will continue to advocate for legal reforms and court decisions that promote fairness, reduce litigation abuse, and protect the economic vitality of Pennsylvania’s trucking industry.