{ "attribution": { "source": "legal.exploreworldai.com", "canonical": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:pasuperct-1775-mda-2024-2025-09-03", "cite_as": "NovaCopilot, legal.exploreworldai.com (https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:pasuperct-1775-mda-2024-2025-09-03)", "license": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/revision", "version": "legal-2026-10-17", "fingerprint": "ewai:us:e7344b", "proof": "sha256:957a4ec541d8d9855636092ea6c6f4e6a7e932b3f5fc01ad2f29fc222ed298fe", "jurisdiction": "us", "lang": "en", "publisher": "NovaCopilot by ExploreWorld Legal", "terms": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/om" }, "brand_source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "item": { "schema_version": "1.0.0", "id": "us:pasuperct-1775-mda-2024-2025-09-03", "jurisdiction": "us", "lang": "en", "brand_source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "brand": { "product": "NovaCopilot", "platform": "ExploreWorldAI", "infrastructure": "ExploreWorld Legal", "infrastructure_url": "legal.exploreworldai.com", "legal_entity": "Valkiv Ventures AB", "permanent_url": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/novacopilot", "source": "Source: NovaCopilot", "powered_by": "Powered by NovaCopilot", "license": "https://legal.exploreworldai.com/licensvillkor" }, "sections": [ { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "2025 PA Super 193", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "ANDREW ROSAMILIA", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Appellant", "paragraphs": [ "para_5" ] }, { "title": "ALASKA AIR CARGO", "paragraphs": [ "para_7", "para_8", "para_9", "para_10", "para_11", "para_12", "para_13", "para_14", "para_15" ] }, { "title": "IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "PENNSYLVANIA", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "No. 1775 MDA 2024", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Appeal from the Order Entered October 31, 2024", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "In the Court of Common Pleas of Clinton County Civil Division at No(s):", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "2023-00687", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "BEFORE: PANELLA, P.J.E., LANE, J., and STEVENS, P.J.E.*", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "OPINION BY STEVENS, P.J.E.: FILED: SEPTEMBER 3, 2025", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Appellant, Andrew Rosamilia, appeals from the October 31, 2024, order", "paragraphs": [ "para_25" ] }, { "title": "Appellee, Alaska Air Cargo’s (“Alaska Air”), preliminary objections based on", "paragraphs": [ "para_27", "para_28", "para_29" ] }, { "title": "2024, Appellant filed a Complaint against Alaska Air1 seeking monetary", "paragraphs": [ "para_31", "para_32", "para_33" ] }, { "title": "1 Appellant initially filed a Complaint with the magisterial district judge, who", "paragraphs": [ "para_35", "para_36", "para_37" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_39", "para_40", "para_41", "para_42" ] }, { "title": "Pennsylvania, and Alaska Air is a business operating with a last known address", "paragraphs": [ "para_44" ] }, { "title": "Alaska Air is in the business of shipping cargo to and from various destinations", "paragraphs": [ "para_46", "para_47", "para_48", "para_49", "para_50" ] }, { "title": "Anchorage, Alaska, to King Salmon, Alaska. Id. at 1 ¶ 4. Appellant sought", "paragraphs": [ "para_52", "para_53", "para_54", "para_55", "para_56", "para_57", "para_58" ] }, { "title": "Anchorage. Id. at 2 ¶ 6. Appellant claimed that Alaska Air’s representative", "paragraphs": [ "para_60" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_62", "para_63", "para_64" ] }, { "title": "Alaska Air then shipped all items, except for the motor, from King", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Salmon back to Anchorage. Id. at 2 ¶ 9. Appellant claimed that, despite the", "paragraphs": [ "para_67", "para_68", "para_69" ] }, { "title": "Alaska Air refused. Id. at 2 ¶ 11. Appellant alleged Alaska Air violated its", "paragraphs": [ "para_71", "para_72" ] }, { "title": "On February 29, 2024, Alaska Air filed preliminary objections with a", "paragraphs": [ "para_74", "para_75", "para_76", "para_77" ] }, { "title": "Alaska Air noted that the motor was deemed to be a “dangerous good,” which", "paragraphs": [ "para_79", "para_80", "para_81" ] }, { "title": "Subsequently, Appellant contacted Alaska Air to arrange for a second", "paragraphs": [ "para_83", "para_84" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_86", "para_87" ] }, { "title": "Alaska Air indicated there was no dangerous goods agent available in King", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Salmon, and, thus, when Appellant requested the shipment of the motor from", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "King Salmon to Anchorage, Alaska Air was unable to do so. Id. Alaska Air", "paragraphs": [ "para_91", "para_92" ] }, { "title": "Salmon to Anchorage, Alaska Air did not charge Appellant shipping fees", "paragraphs": [ "para_94" ] }, { "title": "After setting forth the pertinent facts, Alaska Air alleged that", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Pennsylvania is an improper venue for the instant action, and, thus, pursuant", "paragraphs": [ "para_97", "para_98" ] }, { "title": "Appellant is bound by the Alaska Air Cargo Domestic Conditions of Contract", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "(“the carriage contract”), which specifically provides the parties consented to", "paragraphs": [ "para_101" ] }, { "title": "County, Washington. Id. at 3-5 ¶¶ 15-25. Citing to 14 C.F.R. § 253, which", "paragraphs": [ "para_103", "para_104", "para_105" ] }, { "title": "Further, in support of its argument that venue in Pennsylvania is", "paragraphs": [ "para_107", "para_108" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_110" ] }, { "title": "International Airport in the State of Washington. Id. at 6 ¶ 29. Alaska Air", "paragraphs": [ "para_112", "para_113" ] }, { "title": "Appellant has substantial contacts in Alaska, which is closer to Washington", "paragraphs": [ "para_115", "para_116" ] }, { "title": "On May 2, 2024, Appellant filed a memorandum answer in opposition to", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Alaska Air’s preliminary objections. Appellant alleged that he was not bound", "paragraphs": [ "para_119", "para_120" ] }, { "title": "Answer, filed 5/2/24, at 3. Moreover, Appellant contended that 14 C.F.R. §", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "253, to which Alaska Air cited, is inapplicable since it applies solely to", "paragraphs": [ "para_123", "para_124", "para_125" ] }, { "title": "Further, Appellant claimed that Alaska Air’s preliminary objections", "paragraphs": [ "para_127" ] }, { "title": "In this vein, Appellant noted that Alaska Air alleged the existence of an", "paragraphs": [ "para_129", "para_130", "para_131" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_133", "para_134", "para_135", "para_136", "para_137", "para_138" ] }, { "title": "Air suggested Appellant cannot “pick and choose” which portions of the", "paragraphs": [ "para_140" ] }, { "title": "Moreover, Alaska Air contended the issue of venue in the instant matter", "paragraphs": [ "para_142" ] }, { "title": "Clinton County, Pennsylvania. Specifically, Alaska Air contended there is no", "paragraphs": [ "para_144", "para_145", "para_146", "para_147" ] }, { "title": "By order and opinion entered on July 23, 2024, the trial court indicated", "paragraphs": [ "para_149" ] }, { "title": "Relevantly, the trial court indicated “the alleged Agreement containing the", "paragraphs": [ "para_151", "para_152" ] }, { "title": "7/23/24, at 5. Further, the trial court indicated that, since it was “unable to", "paragraphs": [ "para_154" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_156", "para_157", "para_158" ] }, { "title": "Thereafter, on October 10, 2024, the matter proceeded to an", "paragraphs": [ "para_160", "para_161", "para_162" ] }, { "title": "Alaska, and his job duties include oversight of Alaska Air’s cargo and", "paragraphs": [ "para_164", "para_165", "para_166", "para_167", "para_168", "para_169", "para_170", "para_171", "para_172", "para_173" ] }, { "title": "Mr. Fulton testified the log notes for Appellant’s account, which are kept", "paragraphs": [ "para_175" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_177", "para_178" ] }, { "title": "Id. at 9. Mr. Fulton indicated Appellant was referred to TGI to get assistance", "paragraphs": [ "para_180" ] }, { "title": "Mr. Fulton testified the log notes for August 3, 2021, contained a", "paragraphs": [ "para_182", "para_183" ] }, { "title": "FLT is on ground. Will try to call AKN back later.”3 Id. Mr. Fulton explained", "paragraphs": [ "para_185", "para_186", "para_187", "para_188" ] }, { "title": "Mr. Fulton indicated the log notes for January 24, 2022, contained the", "paragraphs": [ "para_190" ] }, { "title": "I received a call from shipper [Appellant] about this[.] Last", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "July it flew ANC to AKN, but needed to be returned to ANC. All", "paragraphs": [ "para_193" ] }, { "title": "AKN not having dangerous goods agents. I confirmed with Hans", "paragraphs": [ "para_195", "para_196", "para_197", "para_198" ] }, { "title": "2 He explained “DG” is an abbreviation for “dangerous goods.” Id. at 7. “TGI”", "paragraphs": [ "para_200", "para_201" ] }, { "title": "3 Mr. Fulton explained “ANC” is an abbreviation for “Anchorage,” “AKN” is an", "paragraphs": [ "para_203", "para_204" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_206", "para_207" ] }, { "title": "Mr. Fulton explained the log entry meant there was a dangerous good", "paragraphs": [ "para_209", "para_210", "para_211" ] }, { "title": "Salmon to Anchorage. The log entry discussed sending an agent to King", "paragraphs": [ "para_213" ] }, { "title": "Mr. Fulton testified the log notes for January 24, 2024, contained the", "paragraphs": [ "para_215" ] }, { "title": "I called shipper [Appellant] a couple of times and was only", "paragraphs": [ "para_217", "para_218", "para_219", "para_220", "para_221", "para_222", "para_223" ] }, { "title": "Mr. Fulton testified the entry meant that an Alaska Air employee advised", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Appellant that, in order to get the motor shipped from King Salmon to", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Anchorage, he needed to pay the costs of having dangerous goods paperwork", "paragraphs": [ "para_227", "para_228" ] }, { "title": "Appellant needed “to get new paperwork from TGI to return [the motor] to", "paragraphs": [ "para_230" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_232", "para_233", "para_234", "para_235", "para_236", "para_237", "para_238", "para_239" ] }, { "title": "Alaska Air then entered into evidence the “Alaska Air Cargo Domestic", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Conditions of Contract,” which is a carrier contract. Id. at 16. Mr. Fulton", "paragraphs": [ "para_242" ] }, { "title": "Id. He indicated that, anytime cargo is shipped through Alaska Air, the terms", "paragraphs": [ "para_244", "para_245" ] }, { "title": "These conditions of contract will be governed by and", "paragraphs": [ "para_247", "para_248" ] }, { "title": "Conditions of Contract, the parties consent to exclusive", "paragraphs": [ "para_250" ] }, { "title": "County, Washington. If any party employs attorneys to enforce", "paragraphs": [ "para_252", "para_253", "para_254", "para_255", "para_256" ] }, { "title": "Washington, at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Id. at 19. Seattle", "paragraphs": [ "para_258" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_260", "para_261", "para_262" ] }, { "title": "At this point, the following relevant exchange occurred:", "paragraphs": [ "para_264", "para_265", "para_266", "para_267", "para_268", "para_269", "para_270", "para_271" ] }, { "title": "Trying to figure out where this contract took place and", "paragraphs": [ "para_273", "para_274", "para_275", "para_276", "para_277", "para_278", "para_279", "para_280", "para_281", "para_282", "para_283", "para_284", "para_285", "para_286", "para_287", "para_288", "para_289", "para_290", "para_291", "para_292" ] }, { "title": "Washington state. That has absolutely nothing to do with any", "paragraphs": [ "para_294", "para_295", "para_296", "para_297", "para_298" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_300", "para_301", "para_302", "para_303", "para_304", "para_305", "para_306", "para_307", "para_308", "para_309", "para_310", "para_311" ] }, { "title": "Mr. Fulton testified that the carriage contract’s requirement that King", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "County, Washington, is where jurisdiction lies for civil disputes is intertwined", "paragraphs": [ "para_314", "para_315" ] }, { "title": "On