Jury Awards $4.6 Million to Quaychain Technologies in Contract Dispute with Utah Inland Port Authority
A Salt Lake County jury has unanimously awarded $4,611,452.89 to Quaychain Technologies, a logistics technology company specializing in data and connectivity systems, in its breach-of-contract case against the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA).
The unanimous verdict follows a week-long trial before Judge Richard Pehrson in Utah’s Third District Court in West Jordan. The jury found that UIPA failed to honor its contractual payment obligations to Quaychain for work performed under a 2021 agreement to develop the Intelligent Crossroads Network — a project intended to modernize Utah’s freight, rail, and trucking infrastructure through advanced AI and digital connectivity.
“This case was about accountability and fairness in government contracting,” said Thaddeus Wendt, trial counsel for Quaychain and a founding partner and CEO at Feller & Wendt, LLC™. “Our client delivered on its promises. The jury’s decision reaffirms that when a public entity enters into a contract, it has to keep its word just like anyone else.”
Wendt noted that Quaychain made multiple efforts to resolve the matter long before trial in order to protect taxpayer resources and avoid the costs of litigation. “Throughout this process, we were mindful that UIPA is funded by Utah taxpayers,” Wendt said. “Quaychain extended several settlement offers—each more than $3 million less than the jury’s verdict—to resolve this dispute fairly and efficiently. Unfortunately, the Port declined every offer, leaving us no choice but to proceed to trial. This verdict represents the consequence of those decisions.”
Wendt tried the case alongside Jared Butcher, who served as co-counsel and played a key role in developing and presenting the damages evidence. The Feller & Wendt trial team provided comprehensive support from pretrial preparation through verdict.
Defense counsel Kyle Kaiser and Scott Higley represented the Utah Inland Port Authority. Wendt commended them for their professionalism and civility throughout the case: “Kyle and Scott were excellent advocates who handled this matter with skill and integrity. The trial was hard-fought but respectful on both sides.”
He also praised Judge Pehrson for his even-handed management of the proceedings. “Judge Pehrson ran an exceptionally organized, fair, and efficient courtroom. His clear rulings and balanced approach gave both parties confidence in the process,” Wendt said.
The jury’s verdict compensates Quaychain for unpaid balances on work it performed and was willing to perform to design and build data-network infrastructure for Utah’s freight and logistics sectors. This work, had it been completed, would have made Utah a world leader in the logistical industry. The case highlighted broader issues of government accountability and the importance of honoring contracts that support innovation and economic development.
About Quaychain Technologies
Quaychainc Technologies is a logistics technology company that builds real-time data and connectivity systems to improve visibility, efficiency, and sustainability across supply chains. The company’s Intelligent Crossroads Network integrates private 5G, IoT, and cloud-based analytics to modernize freight and port operations across the Western United States.
About Feller & Wendt, LLC™
Feller & Wendt, LLC™ is a leading trial law firm representing individuals and businesses in complex civil and injury litigation across Utah, Arizona, and Idaho. The firm is known for its results-driven advocacy, collaborative culture, and commitment to achieving justice with professionalism and integrity. Feller & Wendt, LLC™ lives by its Core Focus “We Care About People™” and its Motto “Our Family Protecting Yours™”.
