Loss Prevention Conference members explored current issues and developing trends relating to freight loss and damage during the LPC 2004 Spring Meeting, May 2-4 at the Radisson Resort Parkway in Orlando, Fla.

The meeting, entitled “Putting the Brakes on Freight Loss and Damage,” provided development sessions for both novice and experienced claims professionals. Attendees strengthened their knowledge of prevention, security and claims liability. Seminar sessions, an exhibit hall and a mock trail contributed to the educational experience.

“The spring meeting covered many aspects of my responsibilities as a claims manager.
I think that this conference was so far the best I've attended, and I look forward to future meetings,” said Woody Markert, claims team leader, Colgate-Palmolive Company (Smyrna, Ga.).

“LPC is a great experience to learn and grow as a loss prevention/claims specialist,” Ellen Barker, claims watch manager, Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. (Thomasville, N.C.), said.

Edward A. Church, executive director of the International Safe Transit Association (East Lansing, Mich.) presented “Can’t We Just Get Along?” This session explored creating alliances between carriers, shippers and suppliers to effectively reduce in-transit damage. Church also gave an overview of the history of the ISTA and its Transit Tested Program.

Security technology and design was explained by Matthew B. McDearmont, president of CiriTech Inc. (Cumming, Ga.) His presentation addressed facility security issues and choices for anyone considering, using or installing security equipment.

The claims liability workshop, regarded by attendees as one of the most enjoyable sessions of every LPC meeting, helped claims professionals understand the application of court cases and rules to resolve active freight loss or damage claims. A.R. (Sonny) Yandle III, current LPC president and director of claims prevention for Saia Inc. (Houma, La.), served as the workshop chair.

Larry Roberts, founding principal, Lawrence J. Roberts and Associates (Coral Gables, Fla.), led a session that helped attendees understand the most misunderstood terms and conditions of the bill of lading. The benefits and methods of updating transportation contract provisions to cover the movement of goods in today’s global distribution network was explored by Hyman Hillenbrand, managing partner, De Orchis, Hillenbrand and Weiner (Miami, Fla.).

The meeting concluded with a best business practices discussion between the audience and two of the nation’s leading claims professionals: Ernie Benge, director of claims, Old Dominion Freight Line (Thomasville, N.C.), and Dwan Hughes, director of customer services, security and loss prevention, AAA Cooper Transportation (Dothan, Ala.). During the session, the audience had an opportunity to question the panelists about complex claims processes and how to approach delicate shipper/carrier relationships.

The LPC Fall Meeting is scheduled to take place October 17-20 in Atlanta, Ga. The Loss Prevention Conference is sponsored by SMC³ (Peachtree City, Ga.), the leading provider of technology tools for transportation.