cross-examination, Mr. Fulton agreed that the transaction at issue", "paragraphs": [ "para_317", "para_318", "para_319", "para_320", "para_321", "para_322" ] }, { "title": "On redirect examination, Mr. Fulton testified it is not customary for", "paragraphs": [ "para_324", "para_325" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_327", "para_328", "para_329" ] }, { "title": "At the conclusion of Mr. Fulton’s testimony, Alaska Air’s counsel", "paragraphs": [ "para_331" ] }, { "title": "Appellant’s counsel objected, and the relevant exchange occurred:", "paragraphs": [ "para_333", "para_334", "para_335" ] }, { "title": "Washington State. Everything else is entirely irrelevant for", "paragraphs": [ "para_337", "para_338", "para_339" ] }, { "title": "So, the question of any contacts in Clinton County, any", "paragraphs": [ "para_341", "para_342", "para_343", "para_344", "para_345", "para_346", "para_347", "para_348", "para_349", "para_350", "para_351", "para_352", "para_353", "para_354", "para_355", "para_356", "para_357", "para_358", "para_359", "para_360", "para_361", "para_362", "para_363", "para_364" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_366", "para_367", "para_368", "para_369" ] }, { "title": "The Court: I’ll allow limited testimony on whether venue is", "paragraphs": [ "para_371", "para_372", "para_373" ] }, { "title": "Appellant testified he has a “very transient lifestyle,” and he has an", "paragraphs": [ "para_375" ] }, { "title": "Pennsylvania, Maryland, and South Dakota. Id. at 38. He indicated that, to", "paragraphs": [ "para_377", "para_378" ] }, { "title": "Appellant testified he had never seen the carriage contract used by", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Alaska Air. Id. at 41. He admitted that, before he requested the first", "paragraphs": [ "para_381", "para_382" ] }, { "title": "At this point, the trial court permitted the attorneys to make arguments", "paragraphs": [ "para_384", "para_385" ] }, { "title": "Washington. Id. at 44-47. Specifically, he argued that Appellant was bound", "paragraphs": [ "para_387" ] }, { "title": "He noted the law permits companies that do business throughout the country", "paragraphs": [ "para_389" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_391", "para_392", "para_393" ] }, { "title": "Moreover, as to proper venue, Alaska Air’s counsel noted that", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Appellant’s primary residence is not in Pennsylvania; however, Appellant has", "paragraphs": [ "para_396", "para_397", "para_398", "para_399" ] }, { "title": "In response, Appellant’s counsel argued the preliminary objections “are", "paragraphs": [ "para_401", "para_402" ] }, { "title": "C.F.R. § 253 is inapplicable to this matter because that statute addresses", "paragraphs": [ "para_404" ] }, { "title": "Appellant’s counsel further argued the venue selection clause in the carrier", "paragraphs": [ "para_406", "para_407", "para_408" ] }, { "title": "Appellant’s Complaint with prejudice. In the accompanying opinion, the trial", "paragraphs": [ "para_410" ] }, { "title": "Under Pennsylvania law, “corporations have a constitutional", "paragraphs": [ "para_412" ] }, { "title": "Suburban Water Co., 802 A.2d 666, 668 (Pa.Super. 2002)[.]", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "The proper method of seeking a change [of improper venue] is", "paragraphs": [ "para_415", "para_416" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_418" ] }, { "title": "Under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure:", "paragraphs": [ "para_420", "para_421", "para_422", "para_423" ] }, { "title": "(2) the corporation or similar entity regularly conducts", "paragraphs": [ "para_425", "para_426", "para_427", "para_428", "para_429", "para_430" ] }, { "title": "Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(a). Because [Appellant] does not seek equitable", "paragraphs": [ "para_432", "para_433", "para_434", "para_435", "para_436" ] }, { "title": "Rule 2179(a)(1) allows a plaintiff to bring a personal action", "paragraphs": [ "para_438", "para_439" ] }, { "title": "Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(a)(1). The testimony of Larry Fulton, a forty-", "paragraphs": [ "para_441" ] }, { "title": "Air] is headquartered at [the] Seattle-Tacoma International", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Airport in King County, Washington. [Appellant] also stated in", "paragraphs": [ "para_444", "para_445", "para_446", "para_447" ] }, { "title": "County, Washington. The [trial] court has not received testimony", "paragraphs": [ "para_449", "para_450", "para_451", "para_452" ] }, { "title": "Under Rule 2179(a)(2), a personal action against a", "paragraphs": [ "para_454", "para_455" ] }, { "title": "Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(a)(2). To determine where a corporation", "paragraphs": [ "para_457", "para_458", "para_459", "para_460" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_462" ] }, { "title": "The Superior Court [has] explained that “‘quality of acts’ means", "paragraphs": [ "para_464", "para_465", "para_466", "para_467", "para_468", "para_469", "para_470", "para_471" ] }, { "title": "Importantly, mere advertisement or solicitation of business", "paragraphs": [ "para_473", "para_474", "para_475" ] }, { "title": "Meanwhile, to satisfy the “quantity” prong of the quantity-", "paragraphs": [ "para_477", "para_478", "para_479", "para_480" ] }, { "title": "Pennsylvania appellate courts have often considered the", "paragraphs": [ "para_482", "para_483", "para_484", "para_485", "para_486", "para_487", "para_488", "para_489" ] }, { "title": "In the instant case, the Complaint does not contain any", "paragraphs": [ "para_491" ] }, { "title": "Clinton County, Pennsylvania. The only reference made to [Alaska", "paragraphs": [ "para_493", "para_494", "para_495", "para_496", "para_497", "para_498", "para_499", "para_500", "para_501" ] }, { "title": "Clinton County, Pennsylvania. It bears repeating: the [trial] court", "paragraphs": [ "para_503", "para_504" ] }, { "title": "For this reason, the [trial] court finds that the quality-quantity test", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_507", "para_508", "para_509", "para_510" ] }, { "title": "Rules 2179(a)(3) and (a)(4) provide that a personal action", "paragraphs": [ "para_512", "para_513", "para_514" ] }, { "title": "2179(a)(3), (a)(4). In the instant case, the cause of action was", "paragraphs": [ "para_516", "para_517" ] }, { "title": "Alaska, and Anchorage, Alaska. The Complaint alleges that “[i]n", "paragraphs": [ "para_519", "para_520" ] }, { "title": "Washington, to ship various items from Anchorage, Alaska, to", "paragraphs": [ "para_522", "para_523" ] }, { "title": "Salmon, Alaska, by [Alaska Air].”", "paragraphs": [ "para_525", "para_526", "para_527" ] }, { "title": "Anchorage. The Complaint then alleges that, despite [Appellant’s]", "paragraphs": [ "para_529" ] }, { "title": "Complaint does not allege that this second transaction, which", "paragraphs": [ "para_531" ] }, { "title": "Pennsylvania. Even if the Complaint did so allege, the Complaint", "paragraphs": [ "para_533", "para_534", "para_535", "para_536" ] }, { "title": "County, Pennsylvania. For these reasons, neither Rule 2179(a)(3)", "paragraphs": [ "para_538", "para_539" ] }, { "title": "Pursuant to the above, and under the Pennsylvania Rules of", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Civil Procedure, the [trial] court finds venue in this case to be", "paragraphs": [ "para_542" ] }, { "title": "SUSTAIN [Alaska Air’s] preliminary objections and DISMISS", "paragraphs": [ "para_544", "para_545" ] }, { "title": "4 Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1006(e) provides that, “[i]f a", "paragraphs": [ "para_547" ] }, { "title": "(Footnote Continued Next Page)", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_550", "para_551", "para_552", "para_553" ] }, { "title": "On November 27, 2024, Appellant filed a timely notice of appeal. On", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "December 9, 2024, the trial court directed Appellant to file a Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b)", "paragraphs": [ "para_556", "para_557" ] }, { "title": "On appeal, Appellant sets forth the following sole issue in his “Statement", "paragraphs": [ "para_559" ] }, { "title": "A. Whether the trial court committed an error of law/abuse of", "paragraphs": [ "para_561", "para_562", "para_563", "para_564", "para_565" ] }, { "title": "Appellant’s Brief at 6 (unnecessary capitalization and suggested answer", "paragraphs": [ "para_567" ] }, { "title": "On appeal, Appellant admits Alaska Air’s preliminary objections sought", "paragraphs": [ "para_569", "para_570", "para_571", "para_572", "para_573", "para_574", "para_575", "para_576" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_578", "para_579", "para_580", "para_581", "para_582", "para_583" ] }, { "title": "Consequently, Appellant contends the trial court erred when it", "paragraphs": [ "para_585", "para_586", "para_587" ] }, { "title": "Appellant asserts the trial court “failed to consider that any argument/decision", "paragraphs": [ "para_589" ] }, { "title": "Alaska Air], and, instead, [erroneously] based its decision to dismiss this", "paragraphs": [ "para_591" ] }, { "title": "Appellant does not challenge whether the substance of the trial court’s", "paragraphs": [ "para_593", "para_594", "para_595" ] }, { "title": "In reviewing Appellant’s claim, we note this Court has recently held as", "paragraphs": [ "para_597", "para_598", "para_599", "para_600", "para_601", "para_602", "para_603" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_605", "para_606", "para_607", "para_608", "para_609", "para_610", "para_611", "para_612" ] }, { "title": "(Pa.Super. 2007) (quotation marks and quotation omitted))[.]", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "As to the abuse of discretion standard:", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "An abuse of discretion is not merely an error of", "paragraphs": [ "para_616", "para_617", "para_618", "para_619", "para_620", "para_621", "para_622", "para_623", "para_624", "para_625", "para_626" ] }, { "title": "Mendoza-Colon v. Luscomb, Inc., 335 A.3d 1207, 1212 (Pa.Super. 2025)", "paragraphs": [ "para_628" ] }, { "title": "598 A.2d 1027, 1028 (Pa.Super. 1991) (holding the determination of whether", "paragraphs": [ "para_630", "para_631", "para_632" ] }, { "title": "Our Supreme Court has recognized that “[v]enue is predominately a", "paragraphs": [ "para_634" ] }, { "title": "McGinley v. Scott, 401 Pa. 310, 164 A.2d 424, 429 (1960). Corporations", "paragraphs": [ "para_636" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_638", "para_639", "para_640" ] }, { "title": "Further, our Supreme Court, as well as this Court, have recognized the", "paragraphs": [ "para_642", "para_643" ] }, { "title": "Corp., 507 EDA 2021, 284 A.3d 942 (Pa.Super. 2022) (Table) (unpublished", "paragraphs": [ "para_645", "para_646" ] }, { "title": "1028(a)(1).6 Rule 1006(e) provides, in relevant part, that “[i]mproper venue", "paragraphs": [ "para_648" ] }, { "title": "Pa.R.Civ.P. 1006(e). Finally, Rule 2179 sets forth where “a personal action", "paragraphs": [ "para_650" ] }, { "title": "Specifically:", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Rule 2179. Venue in an Action Against a Corporation or", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Similar Entity", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "(a) General Rule. Except as otherwise provided by an Act", "paragraphs": [ "para_655", "para_656", "para_657", "para_658" ] }, { "title": "5 We note that, pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 126(b), unpublished non-precedential", "paragraphs": [ "para_660", "para_661" ] }, { "title": "6 The Note to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1028(a)(1) provides that “[o]f the three grounds", "paragraphs": [ "para_663", "para_664", "para_665" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_667" ] }, { "title": "(1) the registered office or principal place of business of the", "paragraphs": [ "para_669" ] }, { "title": "(2) the corporation or similar entity regularly conducts", "paragraphs": [ "para_671" ] }, { "title": "(3) the cause of action arose;", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "(4) a transaction or occurrence took place out of which the", "paragraphs": [ "para_674" ] }, { "title": "(5) the property or a part of the property, which is the", "paragraphs": [ "para_676", "para_677", "para_678" ] }, { "title": "Here, there is no dispute that Alaska Air challenged the propriety of", "paragraphs": [ "para_680", "para_681", "para_682", "para_683" ] }, { "title": "In addressing Appellant’s specific contention, the trial court stated the", "paragraphs": [ "para_685" ] }, { "title": "The [trial] court notes that, in ruling on [Alaska Air’s]", "paragraphs": [ "para_687", "para_688" ] }, { "title": "Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, which