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Transportation officials discuss homeland security concerns

Transportation claims professionals explored the impact of globalization, airline and less-than-truckload liability, new technology, management practices and Homeland Security regulations affecting the transportation industry during the Loss Prevention Conference 2004 Fall Meeting, which took place October 17-20 in Atlanta.

“By incorporating the information gained at the Fall LPC Meeting into their daily work, claims professionals are in position to make loss prevention a more integral part of their companies’ competitive offerings,” LPC President Dwan Hughes, director of customer services, security and loss prevention, AAA Cooper Transportation, said.

The two-and-a-half day meeting included sessions designed to enhance the professional development of claims and other transportation professionals. Applying technology to claims processing, employee accountability programs, compliance with in-bond customs procedures and Homeland Security regulations were the main topics of the meeting. Sessions on the Carmack Amendment, air cargo liability and the claims liability workshop rounded out the agenda.

“LPC consistently puts on a professional program that addresses current issues facing both carriers and shippers. They garner exceptional speakers who give informative presentations,” said Susan Hubbard, chief, Claims Section (OGC), U.S, Coast Guard Finance Center.

Two sessions focused on employee accountability. Mike Jones, corporate claims prevention manager, Watkins Motor Lines Inc., presented how to handle freight loss and damage accountability issues with both company and contract employees. Jason D’Cruz, a partner with the employment law practice group of Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP, covered the legal aspects of employee accountability programs with remarks and reference material on Title VII discrimination, employee privacy, pre-employment testing, and loss or damage investigation issues at the federal and state level.

Eddie Wooten, manager shortage claims/customs, Old Dominion Freight Line Inc., discussed customs network and documentation requirements, and Robert (Chip) Birthisel, an attorney with GrayRobinson, P.A., presented a brief overview of the Homeland Security regulations, their impact on the carrier and shipping community, liability issues and recovery procedures for inspection-related losses.

Various viewpoints and experiences were explored in the sessions focusing on applying technology to claims processing. Richard Lang, director of customer services, ABF Freight System Inc., discussed paperless claims processing, and Richard R. Hornsby, general manager, Total Claims Management Inc., spoke about software designed for the shipper or receiver to simplify and automate the preparation and follow-up of freight loss or damage claims. The role of digital media, e-mail and the Internet in claims processing was presented by Bill Fullerton, information technology manager, and A.J. Mitchell, Southeastern United States area manager, MTI Inspection Services.

Brian Johnson, director of claims, Estes Express Lines, moderated the Claims Liability Workshop. Consistently rated one of the most enjoyable sessions of each LPC meeting, the “mock trial” reviewed interesting and compelling claims to help claims professionals understand the application of court cases and rules to resolve freight loss or damage claims.

The meeting concluded with a session on the historical background and current application of the Carmack Amendment presented by George W. Wright, principal, George W. Wright & Associates, LLC and a session on the evolution of Air Carrier Liability to today’s standard presented by Fred Elsberry, former director of consumer affairs at Delta Airlines and president of the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Atlanta.

“I met a lot of great people, and the content of the meeting was interesting and educational. I will use a great deal of the material to make our claim department better, which will allow us to service our customers in a quicker fashion,” Joe Reyes, Cargo Claims Manager, Southwestern Motor Transport Inc., said.

For more information on the LPC meetings and other LPC initiatives, visit www.lpclink.com or call 800-845-8090, ext. 5869