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Portland Logistics Firm Sues Alabama Carrier Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft

Imperative Logistics and subsidiary DTH Expeditors filed suit Monday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against Alabama Motor Express and two former employees, alleging a coordinated workforce raid and misappropriation of confidential business information.

The complaint names former Imperative staffers Joseph Cochran and Mary Evette Jones alongside AMX Expedited, which operates from Ashford, Alabama. According to filings, Jones served as director of operations since 2000 before departing in February. Cochran left March 30 after working as an area sales representative since 2005.

Imperative alleges five employees from the same office departed in rapid succession to join AMX in what the company describes as an orchestrated effort. The company claims they sought access to customer data, pricing information and operational details. Both defendants had signed restrictive covenants prohibiting disclosure of trade secrets and customer solicitation. AMX operates 234 power units and 234 drivers, FMCSA data shows. Imperative seeks injunctive relief, compensatory and exemplary damages plus attorney fees.