governs venue in", "paragraphs": [ "para_690", "para_691", "para_692", "para_693", "para_694", "para_695" ] }, { "title": "In applying Rule 2179(a) to the facts of the instant case, the", "paragraphs": [ "para_697" ] }, { "title": "Pennsylvania. As such, for the [trial] court to consider the", "paragraphs": [ "para_699" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_701", "para_702", "para_703", "para_704", "para_705", "para_706" ] }, { "title": "We conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion, and contrary to", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Appellant’s assertion, the trial court did not “overstep its bounds” in applying", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179. While the “primary thrust” of Alaska Air’s preliminary", "paragraphs": [ "para_710", "para_711" ] }, { "title": "King County, Washington, we agree with the trial court that a fair reading of", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Alaska Air’s preliminary objection also included assertions related to Rule", "paragraphs": [ "para_714" ] }, { "title": "Moreover, despite Appellant’s attempts during the evidentiary hearing", "paragraphs": [ "para_716", "para_717", "para_718", "para_719", "para_720", "para_721" ] }, { "title": "Alaska Air argued during the evidentiary hearing that other “factors,” including", "paragraphs": [ "para_723", "para_724", "para_725" ] }, { "title": "J-A21033-25", "paragraphs": [ "para_727" ] }, { "title": "For all of the foregoing reasons, we conclude the trial court did not abuse", "paragraphs": [ "para_729" ] }, { "title": "Warehime v. Warehime, 580 Pa. 201, 860 A.3d 41, 46 (2004). In the case", "paragraphs": [ "para_731", "para_732", "para_733", "para_734", "para_735", "para_736", "para_737", "para_738" ] }, { "title": "Prothonotary", "paragraphs": [] }, { "title": "Date: 09/03/2025", "paragraphs": [ "para_741" ] }, { "title": "7 Given Appellant has not contended the substance of the trial court’s analysis", "paragraphs": [ "para_743", "para_744", "para_745", "para_746" ] }, { "title": "Opinion, filed 10/31/24, at 6-10. Finally, we note that, although Appellant", "paragraphs": [ "para_748", "para_749", "para_750", "para_751", "para_752" ] } ], "paragraphs": [ { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_1" }, { "text": "2025 PA Super 193", "paragraph_id": "para_2" }, { "text": "ANDREW ROSAMILIA", "paragraph_id": "para_3" }, { "text": "Appellant", "paragraph_id": "para_4" }, { "text": "v.", "paragraph_id": "para_5" }, { "text": "ALASKA AIR CARGO", "paragraph_id": "para_6" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_7" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_8" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_9" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_10" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_11" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_12" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_13" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_14" }, { "text": ":", "paragraph_id": "para_15" }, { "text": "IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF", "paragraph_id": "para_16" }, { "text": "PENNSYLVANIA", "paragraph_id": "para_17" }, { "text": "No. 1775 MDA 2024", "paragraph_id": "para_18" }, { "text": "Appeal from the Order Entered October 31, 2024", "paragraph_id": "para_19" }, { "text": "In the Court of Common Pleas of Clinton County Civil Division at No(s):", "paragraph_id": "para_20" }, { "text": "2023-00687", "paragraph_id": "para_21" }, { "text": "BEFORE: PANELLA, P.J.E., LANE, J., and STEVENS, P.J.E.*", "paragraph_id": "para_22" }, { "text": "OPINION BY STEVENS, P.J.E.: FILED: SEPTEMBER 3, 2025", "paragraph_id": "para_23" }, { "text": "Appellant, Andrew Rosamilia, appeals from the October 31, 2024, order", "paragraph_id": "para_24" }, { "text": "entered in the Court of Common Pleas of Clinton County, which sustained", "paragraph_id": "para_25" }, { "text": "Appellee, Alaska Air Cargo’s (“Alaska Air”), preliminary objections based on", "paragraph_id": "para_26" }, { "text": "improper venue in Pennsylvania and dismissed Appellant’s complaint with", "paragraph_id": "para_27" }, { "text": "prejudice. After our careful review, we affirm.", "paragraph_id": "para_28" }, { "text": "The relevant facts and procedural history are as follows: On February 9,", "paragraph_id": "para_29" }, { "text": "2024, Appellant filed a Complaint against Alaska Air1 seeking monetary", "paragraph_id": "para_30" }, { "text": "damages and presenting three counts: (1) breach of contract, (2) unjust", "paragraph_id": "para_31" }, { "text": "____________________________________________", "paragraph_id": "para_32" }, { "text": "* Former Justice specially assigned to the Superior Court.", "paragraph_id": "para_33" }, { "text": "1 Appellant initially filed a Complaint with the magisterial district judge, who", "paragraph_id": "para_34" }, { "text": "entered judgment in favor of Appellant. However, thereafter, Alaska Air filed", "paragraph_id": "para_35" }, { "text": "a notice of appeal, as well as a praecipe for Appellant to file a Complaint, in", "paragraph_id": "para_36" }, { "text": "the trial court.", "paragraph_id": "para_37" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_38" }, { "text": "- 2 -", "paragraph_id": "para_39" }, { "text": "enrichment, and (3) violation of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer", "paragraph_id": "para_40" }, { "text": "Protection Law (“UTPCPL”), 73 P.S. §§ 201-1 et seq.", "paragraph_id": "para_41" }, { "text": "In support of his claims, Appellant averred that he lives in Lock Haven,", "paragraph_id": "para_42" }, { "text": "Pennsylvania, and Alaska Air is a business operating with a last known address", "paragraph_id": "para_43" }, { "text": "of Seattle, Washington. See Appellant’s Complaint, filed 2/9/24, at 1 ¶¶ 1-2.", "paragraph_id": "para_44" }, { "text": "Alaska Air is in the business of shipping cargo to and from various destinations", "paragraph_id": "para_45" }, { "text": "in the United States, and Alaska Air advertises its services in Pennsylvania.", "paragraph_id": "para_46" }, { "text": "Id. at 1 ¶ 3.", "paragraph_id": "para_47" }, { "text": "Appellant contended that, in July of 2021, while he was in Pennsylvania,", "paragraph_id": "para_48" }, { "text": "he contacted Alaska Air to arrange for the shipment of various items, including", "paragraph_id": "para_49" }, { "text": "a 15-horsepower manual start Mercury outboard motor (“the motor”), from", "paragraph_id": "para_50" }, { "text": "Anchorage, Alaska, to King Salmon, Alaska. Id. at 1 ¶ 4. Appellant sought", "paragraph_id": "para_51" }, { "text": "to have these items shipped to King Salmon as he intended to purchase a", "paragraph_id": "para_52" }, { "text": "cabin in the area. Appellant paid for the shipment, and Alaska Air successfully", "paragraph_id": "para_53" }, { "text": "shipped all items, including the motor, from Anchorage to King Salmon without", "paragraph_id": "para_54" }, { "text": "incident. Id. at 1 ¶ 5.", "paragraph_id": "para_55" }, { "text": "Subsequently, the owners of the cabin decided not to sell it to Appellant,", "paragraph_id": "para_56" }, { "text": "and, thus, Appellant contacted Alaska Air and requested that the previously", "paragraph_id": "para_57" }, { "text": "shipped items, including the motor, be shipped from King Salmon back to", "paragraph_id": "para_58" }, { "text": "Anchorage. Id. at 2 ¶ 6. Appellant claimed that Alaska Air’s representative", "paragraph_id": "para_59" }, { "text": "agreed to ship all items from King Salmon to Anchorage upon Appellant’s", "paragraph_id": "para_60" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_61" }, { "text": "- 3 -", "paragraph_id": "para_62" }, { "text": "payment of a second shipping fee, and, thus, Appellant paid, in full, the", "paragraph_id": "para_63" }, { "text": "shipping fee. Id. at 2 ¶¶ 7-8.", "paragraph_id": "para_64" }, { "text": "Alaska Air then shipped all items, except for the motor, from King", "paragraph_id": "para_65" }, { "text": "Salmon back to Anchorage. Id. at 2 ¶ 9. Appellant claimed that, despite the", "paragraph_id": "para_66" }, { "text": "fact he paid the second shipping fee in full, the motor remained in Alaska Air’s", "paragraph_id": "para_67" }, { "text": "possession in King Salmon. Id. at 2 ¶ 10. Appellant averred that he made", "paragraph_id": "para_68" }, { "text": "numerous demands for Alaska Air to return the motor to Anchorage, but", "paragraph_id": "para_69" }, { "text": "Alaska Air refused. Id. at 2 ¶ 11. Appellant alleged Alaska Air violated its", "paragraph_id": "para_70" }, { "text": "contract with Appellant, unjustly denied Appellant use of the motor since July", "paragraph_id": "para_71" }, { "text": "of 2021, and used “unfair or deceptive acts or practices.” Id. at 3 ¶ 22.", "paragraph_id": "para_72" }, { "text": "On February 29, 2024, Alaska Air filed preliminary objections with a", "paragraph_id": "para_73" }, { "text": "supporting brief. In setting forth the relevant facts, Alaska Air averred that,", "paragraph_id": "para_74" }, { "text": "when Appellant requested that Alaska Air ship various items, including the", "paragraph_id": "para_75" }, { "text": "motor, from Anchorage to King Salmon, the shipment occurred without", "paragraph_id": "para_76" }, { "text": "incident. See Alaska Air’s Preliminary Objections, filed 2/29/24, at 1 ¶ 2.", "paragraph_id": "para_77" }, { "text": "Alaska Air noted that the motor was deemed to be a “dangerous good,” which", "paragraph_id": "para_78" }, { "text": "required a dangerous goods agent to process the shipment, and Appellant was", "paragraph_id": "para_79" }, { "text": "so informed. Id. at 2 ¶¶ 4-5. A dangerous goods agent was available in", "paragraph_id": "para_80" }, { "text": "Anchorage to approve the motor for shipment from Anchorage to King Salmon.", "paragraph_id": "para_81" }, { "text": "Subsequently, Appellant contacted Alaska Air to arrange for a second", "paragraph_id": "para_82" }, { "text": "shipment. Specifically, Appellant requested the return of the previously", "paragraph_id": "para_83" }, { "text": "shipped items to Anchorage. Alaska Air contended that all items, except for", "paragraph_id": "para_84" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_85" }, { "text": "- 4 -", "paragraph_id": "para_86" }, { "text": "the motor, were shipped from King Salmon to Anchorage. Id. at 1-2 ¶¶ 3-4.", "paragraph_id": "para_87" }, { "text": "Alaska Air indicated there was no dangerous goods agent available in King", "paragraph_id": "para_88" }, { "text": "Salmon, and, thus, when Appellant requested the shipment of the motor from", "paragraph_id": "para_89" }, { "text": "King Salmon to Anchorage, Alaska Air was unable to do so. Id. Alaska Air", "paragraph_id": "para_90" }, { "text": "contended that it informed Appellant the motor was a dangerous good, and,", "paragraph_id": "para_91" }, { "text": "since Alaska Air was unable to accept the motor for shipment from King", "paragraph_id": "para_92" }, { "text": "Salmon to Anchorage, Alaska Air did not charge Appellant shipping fees", "paragraph_id": "para_93" }, { "text": "related thereto. Id. at 2 ¶ 6.", "paragraph_id": "para_94" }, { "text": "After setting forth the pertinent facts, Alaska Air alleged that", "paragraph_id": "para_95" }, { "text": "Pennsylvania is an improper venue for the instant action, and, thus, pursuant", "paragraph_id": "para_96" }, { "text": "to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1028(a)(1), Alaska Air requested the", "paragraph_id": "para_97" }, { "text": "trial court dismiss the action. Id. at 2 ¶¶ 9-10. Relevantly, Alaska Air averred", "paragraph_id": "para_98" }, { "text": "Appellant is bound by the Alaska Air Cargo Domestic Conditions of Contract", "paragraph_id": "para_99" }, { "text": "(“the carriage contract”), which specifically provides the parties consented to", "paragraph_id": "para_100" }, { "text": "exclusive jurisdiction and venue of state/federal courts situated in King", "paragraph_id": "para_101" }, { "text": "County, Washington. Id. at 3-5 ¶¶ 15-25. Citing to 14 C.F.R. § 253, which", "paragraph_id": "para_102" }, { "text": "provides that carriage contracts are incorporated by reference into airline", "paragraph_id": "para_103" }, { "text": "tickets, Alaska Air averred the forum selection clause in the carriage contract", "paragraph_id": "para_104" }, { "text": "is valid, enforceable, and reasonable. Id. at 3 ¶ 16.", "paragraph_id": "para_105" }, { "text": "Further, in support of its argument that venue in Pennsylvania is", "paragraph_id": "para_106" }, { "text": "improper, Alaska Air claimed the proper forum is King County, Washington,", "paragraph_id": "para_107" }, { "text": "since its headquarters are based in King County at the Seattle-Tacoma", "paragraph_id": "para_108" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_109" }, { "text": "- 5 -", "paragraph_id": "para_110" }, { "text": "International Airport in the State of