Building Trust in Turbulent Times: How Strong Claims Partnerships Create Resilience During the Holidays

During the holidays, logistics networks stretch to their limits. From port congestion and weather disruptions to tight delivery windows and increased theft risk, the season exposes supply chains to heightened vulnerabilities. In these moments, a strong claims partnership becomes more than a safety net—it’s a strategic asset.

At Arete Adjusting, the foundation of resilience begins with trust, which is built through preparation, effective communication, and responsive claims handling. This approach to cargo insurance turns uncertainty into opportunity.

Understanding Cargo Insurance

Cargo insurance is designed to protect the value of goods in transit. While not always mandatory, it’s essential.

Key Coverage Types:

  • All-risk coverage: Broad protection against most physical losses or damages, with some exclusions (e.g., poor packaging, inherent product flaws).
  • Named perils coverage: Specific, listed events like fire, collision, or theft.

Benefits for Shippers:

  • Financial Security: Helps absorb losses, preventing major operational or revenue hits.
  • Compliance Assurance: Supports international trade documentation and ensures compliance with client requirements.
  • Faster Recovery: Enables businesses to replace goods quickly and maintain uninterrupted operations.

Building Resilience Through Strong Claims Partnerships

The holiday season puts pressure on every link in the chain. A strong partnership among insurers, brokers, and clients can make all the difference.

Why Strong Claims Partnerships Matter:

  • Prompt, Expert Handling: Skilled claims adjusters accelerate settlement timelines, reducing disruption and keeping holiday orders on track.
  • Aligned Expectations: Open communication reduces friction, while clear documentation ensures faster and more informed decisions.
  • Proactive Risk Strategy: Partners collaborate to prevent losses—utilizing GPS tracking, vetted carriers, and innovative packaging solutions.
  • Financial Strength: Collaborating with solvent partners ensures timely claim payouts even when multiple losses occur simultaneously.
  • Tailored Policies: Flexible coverage accounts for the unique risk profile of seasonal shipments, providing comprehensive protection.

When time is tight and stakes are high, trust matters most. Claims partnerships built on reliability and effective communication enable businesses to focus on delivering value instead of being disrupted.

Don’t leave resilience to chance. Partner with a claims expert like Arete Adjusting to ensure your cargo insurance program is built for the real risks of holiday logistics. Contact our team today to strengthen your claims strategy before peak season hits.

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When $1 Million in Tequila Vanishes: Inside the Guy Fieri Heist and What It Reveals About Cargo Theft

In November 2024, 24,000 bottles of Santo Tequila vanished somewhere between Texas and Pennsylvania. The celebrity-backed brand co-founded by Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar became the latest victim of a cargo theft scheme that’s costing the U.S. economy up to $35 billion annually.

This wasn’t a Hollywood-style hijacking. No armed robbers. No high-speed chases. Instead, sophisticated criminals orchestrated the entire heist from 7,000 miles away in Armenia, using nothing more than fake emails, forged documents, and spoofed GPS tracking.

The New Face of Cargo Theft

“Calling these cases ‘double brokering’ misses the point,” said Jimmy Menges of FIND, a cargo-theft investigation firm. “What’s really happening is the fraudulent use of another company’s identity.”

Here’s what happened: Criminals created fake trucking company profiles with legitimate-looking credentials. Santo’s logistics provider hired what appeared to be a real carrier, which then outsourced to two more companies, both fraudulent. The criminals sent fake GPS updates showing the trucks headed to Pennsylvania while actually redirecting them to Los Angeles.

By the time anyone realized what had happened, one truck had been emptied at a warehouse. Three weeks later, police recovered 11,000 bottles. The other 13,000 were never found.

Why Technology Isn’t Enough

Remote cargo theft has spiked 1,200% in four years, according to Verisk CargoNet. The average theft now exceeds $200,000 in value. And despite investments in tracking systems and screening tools, criminals continue to evolve.

“These tools are great. They’ve all been defeated,” Jimmy notes candidly. “They should be utilized as tools,” not as the sole defense.

William Richards of Arete Adjusting, who handles cargo theft insurance claims, sees the aftermath regularly. “If the trucking company is a one-person band, we’re not going to recover half a million dollars from this company because they simply do not have it.”

