**Virgin Islands High Court Tosses Trucking Contract Dispute**
The Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands ruled that 3RC & Company cannot sue Boynes Trucking System over a long-haul contract gone wrong. The court said the lower court never had proper power over the case because the parties had agreed to settle disputes in Delaware.
The trouble began when 3RC claimed Boynes failed to deliver freight on time and broke the contract. 3RC filed suit in the Virgin Islands, hoping to recover damages. Boynes fought back, arguing the contract contained a forum-selection clause that pointed disputes straight to Delaware courts. The lower court let the case move forward, but Boynes appealed.
The high court reversed the decision. It held that forum-selection clauses are generally valid and enforceable in the Virgin Islands. When both sides agreed to resolve disputes in Delaware, the local courts lost authority to hear the case. The court sent the case back with instructions to dismiss it so 3RC can refile in Delaware if it chooses.
For trucking companies and shippers doing business across jurisdictions, this ruling reinforces that bargained-for dispute clauses will be respected. It signals that attempted forum-shopping will likely be rejected.
**Bottom Line:** Trucking contracts with Delaware forum clauses will be honored in the Virgin Islands.
https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10862274/3rc-company-inc-v-boynes-trucking-system-inc/