Four Issues Driving The Rise of Complex Cargo Claims: How Global Trade Volatility is Reshaping Risk

IIn today’s interconnected web of supply chains, cargo claims are no longer straightforward. Global trade volatility has introduced multiple layers of risk, making disputes more complex and costly to resolve. At Arete Adjusting, we’ve seen how shifting trade patterns, port congestion, strikes, and extreme weather can create claims involving multiple jurisdictions, carriers, and policy wordings.

When risks overlap, shippers, insurers, and cargo owners need more than just documentation—they need clarity and coordination.

Here are four key issues contributing to this rise in complexity:

  1. Shifting Supply Chains
    Nearshoring, reshoring, and diversifying sourcing routes mean that goods pass through a growing patchwork of legal jurisdictions. This broadens the scope of applicable laws and increases the risk of claim disputes, especially when cargo changes hands multiple times.
  2. Labor Disruptions
    Whether it’s a dockworkers’ strike, a warehouse shutdown, or transport operator protests, labor issues delay movement and expose cargo to temperature shifts, theft, and deterioration. These interruptions also trigger contractual penalties that escalate claim complexity.
  3. Port Congestion
    As global ports experience backlogs, cargo sits longer—sometimes for weeks. This extends liability exposure and leads to cascading issues like container detention, missed transshipments, and added storage costs, making claim resolution more intricate.
  4. Severe Weather
    Climate events are more frequent and intense, from hurricanes in the Gulf to wildfires on the West Coast. Under pressure when cargo is rerouted, delayed, or damaged by extreme conditions, insurers must untangle timelines, liability, and policy coverage.

How Arete Handles Multi-Layered Claims

Our approach combines industry knowledge with a collaborative process that ensures alignment among all stakeholders—insurers, brokers, forwarders, and cargo owners.

We:

  1. Assess the full chain of events to understand where liability lies.
  2. Coordinate with surveyors, carriers, and legal counsel to ensure evidence is complete and admissible.
  3. Guide clients step-by-step, translating complex adjuster or salvor requests into actionable tasks.
  4. Maintain clear communication so there are no surprises in timelines or expectations.

As cargo claims grow more complex, having an experienced, neutral partner to untangle facts from assumptions is essential. Arete Adjusting delivers a holistic, detail-driven approach to ensure claims are resolved fairly, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to your operations.

Contact Arete Adjusting to learn how we can support your next complex cargo claim—from first notice to final settlement.

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Cargo Theft and Misdelivery: What Shippers Need to Know About Liability and Recovery

Cargo theft isn’t always a midnight heist at the port. Sometimes, it’s subtler—misdelivered containers, falsified paperwork, or trailers quietly disappearing between warehouses. In today’s fractured supply chain, cargo theft and misdelivery are on the rise, and shippers need more than insurance—they need clarity, accountability, and action.

Theft Trends:
Today’s cargo crimes are increasingly tech-enabled and opportunistic. Whether organized crime targets loaded containers in parking lots or theft by misdirection in last-mile deliveries, thieves are adapting fast. Drayage zones and unsecured warehouses—especially during peak congestion—have become prime targets.

Misdelivery Risks:
In many cases, misdelivery is unintentional but just as costly. A wrong handoff at the terminal, a delivery to an unverified address, or a warehouse staffer bypassing internal controls can result in massive downstream disruption. Liability in these cases often depends on chain-of-custody documentation, carrier contracts, and cargo ownership terms at the moment of loss.

How Arete Helps:
When cargo vanishes or winds up in the wrong hands, Arete Adjusting gets to work fast. Our team conducts full-scope investigations to trace liability across the supply chain, reviewing GPS logs, surveillance footage, warehouse protocols, and shipment documentation. We help determine what happened, who’s responsible, and how recovery or reimbursement should be handled.

We also bridge the gap between claimants and insurers by translating legal and logistical complexity into clear, actionable information. Whether it’s subrogation against negligent parties or validating loss amounts, we support recovery efforts with neutrality and precision.