Washington. Id. at 6 ¶ 29. Alaska Air", "paragraph_id": "para_111" }, { "text": "noted the shipments occurred in Alaska, which is closer to Washington as", "paragraph_id": "para_112" }, { "text": "opposed to Pennsylvania. Id. at 6 ¶¶ 28-29. Further, Alaska Air noted", "paragraph_id": "para_113" }, { "text": "Appellant has substantial contacts in Alaska, which is closer to Washington", "paragraph_id": "para_114" }, { "text": "than it is to Pennsylvania. Id. Thus, Alaska Air contended the proper venue", "paragraph_id": "para_115" }, { "text": "was King County, Washington, as opposed to Clinton County, Pennsylvania.", "paragraph_id": "para_116" }, { "text": "On May 2, 2024, Appellant filed a memorandum answer in opposition to", "paragraph_id": "para_117" }, { "text": "Alaska Air’s preliminary objections. Appellant alleged that he was not bound", "paragraph_id": "para_118" }, { "text": "by the carriage contract. He noted he did not endorse the carriage contract,", "paragraph_id": "para_119" }, { "text": "and he is not identified in the carriage contract. See Appellant’s Memorandum", "paragraph_id": "para_120" }, { "text": "Answer, filed 5/2/24, at 3. Moreover, Appellant contended that 14 C.F.R. §", "paragraph_id": "para_121" }, { "text": "253, to which Alaska Air cited, is inapplicable since it applies solely to", "paragraph_id": "para_122" }, { "text": "“passenger air transportation.” Id. at 3-4. In any event, Appellant claimed", "paragraph_id": "para_123" }, { "text": "that, assuming, arguendo, 14 C.F.R. § 253 is applicable to the instant matter,", "paragraph_id": "para_124" }, { "text": "Alaska Air otherwise failed to satisfy the requirements thereof. Id. at 4.", "paragraph_id": "para_125" }, { "text": "Further, Appellant claimed that Alaska Air’s preliminary objections", "paragraph_id": "para_126" }, { "text": "raised issues of fact, which could not be determined from the facts of record.", "paragraph_id": "para_127" }, { "text": "In this vein, Appellant noted that Alaska Air alleged the existence of an", "paragraph_id": "para_128" }, { "text": "agreement to venue in King County, Washington. However, Appellant averred", "paragraph_id": "para_129" }, { "text": "this allegation created an issue of fact since Appellant did not attach a contract", "paragraph_id": "para_130" }, { "text": "to his Complaint.", "paragraph_id": "para_131" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_132" }, { "text": "- 6 -", "paragraph_id": "para_133" }, { "text": "The trial court filed an order indicating Alaska Air could file a reply brief,", "paragraph_id": "para_134" }, { "text": "and on June 12, 2024, Alaska Air filed a reply brief in support of its preliminary", "paragraph_id": "para_135" }, { "text": "objections. Therein, Alaska Air contended that Appellant, via his Complaint", "paragraph_id": "para_136" }, { "text": "wherein he raised a claim of breach of contract, acknowledged he is bound by", "paragraph_id": "para_137" }, { "text": "the carriage contract. See Alaska Air’s Reply Brief, filed 6/12/24, at 1. Alaska", "paragraph_id": "para_138" }, { "text": "Air suggested Appellant cannot “pick and choose” which portions of the", "paragraph_id": "para_139" }, { "text": "carriage contract are enforceable. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_140" }, { "text": "Moreover, Alaska Air contended the issue of venue in the instant matter", "paragraph_id": "para_141" }, { "text": "is clear, and venue properly lies in King County, Washington, as opposed to", "paragraph_id": "para_142" }, { "text": "Clinton County, Pennsylvania. Specifically, Alaska Air contended there is no", "paragraph_id": "para_143" }, { "text": "dispute the carriage contract was executed for Alaska Air to ship goods", "paragraph_id": "para_144" }, { "text": "between two cities in the State of Alaska. Id. at 4. Also, Alaska Air argued", "paragraph_id": "para_145" }, { "text": "there is no dispute that Alaska Air is headquartered in the State of", "paragraph_id": "para_146" }, { "text": "Washington. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_147" }, { "text": "By order and opinion entered on July 23, 2024, the trial court indicated", "paragraph_id": "para_148" }, { "text": "it was scheduling a hearing to address Alaska Air’s preliminary objections.", "paragraph_id": "para_149" }, { "text": "Relevantly, the trial court indicated “the alleged Agreement containing the", "paragraph_id": "para_150" }, { "text": "forum selection clause was not attached to the Complaint; instead, it was", "paragraph_id": "para_151" }, { "text": "attached to [Alaska Air’s] Preliminary Objections.” Trial Court Opinion, filed", "paragraph_id": "para_152" }, { "text": "7/23/24, at 5. Further, the trial court indicated that, since it was “unable to", "paragraph_id": "para_153" }, { "text": "rely on [Alaska Air’s] recitation of the facts, [the court] lacks sufficient", "paragraph_id": "para_154" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_155" }, { "text": "- 7 -", "paragraph_id": "para_156" }, { "text": "information to determine whether venue in this case is appropriate, and [the", "paragraph_id": "para_157" }, { "text": "court] will schedule this matter for a factual hearing.” Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_158" }, { "text": "Thereafter, on October 10, 2024, the matter proceeded to an", "paragraph_id": "para_159" }, { "text": "evidentiary hearing. Larry Fulton testified he lives in Palmer, Alaska, and he", "paragraph_id": "para_160" }, { "text": "has worked for Alaska Air for forty-three years. N.T., 10/10/24, at 4. He is", "paragraph_id": "para_161" }, { "text": "currently the operations appliance manager for Alaska Air in the State of", "paragraph_id": "para_162" }, { "text": "Alaska, and his job duties include oversight of Alaska Air’s cargo and", "paragraph_id": "para_163" }, { "text": "compliance with regulations. Id. at 5.", "paragraph_id": "para_164" }, { "text": "Mr. Fulton confirmed Alaska Air gave Appellant two air bills. Id. at 6-7.", "paragraph_id": "para_165" }, { "text": "The first air bill was for the shipment of items from Anchorage to King Salmon,", "paragraph_id": "para_166" }, { "text": "and the shipment was completed without incident. Id. at 7. The second air", "paragraph_id": "para_167" }, { "text": "bill was for the shipment of items from King Salmon to Anchorage. Id. He", "paragraph_id": "para_168" }, { "text": "noted both shipments involved the motor, which is an item classified as “a", "paragraph_id": "para_169" }, { "text": "dangerous good.” Id. While the motor was successfully approved for", "paragraph_id": "para_170" }, { "text": "shipment from Anchorage to King Salmon, Alaska Air had difficulty with", "paragraph_id": "para_171" }, { "text": "getting approval for the shipment of the motor from King Salmon to", "paragraph_id": "para_172" }, { "text": "Anchorage. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_173" }, { "text": "Mr. Fulton testified the log notes for Appellant’s account, which are kept", "paragraph_id": "para_174" }, { "text": "in the normal course of business, contained a notation on July 22, 2021, that", "paragraph_id": "para_175" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_176" }, { "text": "- 8 -", "paragraph_id": "para_177" }, { "text": "“the shipper knows he needs DG paperwork for motor. Gave him TGI name.”2", "paragraph_id": "para_178" }, { "text": "Id. at 9. Mr. Fulton indicated Appellant was referred to TGI to get assistance", "paragraph_id": "para_179" }, { "text": "with processing the paperwork for the dangerous good. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_180" }, { "text": "Mr. Fulton testified the log notes for August 3, 2021, contained a", "paragraph_id": "para_181" }, { "text": "notation indicating “called to see if this shipment could be returned to ANC.", "paragraph_id": "para_182" }, { "text": "AKN does not accept DG, dangerous good. So, I tried to call them. No answer.", "paragraph_id": "para_183" }, { "text": "FLT is on ground. Will try to call AKN back later.”3 Id. Mr. Fulton explained", "paragraph_id": "para_184" }, { "text": "the entry meant “the shipper from the original air bill would like the shipment", "paragraph_id": "para_185" }, { "text": "returned from King Salmon back to Anchorage and then he’s agreeing to pay", "paragraph_id": "para_186" }, { "text": "the cost for that product to be returned.” Id. at 10. “The shipper” refers to", "paragraph_id": "para_187" }, { "text": "Appellant, and the entry was made by an employee of Alaska Air. Id. at 11.", "paragraph_id": "para_188" }, { "text": "Mr. Fulton indicated the log notes for January 24, 2022, contained the", "paragraph_id": "para_189" }, { "text": "following notation:", "paragraph_id": "para_190" }, { "text": "I received a call from shipper [Appellant] about this[.] Last", "paragraph_id": "para_191" }, { "text": "July it flew ANC to AKN, but needed to be returned to ANC. All", "paragraph_id": "para_192" }, { "text": "pieces were returned except for the dangerous goods piece due to", "paragraph_id": "para_193" }, { "text": "AKN not having dangerous goods agents. I confirmed with Hans", "paragraph_id": "para_194" }, { "text": "in AKN. They still have the dangerous goods piece. Hans told me", "paragraph_id": "para_195" }, { "text": "it was Larry Fulton who was looking into getting the dangerous", "paragraph_id": "para_196" }, { "text": "goods agent there, but Hans said he’s not sure of the status.", "paragraph_id": "para_197" }, { "text": "____________________________________________", "paragraph_id": "para_198" }, { "text": "2 He explained “DG” is an abbreviation for “dangerous goods.” Id. at 7. “TGI”", "paragraph_id": "para_199" }, { "text": "is “an entity in Alaska [that] does freight forwarding stuff [and] also DG dock", "paragraph_id": "para_200" }, { "text": "preps.” Id. at 6.", "paragraph_id": "para_201" }, { "text": "3 Mr. Fulton explained “ANC” is an abbreviation for “Anchorage,” “AKN” is an", "paragraph_id": "para_202" }, { "text": "abbreviation for “King Salmon,” and “FLT” is an abbreviation for “flight.” Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_203" }, { "text": "at 10.", "paragraph_id": "para_204" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_205" }, { "text": "- 9 -", "paragraph_id": "para_206" }, { "text": "Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_207" }, { "text": "Mr. Fulton explained the log entry meant there was a dangerous good", "paragraph_id": "para_208" }, { "text": "in King Salmon, and the agents in King Salmon were not qualified to accept", "paragraph_id": "para_209" }, { "text": "or handle dangerous goods outbound. Id. at 12. Therefore, Alaska Air could", "paragraph_id": "para_210" }, { "text": "not accept the dangerous good (i.e., the motor) for shipment from King", "paragraph_id": "para_211" }, { "text": "Salmon to Anchorage. The log entry discussed sending an agent to King", "paragraph_id": "para_212" }, { "text": "Salmon so the motor could be returned to Anchorage. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_213" }, { "text": "Mr. Fulton testified the log notes for January 24, 2024, contained the", "paragraph_id": "para_214" }, { "text": "following entry:", "paragraph_id": "para_215" }, { "text": "I called shipper [Appellant] a couple of times and was only", "paragraph_id": "para_216" }, { "text": "able to reach his voicemail. I left a message detailing the", "paragraph_id": "para_217" }, { "text": "communication from Larry. [Appellant] has been advised $600 fee", "paragraph_id": "para_218" }, { "text": "for getting the agent plus shipping and dangerous goods fee. He", "paragraph_id": "para_219" }, { "text": "[has been advised] to call us back if he wants to get this in motion", "paragraph_id": "para_220" }, { "text": "or if he wants us to dispose of it. [I] also gave him the option of", "paragraph_id": "para_221" }, { "text": "giving it to someone else.", "paragraph_id": "para_222" }, { "text": "Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_223" }, { "text": "Mr. Fulton testified the entry meant that an Alaska Air employee advised", "paragraph_id": "para_224" }, { "text": "Appellant that, in order to get the motor shipped from King Salmon to", "paragraph_id": "para_225" }, { "text": "Anchorage, he needed to pay the costs of having dangerous goods paperwork", "paragraph_id": "para_226" }, { "text": "completed, the costs of shipping, and the costs to have an Alaska Air agent", "paragraph_id": "para_227" }, { "text": "travel to King Salmon to accept the product as a return to Anchorage. