Trucking Firm Accuses Ohio Brokerage of Defamation Over Missing Cargo Incident

A North Dakota-based trucking company has taken legal action against an Ohio freight brokerage, accusing it of defamation and business interference that allegedly cost the trucking firm significant financial losses. On January 22, 2026, Tilly MPH Trucking, LLC filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio against St. Anthony’s Brokerage Company, doing business as Kodis Transportation, and an employee identified as John Doe.

The lawsuit centers around a series of events beginning in January 2025 when Tilly MPH Trucking entered into an agreement with Kodis Transportation to deliver specific freight from North Dakota to Texas. The plaintiff asserts that it fulfilled its contractual obligations by delivering the specified items. However, unbeknownst to them, an additional item—a reel of wire—was mistakenly loaded onto their truck. Upon delivery in Texas, the plaintiff was informed about the missing reel but could not verify its presence due to a new sealed load already on board destined for another client.

Despite this explanation, Kodis Transportation and its employee John Doe reportedly accused Tilly MPH Trucking of unethical practices through public FreightGuard Reports on Carrier411.com—a platform used by brokers nationwide to assess potential carriers. These reports falsely claimed that Tilly MPH Trucking held cargo hostage and engaged in theft and fraudulent activities. According to the complaint, these accusations have severely damaged Tilly MPH’s reputation within the industry, leading to approximately $200,000 in lost business opportunities.

Tilly MPH Trucking is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $200,000 and punitive damages amounting to $350,000 under Ohio law for what they describe as willful and malicious actions by Kodis Transportation. They are also requesting injunctive relief requiring the removal of defamatory statements from Carrier411.com and preventing further publication of false claims against them.

Represented by attorney Thomas H. Kaczkowski from Reminger Co., LPA in Columbus, Ohio, Tilly MPH Trucking hopes for a favorable judgment that includes both monetary compensation and corrective measures to restore their standing in the trucking industry. The case has been assigned Case No.: 1:26-cv-175 but lacks specific judge assignment details at this time.