In a risk landscape where one slip-up can mean six figures lost, Arete brings the focus, speed, and expertise to protect your bottom line.

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The Legal Complexities of Marine General Average Claims

In the world of maritime shipping, few concepts are as old—and as complex—as General Average. Rooted in ancient maritime law, General Average dictates that when a ship faces a peril and a sacrifice is made to save the voyage, all parties with a financial interest in the cargo share the cost of that loss. In principle, it’s about fairness. In practice? It’s often legally dense, logistically messy, and full of financial tension.

When General Average is declared—typically due to a jettisoned container, engine fire, grounding, or salvage operation—all parties (cargo owners, charterers, and insurers) must contribute toward the cost of that sacrifice. But determining who owes what, how much, and whether the sacrifice was truly justified can quickly spiral into months of dispute and delay.

That’s where Arete Adjusting enters the equation.

In a claim landscape filled with legal nuance, financial exposure, and global stakeholders, Arete Adjusting brings order to complexity. We’re committed to helping to understand the General Average process and handle it efficiently.

Here are some of maritime history’s most significant General Average (GA) claims, highlighting the events that led to substantial shared losses among stakeholders. These cases underscore the complexities and massive financial implications of General Average maritime shipping claims. They highlight the importance of understanding GA principles and ensuring adequate insurance coverage to mitigate potential losses:

1. Ever Given – Suez Canal Blockage (2021)
In March 2021, the Ever Given, a massive container ship, ran aground in the Suez Canal, halting one of the world’s busiest trade routes for six days. The incident led to a General Average declaration, potentially becoming the largest GA claim in history due to the extensive salvage operations and the vast number of cargo interests involved.

2. Maersk Honam – Fire in the Arabian Sea (2018)
A severe fire broke out on the Maersk Honam in March 2018, resulting in the loss of several crew members and significant cargo damage. The vessel’s owner declared General Average, with cargo owners required to contribute to the extraordinary expenses incurred during the salvage operations.

3. Dali – Baltimore Bridge Collapse (2024)
In March 2024, the container ship Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing its collapse. The ship’s owner declared General Average to share the substantial salvage and recovery costs among cargo owners.

4. Prestige – Oil Spill off the Coast of Spain (2002)
In November 2002, the oil tanker Prestige sank off the coast of Galicia, Spain, spilling approximately 60,000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil. The disaster caused extensive environmental damage and complex legal proceedings, with General Average principles invoked during the claims process.

5. MOL Comfort – Structural Failure in the Indian Ocean (2013)
The MOL Comfort broke apart in the Indian Ocean in June 2013 due to structural failure, leading to the loss of the vessel and its cargo. The incident resulted in a General Average claim, with cargo owners contributing to the losses incurred.

Arete’s Role: Translating Complexity into Action

When General Average is declared, an average adjuster is formally appointed to assess the situation, determine valid sacrifices, and allocate costs among stakeholders. However, for many cargo owners and insureds, that process can feel like trying to read maritime law in another language.

That’s where Arete Adjusting steps in—not as the average adjuster but as a critical bridge between the adjuster’s technical work and the client’s practical needs.

We coordinate directly with the appointed adjuster and help translate their requests—often highly technical and time-sensitive—into clear, actionable steps for our clients. We identify when cargo owners need to be involved, especially in cases where freight forwarders pass that responsibility along, and guide them through what’s required.

From assisting with salvage guarantees and financial securities to helping clients understand documentation demands, Arete supports those who may be unfamiliar with the General Average process and walks with them every step of the way.

Thanks to our strong industry relationships, we know the key players. That means when General Average is triggered, we can help manage expectations, align timelines, and reduce confusion before it can slow things down.

In short: Arete doesn’t adjust the average—we ensure our clients understand it, meet their obligations, and confidently move forward.

Contact Arete Adjusting today—where precision meets principle.