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_228" }, { "text": "Appellant needed “to get new paperwork from TGI to return [the motor] to", "paragraph_id": "para_229" }, { "text": "King Salmon.” Id. at 14.", "paragraph_id": "para_230" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_231" }, { "text": "- 10 -", "paragraph_id": "para_232" }, { "text": "Alaska Air then entered into evidence the “Alaska Air Rules, Regulations,", "paragraph_id": "para_233" }, { "text": "and Charges for Carriage of Cargo.” Id. at 15. Mr. Fulton testified the “rules", "paragraph_id": "para_234" }, { "text": "and regulations document” was official company policy kept in the regular", "paragraph_id": "para_235" }, { "text": "course of business, and it set forth the rules regarding the transport of", "paragraph_id": "para_236" }, { "text": "dangerous goods. Id. He noted Alaska Air created the “rule and regulations", "paragraph_id": "para_237" }, { "text": "document” to comply with federal laws, which require specific methods of", "paragraph_id": "para_238" }, { "text": "handling dangerous goods. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_239" }, { "text": "Alaska Air then entered into evidence the “Alaska Air Cargo Domestic", "paragraph_id": "para_240" }, { "text": "Conditions of Contract,” which is a carrier contract. Id. at 16. Mr. Fulton", "paragraph_id": "para_241" }, { "text": "testified “it’s a contract for [Alaska Air] to carry [the customer’s] product.”", "paragraph_id": "para_242" }, { "text": "Id. He indicated that, anytime cargo is shipped through Alaska Air, the terms", "paragraph_id": "para_243" }, { "text": "of the contract apply, and it is an official Alaska Air policy. Id. Mr. Fulton", "paragraph_id": "para_244" }, { "text": "noted the contract contains the following language:", "paragraph_id": "para_245" }, { "text": "These conditions of contract will be governed by and", "paragraph_id": "para_246" }, { "text": "construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State", "paragraph_id": "para_247" }, { "text": "of Washington and, in the event of a dispute arising out of these", "paragraph_id": "para_248" }, { "text": "Conditions of Contract, the parties consent to exclusive", "paragraph_id": "para_249" }, { "text": "jurisdiction and venue in the state and federal court sitting in King", "paragraph_id": "para_250" }, { "text": "County, Washington. If any party employs attorneys to enforce", "paragraph_id": "para_251" }, { "text": "any rights arising out of or relating to this agreement, the", "paragraph_id": "para_252" }, { "text": "substantially prevailing party shall be entitled to recover costs,", "paragraph_id": "para_253" }, { "text": "including reasonable attorneys’ fees.", "paragraph_id": "para_254" }, { "text": "Id. at 17.", "paragraph_id": "para_255" }, { "text": "Mr. Fulton confirmed that Alaska Air is headquartered in Seattle,", "paragraph_id": "para_256" }, { "text": "Washington, at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Id. at 19. Seattle", "paragraph_id": "para_257" }, { "text": "is in King County, Washington. Id. Mr. Fulton testified the transaction at", "paragraph_id": "para_258" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_259" }, { "text": "- 11 -", "paragraph_id": "para_260" }, { "text": "issue took place in the State of Alaska, and the State of Pennsylvania did not", "paragraph_id": "para_261" }, { "text": "“factor” into the transaction or shipment from King Salmon to Anchorage. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_262" }, { "text": "At this point, the following relevant exchange occurred:", "paragraph_id": "para_263" }, { "text": "[Appellant’s counsel]: Your Honor, I think, again, I just", "paragraph_id": "para_264" }, { "text": "object to the relevance of all this testimony. The allegation of", "paragraph_id": "para_265" }, { "text": "[Alaska Air] is that there is an agreement between the parties that", "paragraph_id": "para_266" }, { "text": "this venue be in Washington State. Anything outside of the", "paragraph_id": "para_267" }, { "text": "agreement I think is completely irrelevant where we’re at in the", "paragraph_id": "para_268" }, { "text": "proceedings. These are preliminary objections based on one", "paragraph_id": "para_269" }, { "text": "specific issue, and we’ve kind of danced around the issue, and now", "paragraph_id": "para_270" }, { "text": "we’re completely wholly outside of the issue.", "paragraph_id": "para_271" }, { "text": "Trying to figure out where this contract took place and", "paragraph_id": "para_272" }, { "text": "where things were shipped, none of it matters because the", "paragraph_id": "para_273" }, { "text": "allegation is that there is an agreement between the parties that", "paragraph_id": "para_274" }, { "text": "the venue be in Washington. Outside of that particular issue,", "paragraph_id": "para_275" }, { "text": "we’re not here for anything else, and this is really going to, I", "paragraph_id": "para_276" }, { "text": "guess, some other sort of argument that might be made, but", "paragraph_id": "para_277" }, { "text": "that’s not what we’re here for.", "paragraph_id": "para_278" }, { "text": "[Alaska Air’s counsel]: Your Honor, this, to my", "paragraph_id": "para_279" }, { "text": "knowledge, is an evidentiary hearing. We have a witness here", "paragraph_id": "para_280" }, { "text": "who is involved in this transaction. He knows where the [motor]", "paragraph_id": "para_281" }, { "text": "is located. He knows how a resolution of this transaction could be", "paragraph_id": "para_282" }, { "text": "had three years later. He knows about the location and, you", "paragraph_id": "para_283" }, { "text": "know, headquarters of his company. He knows about the cities", "paragraph_id": "para_284" }, { "text": "where this took place.", "paragraph_id": "para_285" }, { "text": "All these factors are relevant to venue and a venue analysis,", "paragraph_id": "para_286" }, { "text": "and that’s part of our preliminary objection, that’s part of our", "paragraph_id": "para_287" }, { "text": "brief, that’s part of our supplemental brief. We think all of that is", "paragraph_id": "para_288" }, { "text": "relevant.", "paragraph_id": "para_289" }, { "text": "[Appellant’s counsel]: That’s absolutely not part of their", "paragraph_id": "para_290" }, { "text": "preliminary objections. Their preliminary objections state that", "paragraph_id": "para_291" }, { "text": "there is an agreement between the parties that the venue be in", "paragraph_id": "para_292" }, { "text": "Washington state. That has absolutely nothing to do with any", "paragraph_id": "para_293" }, { "text": "other objection. That’s the only objection that they have made is", "paragraph_id": "para_294" }, { "text": "that there is an agreement.", "paragraph_id": "para_295" }, { "text": "[Alaska Air’s counsel]: All of that is relevant to the", "paragraph_id": "para_296" }, { "text": "argument.", "paragraph_id": "para_297" }, { "text": "The Court: I’ll overrule it. Let’s move on.", "paragraph_id": "para_298" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_299" }, { "text": "- 12 -", "paragraph_id": "para_300" }, { "text": "***", "paragraph_id": "para_301" }, { "text": "[Alaska Air’s counsel]: Just one last question about your", "paragraph_id": "para_302" }, { "text": "contract of care [sic] that we looked at that had the venue", "paragraph_id": "para_303" }, { "text": "selection clause. What’s your understanding [as to] why there is", "paragraph_id": "para_304" }, { "text": "a venue selection clause that specifies Washington State? What’s", "paragraph_id": "para_305" }, { "text": "your understanding based on your employment?", "paragraph_id": "para_306" }, { "text": "[Appellant’s counsel]: I guess I object to this too as", "paragraph_id": "para_307" }, { "text": "irrelevant. The question doesn’t come into it.", "paragraph_id": "para_308" }, { "text": "The Court: Overruled.", "paragraph_id": "para_309" }, { "text": "[Mr. Fulton]: It’s our headquarters and base of operation.", "paragraph_id": "para_310" }, { "text": "Id. at 20-22.", "paragraph_id": "para_311" }, { "text": "Mr. Fulton testified that the carriage contract’s requirement that King", "paragraph_id": "para_312" }, { "text": "County, Washington, is where jurisdiction lies for civil disputes is intertwined", "paragraph_id": "para_313" }, { "text": "with the fact that Alaska Air’s headquarters are in King County, Washington.", "paragraph_id": "para_314" }, { "text": "Id. at 22.", "paragraph_id": "para_315" }, { "text": "On cross-examination, Mr. Fulton agreed that the transaction at issue", "paragraph_id": "para_316" }, { "text": "did not involve “passenger air transportation.” Id. at 23. Mr. Fulton admitted", "paragraph_id": "para_317" }, { "text": "the carrier contract neither specified Appellant nor referenced a specific", "paragraph_id": "para_318" }, { "text": "shipment. Id. at 24. Rather, it is a “general” carrier contract provided to", "paragraph_id": "para_319" }, { "text": "customers by Alaska Air. Id. at 25. He also confirmed the “rules and", "paragraph_id": "para_320" }, { "text": "regulations document” did not reference Appellant or his specific shipment,", "paragraph_id": "para_321" }, { "text": "and there is no signature on the document. Id. at 27.", "paragraph_id": "para_322" }, { "text": "On redirect examination, Mr. Fulton testified it is not customary for", "paragraph_id": "para_323" }, { "text": "customers to sign carriage contracts; but rather, carriage contracts are", "paragraph_id": "para_324" }, { "text": "incorporated by reference. Id. at 31. He indicated Appellant’s air bills", "paragraph_id": "para_325" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_326" }, { "text": "- 13 -", "paragraph_id": "para_327" }, { "text": "provided “fine print” that the carriage contract was available, and he noted", "paragraph_id": "para_328" }, { "text": "the carriage contract is “available publicly.” Id. at 32.", "paragraph_id": "para_329" }, { "text": "At the conclusion of Mr. Fulton’s testimony, Alaska Air’s counsel", "paragraph_id": "para_330" }, { "text": "indicated he wished to call Appellant to testify to facts relating to venue.", "paragraph_id": "para_331" }, { "text": "Appellant’s counsel objected, and the relevant exchange occurred:", "paragraph_id": "para_332" }, { "text": "[Appellant’s counsel]: The objection is that there is an", "paragraph_id": "para_333" }, { "text": "agreement in the venue selection clause. That’s the objection,", "paragraph_id": "para_334" }, { "text": "that there is an agreement between the parties that this be in", "paragraph_id": "para_335" }, { "text": "Washington State. Everything else is entirely irrelevant for", "paragraph_id": "para_336" }, { "text": "today’s purposes. That’s the point the Court scheduled a hearing", "paragraph_id": "para_337" }, { "text": "on evidence to determine whether there was an agreement for", "paragraph_id": "para_338" }, { "text": "this to be transferred to Washington State. That’s it.", "paragraph_id": "para_339" }, { "text": "So, the question of any contacts in Clinton County, any", "paragraph_id": "para_340" }, { "text": "contacts in Alaska, is entirely irrelevant for today’s purposes, as", "paragraph_id": "para_341" }, { "text": "was the vast majority of the Alaska Air witness’ testimony. It had", "paragraph_id": "para_342" }, { "text": "nothing to do with this.", "paragraph_id": "para_343" }, { "text": "The question is, is there an agreement between the parties,", "paragraph_id": "para_344" }, { "text": "and if so, does it contain a venue selection clause, and where is", "paragraph_id": "para_345" }, { "text": "that venue selection clause? That’s the issue for the Court to", "paragraph_id": "para_346" }, { "text": "determine today. Anything else is completely superfluous.", "paragraph_id": "para_347" }, { "text": "[Alaska Air’s counsel]: Your Honor, with respect, it’s my", "paragraph_id": "para_348" }, { "text": "[preliminary] objection, and I’m perfectly capable of explaining", "paragraph_id": "para_349" }, { "text": "my [preliminary] objection to the Court. My objection is, yes,", "paragraph_id": "para_350" }, { "text": "there is a contract that governs. My briefing and supplemental", "paragraph_id": "para_351" }, { "text": "briefing also included an analysis of this venue and why even in", "paragraph_id": "para_352" }, { "text": "light of the contract, yes, we believe the clause is valid, but we", "paragraph_id": "para_353" }, { "text": "also believe the Court should consider factors about why this", "paragraph_id": "para_354" }, { "text": "venue is improper. You can look at the text of the contract. We", "paragraph_id": "para_355" }, { "text": "believe it absolutely applies in this case, and this case should have", "paragraph_id": "para_356" }, { "text": "been filed in Washington, but we also think the Court should", "paragraph_id": "para_357" }, { "text": "consider the issues we’ve had in this particular venue where", "paragraph_id": "para_358" }, { "text": "they’re trying to keep the case.", "paragraph_id": "para_359" }, { "text": "[Appellant’s counsel]: The entirety of the [preliminary]", "paragraph_id": "para_360" }, { "text": "objection discusses venue selection. It discusses the applicability", "paragraph_id": "para_361" }, { "text": "of venue selection. It discusses the validity of venue selection", "paragraph_id": "para_362" }, { "text": "clauses. That’s what this is about. It’s about the contract. It is", "paragraph_id": "para_363" }, { "text": "not