The Most Effective Defense

Both experts agree: communication is key.

“If freight brokers supply complete and accurate motor-carrier details, with driver credentials, equipment VINs, and license plates—and shippers strictly validate that information before loading, we could reduce these thefts by at least half,” Jimmy emphasizes.

Simple verification steps, like FaceTime calls with drivers at pickup, confirming equipment details before loading, and maintaining strong communication between brokers and shippers, can prevent most schemes.

The Santo heist forced the company to lay off employees during their peak holiday season. But the real lesson isn’t just about protecting cargo—it’s about recognizing that in an increasingly digital supply chain, the human element remains your strongest security layer.

View our comprehensive infographic for a complete breakdown of the Santo Tequila heist, including red flags to watch for, step-by-step prevention strategies, and expert insights from cargo theft investigators and insurance adjusters.

The Santo Tequila Heist – InfographicDownload

For cargo theft investigations, prevention, and recovery services, visit FIND. For insurance claims assistance, contact Arete Adjusting.

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Theft Happens Fast — Your Reporting Needs to Be Faster

When a shipment goes missing, every minute counts. Quick, accurate loss reporting is the difference between a fast recovery and a complete write-off. At Arete Adjusting, our adjusters and field investigators have witnessed firsthand how quickly stolen cargo can disappear — sometimes within hours — particularly with the rise in organized theft, broker fraud, and misdelivery schemes.

Timely communication isn’t just helpful; it’s critical. Here’s what every shipper should know about reporting losses immediately — and how that can dramatically improve the odds of recovering your freight.

  1. The Clock Starts the Moment You Notice a Loss

Cargo theft is now at its highest level in over a decade, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and Trucking.org. The faster Arete is alerted, the faster our investigators can begin the recovery process.

Within 24 hours of a missing load report, our network can initiate local contact with law enforcement and insurance partners.

Delays longer than 48 hours drastically reduce recovery rates — stolen loads are often broken down or moved across state lines by then.

  1. Details Matter: Report Everything You Know

A successful claim starts with accurate details. When you call Arete Adjusting, have ready:

A. The carrier or broker name, last contact point, and bill of lading number,
B. Equipment identifiers (trailer, VIN, tractor number),
C. Driver’s information and dispatch notes,
D. Photos, tracking data, and last-known GPS location if available. 

The more information you provide upfront, the faster Arete Adjusters can mobilize and verify the claim.

  1. Don’t Wait for Confirmation — Report Suspicion

With strategic theft (fake pickups, fraudulent brokers, and cargo diversion scams) on the rise, hesitation costs recovery time. If a shipment goes silent, a driver changes contact numbers, or you notice mismatched credentials — report it. Arete can investigate before the freight is gone.

  1. Involve Adjusters Early for Maximum Coverage

Insurance carriers rely on professional adjusters like Arete to validate, investigate, and coordinate claims and recoveries. Reporting losses immediately allows:

A. Early engagement with law enforcement and claims teams,
B. Securing evidence before it disappears,
C. Preventing fraud escalation across multiple shipments.

Arete’s adjusters understand the entire claim lifecycle — from field inspection to documentation and carrier liability. Early involvement ensures accurate valuations and smooth processing.

  1. Build a Relationship Before the Loss Happens

The best recovery begins with prevention. Partner with Arete before an incident to establish:

  1. Clear reporting channels and after-hours contacts,
  2. Pre-filed shipper profiles for instant verification,
  3. Security protocols for known lanes and carrier vetting.
  4. Proactive partnerships save precious time when incidents strike.

Final Thought

Cargo theft isn’t going away — but quick, structured loss reporting gives you the upper hand. Arete Adjusting provides nationwide coverage and local expertise to act fast, recover faster, and protect your business from cascading losses.If you suspect a loss, report it now. Arete’s team is available when you need us. The faster you call, the better your chances of success.