Posted in Adjusting Insights, ClaimsTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Port Disruptions, Labor Strikes & Force Majeure: Claims Challenges in Today’s Marine Logistics

Port disruptions, labor strikes, and force majeure events are reshaping marine logistics—and triggering a surge in complex insurance claims. Delayed deliveries, damaged or abandoned cargo, and lost revenue are becoming more frequent. At Arete Adjusting, we help clients navigate this volatile environment with clarity, precision, and expert claims management.

Why These Claims Are Complex

Marine cargo claims triggered by disruption events are rarely straightforward. Common challenges include:

  • Cargo deterioration during extended port holds
  • Perishables spoilage from refrigeration outages
  • Supply chain halts caused by strikes or disasters
  • Force majeure declarations that cloud liability and coverage

What’s Driving Today’s Claims?

Key triggers for the current wave of marine claims include:

  • Widespread port congestion in major global hubs
  • Labor unrest disrupts port operations
  • Severe weather events cause port closures
  • Legal uncertainty around force majeure clauses
  • Shifting trade routes introduce new risks

How Arete Supports Clients

At Arete Adjusting, we take a proactive, evidence-based approach to ensure stronger claims outcomes:

  • Preserve critical evidence, including cargo condition reports, port delay records, communication trails, and time-stamped inspection photos
  • Collaborate with legal teams when approved by underwriters to build strong claims files and ensure precise positioning under marine policies and international regulations
  • Pursue subrogation opportunities when appropriate to recover losses from responsible third parties

Tips to Manage Marine Claims Risk

Businesses can strengthen their claims position and reduce exposure by:

  • Reviewing contracts and insurance policies for force majeure language and exclusions
  • Establishing protocols for documenting cargo condition and transit timelines
  • Maintaining open communication with logistics partners during disruptions

The Arete Advantage

Arete Adjusting helps businesses in the event of a claim in this dynamic environment. If your organization faces claims related to port disruptions, labor strikes, or force majeure events, we’re ready to help.

Contact Arete Adjusting today to learn more.

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Climate Risk and Marine Cargo: Are You Prepared for Weather-Driven Claims?

Flooded warehouses. Hurricane-wrecked ports. Spoiled temperature-sensitive shipments.
If you’re in the marine cargo business, you already know — climate-driven risks are no longer rare. They’re reality. And the volume of related claims is only growing.

At Arete Adjusting, we help clients across industries navigate this changing landscape with sharper insights, faster responses, and a whole lot of hard-earned expertise.

Here’s what you need to know (and how to stay prepared):

Weather Patterns Are Changing. So Are Claim Trends.

2024 alone saw:

  • Record hurricane activity in the Atlantic
  • Widespread port disruptions due to floods
  • Temperature swings causing increased loss of perishable goods

Marine cargo claims linked to climate and weather are up across the board.
Claims are getting more complex.

Why? Because supply chains are longer, risks are more interconnected, and contracts aren’t always keeping pace with real-world exposures.

 What’s at Risk?

Common weather-driven claims we’re seeing:

  • Flood-damaged goods at the port or warehouse
  • Cargo lost due to hurricane delays and vessel rerouting
  • Temperature-sensitive cargo spoiled by unexpected heat waves or power loss during transit
  • Increased liability disputes over who “owns” the loss when climate events disrupt the chain

Industries most affected: food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, luxury goods, textiles.

How Arete Helps You Stay Ahead

  • Fast mobilization post-event:
    Our adjusters move quickly when a weather event hits — assigning the right expert for the job — to assess losses, preserve evidence, and streamline the claims process.
  • Expertise with sensitive cargo:
    We know the nuances of temperature-controlled shipments, chain-of-custody documentation, and proving causation in weather-related cases.
  • Contract review:
    We work with clients to identify possible scenarios that can arise. (Pro tip: your Incoterms matter more than you think.)
  • Data-driven insights:
    Arete leverages data from past events and current climate models to help clients anticipate emerging risks rather than just react to them.

 What Can You Do Today?