about other factors. That is it.", "paragraph_id": "para_364" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_365" }, { "text": "- 14 -", "paragraph_id": "para_366" }, { "text": "[Alaska Air’s counsel]: Your Honor, all of that is relevant", "paragraph_id": "para_367" }, { "text": "for venue selection analysis. It’s in the briefing. It’s in the", "paragraph_id": "para_368" }, { "text": "supplemental briefing.", "paragraph_id": "para_369" }, { "text": "The Court: I’ll allow limited testimony on whether venue is", "paragraph_id": "para_370" }, { "text": "proper [in Pennsylvania], but not other jurisdictions other than", "paragraph_id": "para_371" }, { "text": "the two we’re talking about. Limited.", "paragraph_id": "para_372" }, { "text": "Id. at 36-37.", "paragraph_id": "para_373" }, { "text": "Appellant testified he has a “very transient lifestyle,” and he has an", "paragraph_id": "para_374" }, { "text": "address in Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as multiple places where he stays in", "paragraph_id": "para_375" }, { "text": "Pennsylvania, Maryland, and South Dakota. Id. at 38. He indicated that, to", "paragraph_id": "para_376" }, { "text": "the extent he has a primary residence, it is in Ketchikan, Alaska; however, he", "paragraph_id": "para_377" }, { "text": "receives mail at his address in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. Id. at 38-39.", "paragraph_id": "para_378" }, { "text": "Appellant testified he had never seen the carriage contract used by", "paragraph_id": "para_379" }, { "text": "Alaska Air. Id. at 41. He admitted that, before he requested the first", "paragraph_id": "para_380" }, { "text": "shipment, from Anchorage to King Salmon, he knew the motor was classified", "paragraph_id": "para_381" }, { "text": "as a “dangerous good.” Id. at 42.", "paragraph_id": "para_382" }, { "text": "At this point, the trial court permitted the attorneys to make arguments", "paragraph_id": "para_383" }, { "text": "based on the testimony and applicable law. Alaska Air’s counsel argued that", "paragraph_id": "para_384" }, { "text": "Pennsylvania is an improper venue, and proper venue lies in King County,", "paragraph_id": "para_385" }, { "text": "Washington. Id. at 44-47. Specifically, he argued that Appellant was bound", "paragraph_id": "para_386" }, { "text": "by the carrier contract, which includes a venue selection clause. Id. at 45.", "paragraph_id": "para_387" }, { "text": "He noted the law permits companies that do business throughout the country", "paragraph_id": "para_388" }, { "text": "to have predictability and anticipate which jurisdiction is going to govern its", "paragraph_id": "para_389" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_390" }, { "text": "- 15 -", "paragraph_id": "para_391" }, { "text": "transactions. Id. Alaska Air’s counsel argued “these venue selection clauses", "paragraph_id": "para_392" }, { "text": "are presumptively valid.” Id. at 46.", "paragraph_id": "para_393" }, { "text": "Moreover, as to proper venue, Alaska Air’s counsel noted that", "paragraph_id": "para_394" }, { "text": "Appellant’s primary residence is not in Pennsylvania; however, Appellant has", "paragraph_id": "para_395" }, { "text": "substantial connections to Alaska. Id. at 45. Further, the relevant shipment", "paragraph_id": "para_396" }, { "text": "took place in Alaska. Id. Additionally, Alaska Air’s counsel argued venue was", "paragraph_id": "para_397" }, { "text": "proper in King County, Washington because “my client is headquartered in", "paragraph_id": "para_398" }, { "text": "Washington State.” Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_399" }, { "text": "In response, Appellant’s counsel argued the preliminary objections “are", "paragraph_id": "para_400" }, { "text": "pretty clear and pretty well spelled out that this is based upon a venue", "paragraph_id": "para_401" }, { "text": "selection clause in a contract.” Id. at 47. Appellant’s counsel argued 14", "paragraph_id": "para_402" }, { "text": "C.F.R. § 253 is inapplicable to this matter because that statute addresses", "paragraph_id": "para_403" }, { "text": "“passenger air transportation,” which is not at issue in this case. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_404" }, { "text": "Appellant’s counsel further argued the venue selection clause in the carrier", "paragraph_id": "para_405" }, { "text": "contract is not binding since Appellant is not referenced in the contract. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_406" }, { "text": "At the conclusion of the hearing, by order entered on October 31, 2024,", "paragraph_id": "para_407" }, { "text": "the trial court sustained Alaska Air’s preliminary objections and dismissed", "paragraph_id": "para_408" }, { "text": "Appellant’s Complaint with prejudice. In the accompanying opinion, the trial", "paragraph_id": "para_409" }, { "text": "court reasoned, in relevant part, as follows:", "paragraph_id": "para_410" }, { "text": "Under Pennsylvania law, “corporations have a constitutional", "paragraph_id": "para_411" }, { "text": "right to seek a change of venue.” PECO Energy Co. v. Phila.", "paragraph_id": "para_412" }, { "text": "Suburban Water Co., 802 A.2d 666, 668 (Pa.Super. 2002)[.]", "paragraph_id": "para_413" }, { "text": "The proper method of seeking a change [of improper venue] is", "paragraph_id": "para_414" }, { "text": "through preliminary objections. PECO Energy Co., 802 A.2d at", "paragraph_id": "para_415" }, { "text": "668.", "paragraph_id": "para_416" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_417" }, { "text": "- 16 -", "paragraph_id": "para_418" }, { "text": "Under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure:", "paragraph_id": "para_419" }, { "text": "[A] personal action against a corporation or", "paragraph_id": "para_420" }, { "text": "similar entity may be brought in and only in a county", "paragraph_id": "para_421" }, { "text": "where (1) the registered office or principal place of", "paragraph_id": "para_422" }, { "text": "business of the corporation or similar entity is located;", "paragraph_id": "para_423" }, { "text": "(2) the corporation or similar entity regularly conducts", "paragraph_id": "para_424" }, { "text": "business; (3) the cause of action arose; (4) a", "paragraph_id": "para_425" }, { "text": "transaction or occurrence took place out of which the", "paragraph_id": "para_426" }, { "text": "cause of action arose; or (5) the property or part of", "paragraph_id": "para_427" }, { "text": "the property, which is the subject matter of the action,", "paragraph_id": "para_428" }, { "text": "is located provided that equitable relief is sought with", "paragraph_id": "para_429" }, { "text": "respect to the property.", "paragraph_id": "para_430" }, { "text": "Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(a). Because [Appellant] does not seek equitable", "paragraph_id": "para_431" }, { "text": "relief in this case, the [trial] court finds that Rule 2179(a)(5) is", "paragraph_id": "para_432" }, { "text": "inapplicable. Therefore, the [trial] court will briefly consider each", "paragraph_id": "para_433" }, { "text": "of the first four (4) subdivisions of Rule 2179(a) to determine", "paragraph_id": "para_434" }, { "text": "whether Clinton County, Pennsylvania, is the appropriate venue", "paragraph_id": "para_435" }, { "text": "for this case.", "paragraph_id": "para_436" }, { "text": "Rule 2179(a)(1) allows a plaintiff to bring a personal action", "paragraph_id": "para_437" }, { "text": "against a corporate defendant in a county where “the registered", "paragraph_id": "para_438" }, { "text": "office or principal place of business of the corporation…is located.”", "paragraph_id": "para_439" }, { "text": "Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(a)(1). The testimony of Larry Fulton, a forty-", "paragraph_id": "para_440" }, { "text": "three (43) year employee of Alaska Air, establishes that [Alaska", "paragraph_id": "para_441" }, { "text": "Air] is headquartered at [the] Seattle-Tacoma International", "paragraph_id": "para_442" }, { "text": "Airport in King County, Washington. [Appellant] also stated in", "paragraph_id": "para_443" }, { "text": "[his] Complaint that [Alaska Air’s] “last known address” was", "paragraph_id": "para_444" }, { "text": "located in Seattle, Washington, and [Alaska Air’s] headquarters", "paragraph_id": "para_445" }, { "text": "are “believed to be in Seattle, Washington.” It is, therefore, clear", "paragraph_id": "para_446" }, { "text": "to [the trial] court that [Alaska Air’s] “registered office” is in King", "paragraph_id": "para_447" }, { "text": "County, Washington. The [trial] court has not received testimony", "paragraph_id": "para_448" }, { "text": "or argument that [Alaska Air] has a “principal place of business”", "paragraph_id": "para_449" }, { "text": "in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, and the [trial] court, therefore,", "paragraph_id": "para_450" }, { "text": "concludes that Rule 2179(a)(1) cannot be used to establish", "paragraph_id": "para_451" }, { "text": "Clinton County as a proper venue in the instant case.", "paragraph_id": "para_452" }, { "text": "Under Rule 2179(a)(2), a personal action against a", "paragraph_id": "para_453" }, { "text": "corporation may also be brought in a county where “the", "paragraph_id": "para_454" }, { "text": "corporation or similar entity regularly conducts business.”", "paragraph_id": "para_455" }, { "text": "Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(a)(2). To determine where a corporation", "paragraph_id": "para_456" }, { "text": "“regularly conducts business,” courts must “focus on the nature", "paragraph_id": "para_457" }, { "text": "of the acts the corporation allegedly performs in that county,” and", "paragraph_id": "para_458" }, { "text": "assess those acts “both as to their quantity and quality.” Gilfor", "paragraph_id": "para_459" }, { "text": "ex rel. Gilfor v. Altman, 770 A.2d 341, 345 (Pa.Super. 2001).", "paragraph_id": "para_460" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_461" }, { "text": "- 17 -", "paragraph_id": "para_462" }, { "text": "The Superior Court [has] explained that “‘quality of acts’ means", "paragraph_id": "para_463" }, { "text": "those directly furthering or essential to, corporate objects; they", "paragraph_id": "para_464" }, { "text": "do not include incidental acts.” Id. Meanwhile, “‘quantity of acts’", "paragraph_id": "para_465" }, { "text": "means those acts which are so continuous and sufficient to be", "paragraph_id": "para_466" }, { "text": "general or habitual.” Id. In other words, to meet the “quality”", "paragraph_id": "para_467" }, { "text": "prong of the analysis under Rule 2179(a)(2), a corporate", "paragraph_id": "para_468" }, { "text": "defendant’s contacts with the county must be essential to or in", "paragraph_id": "para_469" }, { "text": "direct furtherance of corporate objects, rather than being", "paragraph_id": "para_470" }, { "text": "incidental acts.", "paragraph_id": "para_471" }, { "text": "Importantly, mere advertisement or solicitation of business", "paragraph_id": "para_472" }, { "text": "within the county generally is not sufficient to satisfy the quality", "paragraph_id": "para_473" }, { "text": "test because advertisement is generally incidental to the corporate", "paragraph_id": "para_474" }, { "text": "objects.", "paragraph_id": "para_475" }, { "text": "Meanwhile, to satisfy the “quantity” prong of the quantity-", "paragraph_id": "para_476" }, { "text": "quality analysis, “acts must be sufficiently continuous so as to be", "paragraph_id": "para_477" }, { "text": "considered habitual.” Hangey v. Husqvarna Pro. Prods., Inc.,", "paragraph_id": "para_478" }, { "text": "247 A.3d 1136, 1141 (Pa.Super. 