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The Power of Partnerships: How Strong Broker and Legal Relationships Accelerate Cargo Claims

At Arete Adjusting, we resolve cargo claims more efficiently when insurers, brokers, and legal counsel work together as a unified team. Our North American TPA model integrates end-to-end claims handling with recovery, subrogation, salvage, and contract advice, supported by an established network of surveyors, law firms, and other industry experts. The result: cleaner liability findings, tighter documentation, and quicker settlements for marine, cargo, and transportation losses.

Why Partnerships Speed Up Cargo Claims 

  • A single version of facts, broker submissions, policy wordings, trading terms, and shipment evidence is aligned upfront to reduce disputes and rework. Arete’s “intelligent adjusting” standardizes documentation collection so decisions move on time.
  • Stronger recoveries & subrogation, coordinated and timely carrier notices, demand letters, and evidence chains raise recovery odds and reduce net loss to the portfolio. Arete’s recovery workflow is integrated from day one, allowing for adjustments.
  • Clean salvage outcomes, pre-approved salvage channels move distressed cargo quickly and compliantly, protecting brand and minimizing deterioration costs.
  • Contract clarity, rapid review of trading conditions, and service agreements prevent surprises during negotiation and claim filing.
  • Cross-border claims, multiple jurisdictions, and liability regimes add complexity; Arete’s North American footprint and partner network keep evidence, policy, and forum choices aligned.
  • High-severity marine/cargo cases, port disruptions, strikes, or force majeure events require synchronized surveys, cause analysis, and rapid mitigation.
  • Multi-insurer placements, market/subscription policies need coordinated adjuster reports and settlement mechanics across participating carriers.

Arete’s Partnership Playbook (What We Do)

  • Intake & triage: Validate coverage triggers, confirm policy/endorsements, map Incoterms and carriers, instruct survey where required, and notify liable parties within contractual/statutory windows.
  • Fact pattern & evidence, capture photos, tally/weight tickets, EDI milestones, POD exceptions, seal logs; reconcile declared value, HS codes, and routing to policy terms.
  • Recovery & subrogation, pursue carriers/bailees with complete evidentiary files; track responses and escalate per mode rules; coordinate salvage disposal if required.
  • Reporting & closure, deliver time-bound updates and reserve guidance; reconcile settlements across co-insurers in market placements.

Where We Operate and Who We Serve

Arete Adjusting provides end-to-end claims management for insurers and underwriters in North America, supported by a vetted international partner network for surveying, technical investigation, legal review, and recovery. Our licensed adjusters and leadership team bring decades of marine and cargo experience, with state licensing coverage anchored in major markets (e.g., CA, NY, TX, FL, and RI, including reciprocity). 

Bottom line: better partnerships mean faster cargo claims, stronger recoveries, and lower leakage. Insurers, underwriters, and brokers: connect with Arete Adjusting to align intake, legal strategy, and recovery from day one — and shorten the path from notice to settlement. 

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The Rise of Complex Cargo Claims: How Global Trade Volatility Is Reshaping Risk

In today’s freight environment, complex cargo claims are on the rise. As supply chains become more global and more fragile, claims are shifting from straightforward damage reports to layered, multi-jurisdictional issues involving delays, liability disputes, and overlapping coverage.

At Arete Adjusting, we’re seeing this change in real time. Delays caused by labor strikes, port congestion, extreme weather, and rerouted shipments are turning what used to be simple loss events into multi-point investigations. It’s not just about what got damaged—it’s also about when, why, and who’s responsible across multiple touchpoints.

Global volatility is a key driver. As trade routes evolve and geopolitical tensions reshape flows of goods, cargo is moving through unfamiliar lanes, handled by more partners, and subject to more checkpoints. With every added step, there’s added risk and more complexity when something goes wrong.

Extreme weather is another major factor. From flooding in Asia to wildfires and hurricanes in North America, environmental disruptions are creating domino effects in cargo handling, delivery times, and condition on arrival. Claims are no longer isolated to single events—they’re part of a chain reaction.

That’s where Arete comes in. Our approach to complex claims adjusting is built around the whole story, not just the paperwork. We investigate cause and context, map timelines, and collaborate with all involved parties—carriers, shippers, insurers, and legal teams—to resolve claims thoroughly and fairly. This holistic method reduces friction, increases transparency, and improves recovery outcomes.

