Adjuster, Claims

About This Role

This claims adjuster role involves investigating, evaluating, resolving, and subrogating cargo and equipment claims under various statutory and contractual legal liability regimes. The position requires a comprehensive assessment of facts, damages, and legal liability analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform the investigation, adjustment, and payment of cargo claims in a timely manner
• Accept claim assignments from various sources including the company’s cargo claim intake portal, directly from customers, and/or directly from the business unit
• Act as a single point of contact for certain large volume customers/accounts
• Obtain all relevant claim and insurance documentation for each new claim
• Input and maintain accurate and detailed records of all claim activities in the database, including investigation/survey reports, reserve worksheets, diaries, and settlement negotiations
• Gather facts through direct communication with customers and/or through assignment of third-party surveyor
• Arrange for the transfer, salvage, or destruction of damaged cargo
• Address potential third-party subrogation opportunities, placing responsible parties on notice
• Serve as a primary point of contact for customers, claimants, insurers, surveyors, salvors, and business unit stakeholders, providing timely updates and addressing inquiries and concerns
• Evaluate the company’s legal liability for cargo loss or damage pursuant to ocean bill of lading, shipper/carrier agreement, motor carrier agreement, insurance policy, and/or other contractual terms
• Accurately reserve claims within financial authority on a most probable loss basis
• Issue timely payment of claims
• Negotiate settlements with customers, consignees, and parties subrogating on behalf of cargo interests to achieve fair and equitable resolutions
• Discuss commercial decisions to pay claims in advance with the Cargo Claims Manager and business unit stakeholders
• Assign and manage outside counsel to defend lawsuits filed by cargo claimants, including collaborating with outside counsel on defense strategy/budget and responding to all discovery requests
• Represent the company at mediation or trial
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, best practices, and company policies governing claims handling and documentation
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency enhancements within the claims management workflow, providing feedback and suggestions
• Detect and evaluate adverse claim trends
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office products and data reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, or equivalent)
• Be customer service oriented with strong communication skills to support both internal and external stakeholders