2021)[, affirmed, ___ Pa. ___,", "paragraph_id": "para_479" }, { "text": "304 A.3d 1120 (2023)]. In considering the quantity prong,", "paragraph_id": "para_480" }, { "text": "Pennsylvania appellate courts have often considered the", "paragraph_id": "para_481" }, { "text": "percentage of overall business a defendant company conducts in", "paragraph_id": "para_482" }, { "text": "a county. Hangey, supra. However, no court has stated that", "paragraph_id": "para_483" }, { "text": "the percentage of a defendant’s business is the sole evidence", "paragraph_id": "para_484" }, { "text": "relevant to the ‘quantity’ analysis. Id. Instead, courts must", "paragraph_id": "para_485" }, { "text": "determine whether all evidence presented, including the scope of", "paragraph_id": "para_486" }, { "text": "a defendant’s business, viewed in the context of the facts of the", "paragraph_id": "para_487" }, { "text": "case, establish that a defendant’s contacts within the venue", "paragraph_id": "para_488" }, { "text": "satisfy the quantity prong. Id.", "paragraph_id": "para_489" }, { "text": "In the instant case, the Complaint does not contain any", "paragraph_id": "para_490" }, { "text": "specific references to [Alaska Air’s] corporate activities within", "paragraph_id": "para_491" }, { "text": "Clinton County, Pennsylvania. The only reference made to [Alaska", "paragraph_id": "para_492" }, { "text": "Air’s] business activities is found in Paragraph 3 of the Complaint,", "paragraph_id": "para_493" }, { "text": "in which [Appellant] asserts that [Alaska Air] “has been in the", "paragraph_id": "para_494" }, { "text": "business of shipping cargo to/from various destinations", "paragraph_id": "para_495" }, { "text": "throughout the United States, and [it] advertises its services to", "paragraph_id": "para_496" }, { "text": "those throughout the United States, including the Commonwealth", "paragraph_id": "para_497" }, { "text": "of Pennsylvania.” As stated above, Paragraph 3 contains no", "paragraph_id": "para_498" }, { "text": "specific reference to Clinton County. Moreover, the [trial] court", "paragraph_id": "para_499" }, { "text": "did not receive testimony during the factual hearing on the", "paragraph_id": "para_500" }, { "text": "question of venue that [Alaska Air] has “habitual” contacts within", "paragraph_id": "para_501" }, { "text": "Clinton County, Pennsylvania. It bears repeating: the [trial] court", "paragraph_id": "para_502" }, { "text": "received no testimony, and the Complaint contains no allegations,", "paragraph_id": "para_503" }, { "text": "of any business activities [Alaska Air] conducts in Clinton County.", "paragraph_id": "para_504" }, { "text": "For this reason, the [trial] court finds that the quality-quantity test", "paragraph_id": "para_505" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_506" }, { "text": "- 18 -", "paragraph_id": "para_507" }, { "text": "has been unsatisfied, and Rule 2179(a)(2) cannot provide a basis", "paragraph_id": "para_508" }, { "text": "for establishing the propriety of Clinton County, Pennsylvania, as", "paragraph_id": "para_509" }, { "text": "a venue for the instant case.", "paragraph_id": "para_510" }, { "text": "Rules 2179(a)(3) and (a)(4) provide that a personal action", "paragraph_id": "para_511" }, { "text": "against a corporate defendant may be brought in a county where", "paragraph_id": "para_512" }, { "text": "“the cause of action arose,” or where “a transaction or occurrence", "paragraph_id": "para_513" }, { "text": "took place out of which the cause of action arose.” Pa.R.Civ.P.", "paragraph_id": "para_514" }, { "text": "2179(a)(3), (a)(4). In the instant case, the cause of action was", "paragraph_id": "para_515" }, { "text": "an alleged agreement between [Appellant] and [Alaska Air] to", "paragraph_id": "para_516" }, { "text": "transport various goods, including a motor, between King Salmon,", "paragraph_id": "para_517" }, { "text": "Alaska, and Anchorage, Alaska. The Complaint alleges that “[i]n", "paragraph_id": "para_518" }, { "text": "or around July 2021, [Appellant] contacted [Alaska Air] from", "paragraph_id": "para_519" }, { "text": "Pennsylvania to its headquarters believed to be in Seattle,", "paragraph_id": "para_520" }, { "text": "Washington, to ship various items from Anchorage, Alaska, to", "paragraph_id": "para_521" }, { "text": "King Salmon, Alaska.” [Appellant] admits in the Complaint that,", "paragraph_id": "para_522" }, { "text": "following this transaction, “the items were shipped to King", "paragraph_id": "para_523" }, { "text": "Salmon, Alaska, by [Alaska Air].”", "paragraph_id": "para_524" }, { "text": "The alleged dispute between the parties arose, however,", "paragraph_id": "para_525" }, { "text": "when [Appellant] arranged a second shipment of the same items", "paragraph_id": "para_526" }, { "text": "in the opposite direction, that is, from King Salmon, Alaska, to", "paragraph_id": "para_527" }, { "text": "Anchorage. The Complaint then alleges that, despite [Appellant’s]", "paragraph_id": "para_528" }, { "text": "payment for shipment, [Alaska Air] failed to ship the motor. The", "paragraph_id": "para_529" }, { "text": "Complaint does not allege that this second transaction, which", "paragraph_id": "para_530" }, { "text": "gives rise to this lawsuit, was initiated by [Appellant] from", "paragraph_id": "para_531" }, { "text": "Pennsylvania. Even if the Complaint did so allege, the Complaint", "paragraph_id": "para_532" }, { "text": "still does not contain any allegation that [Appellant’s] cause of", "paragraph_id": "para_533" }, { "text": "action arose in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, specifically, nor does", "paragraph_id": "para_534" }, { "text": "the Complaint allege that the transaction or occurrence out of", "paragraph_id": "para_535" }, { "text": "which [Appellant’s] cause of action arose occurred in Clinton", "paragraph_id": "para_536" }, { "text": "County, Pennsylvania. For these reasons, neither Rule 2179(a)(3)", "paragraph_id": "para_537" }, { "text": "nor (a)(4) can be used to establish the propriety of Clinton County,", "paragraph_id": "para_538" }, { "text": "Pennsylvania, as the proper venue for this case.", "paragraph_id": "para_539" }, { "text": "Pursuant to the above, and under the Pennsylvania Rules of", "paragraph_id": "para_540" }, { "text": "Civil Procedure, the [trial] court finds venue in this case to be", "paragraph_id": "para_541" }, { "text": "improper in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, and will accordingly", "paragraph_id": "para_542" }, { "text": "SUSTAIN [Alaska Air’s] preliminary objections and DISMISS", "paragraph_id": "para_543" }, { "text": "[Appellant’s] Complaint with prejudice.[4]", "paragraph_id": "para_544" }, { "text": "____________________________________________", "paragraph_id": "para_545" }, { "text": "4 Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1006(e) provides that, “[i]f a", "paragraph_id": "para_546" }, { "text": "preliminary objection to venue is sustained and there is a county of proper", "paragraph_id": "para_547" }, { "text": "(Footnote Continued Next Page)", "paragraph_id": "para_548" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_549" }, { "text": "- 19 -", "paragraph_id": "para_550" }, { "text": "Trial Court Opinion, filed 10/31/24, at 6-10 (some citations, quotation marks,", "paragraph_id": "para_551" }, { "text": "and quotations omitted) (citations to record omitted) (italics in original)", "paragraph_id": "para_552" }, { "text": "(footnote added).", "paragraph_id": "para_553" }, { "text": "On November 27, 2024, Appellant filed a timely notice of appeal. On", "paragraph_id": "para_554" }, { "text": "December 9, 2024, the trial court directed Appellant to file a Pa.R.A.P. 1925(b)", "paragraph_id": "para_555" }, { "text": "statement, Appellant timely complied on December 16, 2024, and the trial", "paragraph_id": "para_556" }, { "text": "court filed a responsive Rule 1925(a) opinion on January 2, 2025.", "paragraph_id": "para_557" }, { "text": "On appeal, Appellant sets forth the following sole issue in his “Statement", "paragraph_id": "para_558" }, { "text": "of the Questions Involved” (verbatim):", "paragraph_id": "para_559" }, { "text": "A. Whether the trial court committed an error of law/abuse of", "paragraph_id": "para_560" }, { "text": "discretion in granting Appellee’s preliminary objections regarding", "paragraph_id": "para_561" }, { "text": "venue, when it considered issues outside of the scope of Appellee’s", "paragraph_id": "para_562" }, { "text": "preliminary objections which maintained that venue was based", "paragraph_id": "para_563" }, { "text": "oslely [sic] upon a “forum selection clause” that Appellee claims", "paragraph_id": "para_564" }, { "text": "was incorporated by reference into a “contract of carriage”?", "paragraph_id": "para_565" }, { "text": "Appellant’s Brief at 6 (unnecessary capitalization and suggested answer", "paragraph_id": "para_566" }, { "text": "omitted).", "paragraph_id": "para_567" }, { "text": "On appeal, Appellant admits Alaska Air’s preliminary objections sought", "paragraph_id": "para_568" }, { "text": "dismissal of Appellant’s Complaint due to improper venue. However, Appellant", "paragraph_id": "para_569" }, { "text": "contends Alaska Air’s entire argument was “solely [based] on the alleged", "paragraph_id": "para_570" }, { "text": "existence of a forum selection clause incorporated by referenced [sic] into an", "paragraph_id": "para_571" }, { "text": "____________________________________________", "paragraph_id": "para_572" }, { "text": "venue within the State the action shall not be dismissed but shall be", "paragraph_id": "para_573" }, { "text": "transferred to the appropriate court of that county.” Pa.R.Civ.P. 1006(e).", "paragraph_id": "para_574" }, { "text": "Here, the trial court determined venue was not proper in Pennsylvania, and,", "paragraph_id": "para_575" }, { "text": "therefore, the trial court did not transfer venue to a different county.", "paragraph_id": "para_576" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_577" }, { "text": "- 20 -", "paragraph_id": "para_578" }, { "text": "alleged contract of carriage[.]” Appellant’s Brief at 11. Therefore, Appellant", "paragraph_id": "para_579" }, { "text": "argues that, since the sole argument set forth in Alaska Air’s preliminary", "paragraph_id": "para_580" }, { "text": "objections related to whether venue was dictated by “the alleged forum", "paragraph_id": "para_581" }, { "text": "selection clause,” Alaska Air waived all other arguments/rationale for improper", "paragraph_id": "para_582" }, { "text": "venue. Id. at 13.", "paragraph_id": "para_583" }, { "text": "Consequently, Appellant contends the trial court erred when it", "paragraph_id": "para_584" }, { "text": "“undertook a traditional improper forum analysis under Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(a),", "paragraph_id": "para_585" }, { "text": "in ruling that the corporate defendant did not have sufficient ties to Clinton", "paragraph_id": "para_586" }, { "text": "County, Pennsylvania, [thus] making the forum improper.” Id. at 11.", "paragraph_id": "para_587" }, { "text": "Appellant asserts the trial court “failed to consider that any argument/decision", "paragraph_id": "para_588" }, { "text": "concerning [a] venue analysis under Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(a) was waived [by", "paragraph_id": "para_589" }, { "text": "Alaska Air], and, instead, [erroneously] based its decision to dismiss this", "paragraph_id": "para_590" }, { "text": "matter with prejudice upon that unasserted basis.” Id. at 14. That is,", "paragraph_id": "para_591" }, { "text": "Appellant does not challenge whether the substance of the trial court’s", "paragraph_id": "para_592" }, { "text": "analysis under Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179 was erroneous; but rather, he contends the", "paragraph_id": "para_593" }, { "text": "trial court was not permitted to undertake such an analysis since Alaska Air’s", "paragraph_id": "para_594" }, { "text": "preliminary objections did not present such a rationale for improper venue.", "paragraph_id": "para_595" }, { "text": "In reviewing Appellant’s claim, we note this Court has recently held as", "paragraph_id": "para_596" }, { "text": "follows:", "paragraph_id": "para_597" }, { "text": "“A trial court’s ruling on venue will not be disturbed if the", "paragraph_id": "para_598" }, { "text": "decision is reasonable in light of the facts. A decision to transfer", "paragraph_id": "para_599" }, { "text": "venue will not be reversed unless the trial court abused its", "paragraph_id": "para_600" }, { "text": "discretion.” Krosnowski v. Ward, 836 A.2d 143, 146 (Pa.Super.", "paragraph_id": "para_601" }, { "text": "2003) (en banc) (quotation marks and citations omitted). Indeed,", "paragraph_id": "para_602" }, { "text": "as this Court has held, “if there exists any proper basis for the trial", "paragraph_id": "para_603" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_604" }, { "text": "- 21 -", "paragraph_id": "para_605" }, { "text": "court’s decision to grant the petition to transfer venue, the", "paragraph_id": "para_606" }, { "text": "decision must stand.” Id. Further, [t]he plaintiff’s choice of forum", "paragraph_id": "para_607" }, { "text": "is given great weight. Thus, the party seeking a change of venue", "paragraph_id": "para_608" }, { "text": "‘bears the burden of proving that a change of venue is necessary,", "paragraph_id": "para_609" }, { "text": "while a plaintiff generally is given the choice of forum so long as", "paragraph_id": "para_610" }, { "text": "the requirements of personal and subject matter jurisdiction are", "paragraph_id": "para_611" }, { "text": "satisfied.’ Zampana-Barry v. Donaghue, 921 A.2d 500, 503", "paragraph_id": "para_612" }, { "text": "(Pa.Super. 