Here’s your weather-driven cargo risk checklist:

  • Review your cargo policies — do they cover floods and temperature fluctuations?
  • Map out storage and transit vulnerabilities in your supply chain.
  • Work with logistics partners to confirm backup plans for power loss and rerouting.
  • Keep pre-loss documentation up to date — it makes claims much smoother.
  • Connect with your adjuster (us!) now, not after the storm hits.

The Arete Advantage

In a world where climate volatility and climate risks are the new normal, Arete Adjusting is ready to help you:

  • Mitigate losses
  • Navigate complex claims
  • Protect your reputation and relationships

Because in marine cargo, it’s not just about what’s on the ship — it’s about what’s on the line.

Are you prepared for climate risks? We are. Let’s talk.

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How Technology Is Elevating Claims Accuracy and Transparency in Logistics

When a cargo claim lands, the clock starts ticking. What happened? Where did it happen? Who’s responsible—and how do we prove it? The answers depended on paper logs, delayed updates, and inconsistent documentation for years. Not anymore. Today, technology is elevating claims accuracy and transparency in logistics, and Arete Adjusting is using it to drive better, faster, more defensible outcomes.

It starts with GPS tracking and geofencing. With real-time data, we know precisely where a load was at any given moment. Temperature-sensitive goods? We can pull timestamped records that show whether a reefer stayed in range or drifted out of spec. Without relying on best guesses, if a delay triggered demurrage or loss, we can show when and where it occurred.

Digital claims portals simplify the process. Clients can submit evidence, monitor claim status, and communicate with adjusters without sending spreadsheets back and forth. It’s transparency in motion—cutting response time, reducing miscommunication, and giving all parties access to the same data at the same time.

Behind the scenes, data analytics helps identify trends that go beyond individual losses. Repeat delays at a port? Rising theft reports in a particular corridor? Our systems flag these patterns so clients can adjust operations before another loss occurs.

All of this adds up to claims that are easier to defend, faster to resolve, and harder to dispute. Because Arete structures our support around clarity, objectivity, and real-world logistics insight, we don’t just use the tech—we use it smartly.

If you’re managing cargo claims and looking for more accuracy, less back-and-forth, and clearer outcomes, Arete Adjusting is ready to bring you the data—and the people—to the table. Let’s build your next claim on facts, not frustration.

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End-to-End Claims Management in the Logistics Industry: What It Really Takes

When a shipment goes wrong, the ripple effect can be immediate: missed deliveries, damaged goods, unhappy customers, and mounting pressure to resolve the issue fast. However, handling cargo or liability claims isn’t just about reacting to an incident. It’s about managing a complex process from start to finish with clarity, consistency, and speed. At Arete Adjusting, we understand what it takes to handle claims from the first report to the final settlement—and we’ve built our services to support that whole journey.

It starts with incident reporting. Whether it’s a single damaged pallet, a misrouted container, or a temperature excursion, gathering accurate details fast is critical. Arete works with clients to establish immediate intake protocols and gather the supporting documentation required to validate the claim early. That front-end structure helps avoid delays down the line and sets the tone for a smoother resolution.

The next steps include investigation and evaluation—this is where technical expertise matters. Our adjusters understand the nuances of cargo liability, marine coverage, and multimodal transport. We assess loss, determine coverage, and communicate findings clearly with all parties. If subrogation or third-party liability comes into play, we’re already on it—ensuring the claim is positioned for recovery wherever possible.

Then comes resolution. At Arete, we control claims costs by getting ahead of the issues. Technical handling starts the very moment a claim is advised. We bring them to closure with transparency and speed. Our integrated systems and reporting tools allow clients to track every stage of the process in real time, reducing back-and-forth and giving teams the confidence to move forward. The result is faster payouts, stronger partner relationships, and less disruption to your operations.

Claims management isn’t a one-off—it’s a business-critical function that impacts trust, reputation, and financial performance. If you’re ready to streamline your claims process from end to end, Arete Adjusting is prepared to step in. Let’s handle what happens next together.

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We handle claims efficiently and transparently throughout the entire event chain while curated data collection enables the intelligent analysis of emerging trends across a portfolio.