As the logistics world gets more complex, claims will follow. But untangling them doesn’t have to be a struggle with the right partner. If your team is navigating a surge in claim volume or struggling to track liability across borders, Arete Adjusting will help you take control of the process.

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Choosing the Right Cargo Insurance: Avoiding Costly Mistakes

When it comes to cargo insurance, choosing the cheapest option isn’t always advisable. Many shippers unknowingly select ICC-C coverage, thinking they’re covered—only to find out too late that their policy doesn’t protect against common risks. 

While ICC-C may be the most affordable option upfront, it only covers extreme situations, such as total loss due to a plane crash or a vessel sinking.

For businesses that rely on secure and reliable shipments, making an informed decision about coverage levels is critical. Understanding the differences between ICC-A, ICC-B, and ICC-C can help prevent unexpected financial losses.

Breaking Down Coverage: ICC-A, ICC-B, and ICC-C

  • ICC-A (All Risk) – The most comprehensive coverage. Protects against theft, damage, loss in transit, and more—the best option for high-value or fragile items.
  • ICC-B – Mid-tier coverage. Excludes some risks covered under ICC-A, such as partial losses from external factors.
  • ICC-C – The cheapest option. It only covers major disasters like vessel sinking, fire, or total loss—leaving cargo owners vulnerable to theft, damage, or minor incidents.

Example: If you’re shipping a high-theft item like electronics, ICC-C won’t cover theft. Without ICC-A, you could be left without recourse if your shipment disappears in transit.

Another common mistake? Shipping used goods and simply defaulting to new general merchandise when purchasing insurance, without realizing that your cargo may in fact require special approval by your underwriter. Further, your specific commodity may even be excluded altogether if it is not an available option when purchasing insurance. If your online insuring platform does not list your commodity, we recommend confirming coverage with your insurance representative.

Why Investing in Better Coverage Makes Sense

Many shippers assume that ICC-A is significantly more expensive, but in reality, the price difference is often just a few dollars more per shipment, depending on the overall value of cargo insured and if a standard transit route. Given the financial risk of loss or damage, opting for better protection is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

For companies unsure of the right policy, working with insurance specialists like Arete helps ensure your cargo is protected without unnecessary costs. Reach out today for more information and best practices from your friends at Arete.

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What is a Third-Party Adjuster (TPA) and How Do They Handle Your Claims?

If you’ve ever had to deal with an insurance claim—especially in the freight and logistics industry—you may have come across a third-party adjuster (TPA). But what exactly do they do, and how do they fit into the claims process? Whether you’re a freight forwarder managing claims, a policyholder navigating an insurance issue, or a new professional in the logistics industry, understanding the role of a TPA can help you handle claims more effectively.

A third-party adjuster, like Arete Adjusting, is an independent entity hired by an insurance company to investigate, evaluate, and resolve claims on their behalf. While TPAs work closely with policyholders and claimants to assess damages, collect documentation, and process claims, it’s important to remember that their ultimate responsibility is to the insurance company. Their job is to ensure the claim is handled according to the policy terms, industry regulations, and best practices.

So, what happens when a TPA is involved in your claim? Once a claim is filed, the TPA steps in to review all relevant information, inspect damages if necessary, and gather documentation from all parties involved. This can include everything from bills of lading and freight records to accident reports and repair estimates. They may also coordinate with surveyors, appraisers, and legal experts to ensure a thorough evaluation. After gathering the necessary details, the TPA determines how much of the claim is covered under the policy and works with the insurance company to finalize the payout or resolution.

For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, this means that if cargo is lost, damaged, or delayed, a TPA will likely be the one guiding the claims process. While they are there to assist in navigating the claim, it’s important to provide clear, well-documented evidence to support your case. TPAs follow strict procedures and timelines, so staying proactive and organized can help ensure a smoother resolution.

At the end of the day, TPAs serve as a bridge between the insurance company and the claimant, ensuring that claims are handled efficiently and in compliance with policy terms. If you ever find yourself working with a third-party adjuster, knowing their role in the process can help you better manage your claim and expectations. If you have questions about how TPAs work or need assistance with claims, Arete Adjusting is here to help.

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