2007) (quotation marks and quotation omitted))[.]", "paragraph_id": "para_613" }, { "text": "As to the abuse of discretion standard:", "paragraph_id": "para_614" }, { "text": "An abuse of discretion is not merely an error of", "paragraph_id": "para_615" }, { "text": "judgment, but if in reaching a conclusion the law is", "paragraph_id": "para_616" }, { "text": "overridden or misapplied, or the judgment exercised", "paragraph_id": "para_617" }, { "text": "is manifestly unreasonable, or the judgment is the", "paragraph_id": "para_618" }, { "text": "result of partiality, prejudice, bias or ill-will, as shown", "paragraph_id": "para_619" }, { "text": "by the evidence of record, discretion is abused. We", "paragraph_id": "para_620" }, { "text": "emphasize that an abuse of discretion may not be", "paragraph_id": "para_621" }, { "text": "found merely because the appellate court might have", "paragraph_id": "para_622" }, { "text": "reached a different conclusion, but requires a showing", "paragraph_id": "para_623" }, { "text": "of manifest unreasonableness, or partiality, prejudice,", "paragraph_id": "para_624" }, { "text": "bias, or ill-will, or such lack of support as to be clearly", "paragraph_id": "para_625" }, { "text": "erroneous.", "paragraph_id": "para_626" }, { "text": "Mendoza-Colon v. Luscomb, Inc., 335 A.3d 1207, 1212 (Pa.Super. 2025)", "paragraph_id": "para_627" }, { "text": "(quotation and citation omitted). See Battuello v. Camelback Ski Corp.,", "paragraph_id": "para_628" }, { "text": "598 A.2d 1027, 1028 (Pa.Super. 1991) (holding the determination of whether", "paragraph_id": "para_629" }, { "text": "the trial court abused its discretion regarding venue depends on the individual", "paragraph_id": "para_630" }, { "text": "facts of each case and will not be disturbed if the trial court’s decision is a", "paragraph_id": "para_631" }, { "text": "reasonable one in view of those facts).", "paragraph_id": "para_632" }, { "text": "Our Supreme Court has recognized that “[v]enue is predominately a", "paragraph_id": "para_633" }, { "text": "procedural matter, generally proscribed by rules of th[e] [Supreme] Court.”", "paragraph_id": "para_634" }, { "text": "McGinley v. Scott, 401 Pa. 310, 164 A.2d 424, 429 (1960). Corporations", "paragraph_id": "para_635" }, { "text": "have a constitutional right to seek a change of venue, and the proper method", "paragraph_id": "para_636" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_637" }, { "text": "- 22 -", "paragraph_id": "para_638" }, { "text": "for challenging improper venue in a civil action is by way of preliminary", "paragraph_id": "para_639" }, { "text": "objections. See PECO Energy Co., supra.", "paragraph_id": "para_640" }, { "text": "Further, our Supreme Court, as well as this Court, have recognized the", "paragraph_id": "para_641" }, { "text": "interplay between Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 1028(a)(1), 1006(e),", "paragraph_id": "para_642" }, { "text": "and 2179. See generally Hangey, supra; Kazanjian v. First Liberty Ins.", "paragraph_id": "para_643" }, { "text": "Corp., 507 EDA 2021, 284 A.3d 942 (Pa.Super. 2022) (Table) (unpublished", "paragraph_id": "para_644" }, { "text": "memorandum).5 Relevantly, Rule 1028(a)(1) permits a party to file", "paragraph_id": "para_645" }, { "text": "preliminary objections based upon improper venue. See Pa.R.Civ.P.", "paragraph_id": "para_646" }, { "text": "1028(a)(1).6 Rule 1006(e) provides, in relevant part, that “[i]mproper venue", "paragraph_id": "para_647" }, { "text": "shall be raised by preliminary objection and if not so raised shall be waived.”", "paragraph_id": "para_648" }, { "text": "Pa.R.Civ.P. 1006(e). Finally, Rule 2179 sets forth where “a personal action", "paragraph_id": "para_649" }, { "text": "against a corporation or similar entity may be brought[.]” Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(a).", "paragraph_id": "para_650" }, { "text": "Specifically:", "paragraph_id": "para_651" }, { "text": "Rule 2179. Venue in an Action Against a Corporation or", "paragraph_id": "para_652" }, { "text": "Similar Entity", "paragraph_id": "para_653" }, { "text": "(a) General Rule. Except as otherwise provided by an Act", "paragraph_id": "para_654" }, { "text": "of Assembly or by subdivision (b) of this rule, a personal action", "paragraph_id": "para_655" }, { "text": "against a corporation or similar entity may be brought in and only", "paragraph_id": "para_656" }, { "text": "in a county where", "paragraph_id": "para_657" }, { "text": "____________________________________________", "paragraph_id": "para_658" }, { "text": "5 We note that, pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 126(b), unpublished non-precedential", "paragraph_id": "para_659" }, { "text": "decisions of this Court filed after May 1, 2019, may be cited for their", "paragraph_id": "para_660" }, { "text": "persuasive value.", "paragraph_id": "para_661" }, { "text": "6 The Note to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1028(a)(1) provides that “[o]f the three grounds", "paragraph_id": "para_662" }, { "text": "available to challenge venue, only improper venue may be raised by", "paragraph_id": "para_663" }, { "text": "preliminary objection as provided by Rule 1006(e).” Pa.R.Civ.P. 1028(a)(1),", "paragraph_id": "para_664" }, { "text": "Note.", "paragraph_id": "para_665" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_666" }, { "text": "- 23 -", "paragraph_id": "para_667" }, { "text": "(1) the registered office or principal place of business of the", "paragraph_id": "para_668" }, { "text": "corporation or similar entity is located;", "paragraph_id": "para_669" }, { "text": "(2) the corporation or similar entity regularly conducts", "paragraph_id": "para_670" }, { "text": "business;", "paragraph_id": "para_671" }, { "text": "(3) the cause of action arose;", "paragraph_id": "para_672" }, { "text": "(4) a transaction or occurrence took place out of which the", "paragraph_id": "para_673" }, { "text": "cause of action arose; or", "paragraph_id": "para_674" }, { "text": "(5) the property or a part of the property, which is the", "paragraph_id": "para_675" }, { "text": "subject matter of the action, is located provided that equitable", "paragraph_id": "para_676" }, { "text": "relief is sought with respect to the property.", "paragraph_id": "para_677" }, { "text": "Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179(a) (bold in original).", "paragraph_id": "para_678" }, { "text": "Here, there is no dispute that Alaska Air challenged the propriety of", "paragraph_id": "para_679" }, { "text": "venue in Pennsylvania via a preliminary objection. The issue is whether the", "paragraph_id": "para_680" }, { "text": "trial court “overstepped its bounds” by examining and applying the", "paragraph_id": "para_681" }, { "text": "requirements of Rule 2179(a) to the instant matter. See Appellant’s Brief at", "paragraph_id": "para_682" }, { "text": "10.", "paragraph_id": "para_683" }, { "text": "In addressing Appellant’s specific contention, the trial court stated the", "paragraph_id": "para_684" }, { "text": "following:", "paragraph_id": "para_685" }, { "text": "The [trial] court notes that, in ruling on [Alaska Air’s]", "paragraph_id": "para_686" }, { "text": "preliminary objections to [Appellant’s] Complaint, the [trial] court", "paragraph_id": "para_687" }, { "text": "applied each of the factors listed in Rule 2179(a) of the", "paragraph_id": "para_688" }, { "text": "Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, which governs venue in", "paragraph_id": "para_689" }, { "text": "personal actions against corporations. This analysis was", "paragraph_id": "para_690" }, { "text": "undertaken in response to [Alaska Air’s] preliminary objections,", "paragraph_id": "para_691" }, { "text": "which argued, in relevant part, that “the subject shipments took", "paragraph_id": "para_692" }, { "text": "place in Alaska,” “[Alaska Air’s] company headquarters are based", "paragraph_id": "para_693" }, { "text": "in Seattle-Tacoma, Washington,” and [Appellant] had “apparent", "paragraph_id": "para_694" }, { "text": "substantial contacts with Alaska[.]”", "paragraph_id": "para_695" }, { "text": "In applying Rule 2179(a) to the facts of the instant case, the", "paragraph_id": "para_696" }, { "text": "[trial] court found venue to be improper in Clinton County,", "paragraph_id": "para_697" }, { "text": "Pennsylvania. As such, for the [trial] court to consider the", "paragraph_id": "para_698" }, { "text": "outstanding questions surrounding the incorporation of an alleged", "paragraph_id": "para_699" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_700" }, { "text": "- 24 -", "paragraph_id": "para_701" }, { "text": "forum selection clause into an alleged contract of carriage would", "paragraph_id": "para_702" }, { "text": "be, in the [trial] court’s judgment, premature. The [trial] court,", "paragraph_id": "para_703" }, { "text": "therefore, believes that these questions are best answered by a", "paragraph_id": "para_704" }, { "text": "court sitting in a proper venue.", "paragraph_id": "para_705" }, { "text": "Trial Court Opinion, filed 1/2/25, at 2.", "paragraph_id": "para_706" }, { "text": "We conclude the trial court did not abuse its discretion, and contrary to", "paragraph_id": "para_707" }, { "text": "Appellant’s assertion, the trial court did not “overstep its bounds” in applying", "paragraph_id": "para_708" }, { "text": "Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179. While the “primary thrust” of Alaska Air’s preliminary", "paragraph_id": "para_709" }, { "text": "objection related to the theory that venue was improper in Pennsylvania", "paragraph_id": "para_710" }, { "text": "because Appellant was bound by a forum selection clause requiring venue in", "paragraph_id": "para_711" }, { "text": "King County, Washington, we agree with the trial court that a fair reading of", "paragraph_id": "para_712" }, { "text": "Alaska Air’s preliminary objection also included assertions related to Rule", "paragraph_id": "para_713" }, { "text": "2179.", "paragraph_id": "para_714" }, { "text": "Moreover, despite Appellant’s attempts during the evidentiary hearing", "paragraph_id": "para_715" }, { "text": "to narrow Alaska Air’s preliminary objection argument to solely whether there", "paragraph_id": "para_716" }, { "text": "was a binding forum selection clause in this matter, Alaska Air advised the", "paragraph_id": "para_717" }, { "text": "trial court that other factors, namely, those related to where the transaction", "paragraph_id": "para_718" }, { "text": "occurred, where the motor was located, and where the company is", "paragraph_id": "para_719" }, { "text": "headquartered, where “all factors…relevant to venue and a venue analysis,", "paragraph_id": "para_720" }, { "text": "and that’s part of our preliminary objection.” N.T., 10/10/24, at 20-22. Also,", "paragraph_id": "para_721" }, { "text": "Alaska Air argued during the evidentiary hearing that other “factors,” including", "paragraph_id": "para_722" }, { "text": "the absence of any connection to Pennsylvania in this case, would be", "paragraph_id": "para_723" }, { "text": "applicable to the venue analysis. Id. Notably, all these factors related to an", "paragraph_id": "para_724" }, { "text": "analysis of proper venue for corporations under Rule 2179(a).", "paragraph_id": "para_725" }, { "text": "J-A21033-25", "paragraph_id": "para_726" }, { "text": "- 25 -", "paragraph_id": "para_727" }, { "text": "For all of the foregoing reasons, we conclude the trial court did not abuse", "paragraph_id": "para_728" }, { "text": "its discretion in applying Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179 to the instant matter. See", "paragraph_id": "para_729" }, { "text": "Warehime v. Warehime, 580 Pa. 201, 860 A.3d 41, 46 (2004). In the case", "paragraph_id": "para_730" }, { "text": "sub judice, the averments set forth in Alaska Air’s preliminary objections and", "paragraph_id": "para_731" }, { "text": "supporting brief, as well as the testimony during the evidentiary hearing,", "paragraph_id": "para_732" }, { "text": "illustrate there were apparently reasonable grounds for the trial court to", "paragraph_id": "para_733" }, { "text": "sustain Alaska Air’s preliminary objections and apply Rule 2179.7 Thus, we", "paragraph_id": "para_734" }, { "text": "affirm.", "paragraph_id": "para_735" }, { "text": "Order affirmed.", "paragraph_id": "para_736" }, { "text": "Judgment Entered.", "paragraph_id": "para_737" }, { "text": "Benjamin D. Kohler, Esq.", "paragraph_id": "para_738" }, { "text": "Prothonotary", "paragraph_id": "para_739" }, { "text": "Date: 09/03/2025", "paragraph_id": "para_740" }, { "text": "____________________________________________", "paragraph_id": "para_741" }, { "text": "7 Given Appellant has not contended the substance of the trial court’s analysis", "paragraph_id": "para_742" }, { "text": "under Pa.R.Civ.P. 2179 was erroneous, we need not analyze the issue further.", "paragraph_id": "para_743" }, { "text": "In any event, based on the excerpt from the trial court’s October 31, 2024,", "paragraph_id": "para_744" }, { "text": "opinion, which we set forth supra, we conclude the trial court made proper", "paragraph_id": "para_745" }, { "text": "factual findings and find no legal error in its reasoning. See Trial Court", "paragraph_id": "para_746" }, { "text": "Opinion, filed 10/31/24, at 6-10. 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