The Loss Prevention Conference (LPC) held its 2003 spring meeting earlier this month in Orlando, Fla., focusing on "Tackling Freight Loss and Damage Head On."

"For more than 50 years, LPC has given its members and the general public training sessions on reducing freight loss and damage," said attorney Scott McMickle, president of LPC.
LPC's spring program featured industry speakers with specialized knowledge in security, freight claims and loss prevention. Jose Rodriguez, safety investigator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, spoke about the administration's hazmat training and security plans.
Lt.Col. David B. Binder with the DOT Motor Carrier Compliance Office provided a comprehensive presentation on identifying driver, vehicle and facility vulnerabilities, as well as an explanation of today's port security procedures.
Emma Singleton, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Florida district office discussed the FDA's role in homeland security.
Al Branch, vice president of claims and customer Service for Wilson Trucking Co. in Fisherville, Va., moderated a panel discussion on responsibilities and techniques to mitigate freight claim losses. The panel discussion covered shippers' common law and court-applied obligations to lower losses as well as techniques carriers can use to minimize shippers' losses.
Bill Fullerton, general manager of MTI Inspection Services, Las Vegas, explained how a comprehensive inspection company report helps establish the loss and recommends solutions to reduce the amount of loss.
At a special business meeting held during the conference, LPC member Arthur "Sonny" Yandle was elected to replace Scott McMickle as president for the coming term. Yandle is director of claims prevention for Saia Motor Freight Line Inc., Houma, La., and has been an LPC member since 1997.
Other officers elected include Kristi Hebert, claims manager for Saia Motor Freight Line, as program chair; Libby Costner, claims specialist for Springs Industries. as second vice president; and Dwan Hughes, director of Customer Services/Security & Loss Prevention for AAA Cooper Transportation, as first vice president.
LPC meetings are held twice annually. The LPC fall meeting is scheduled to take place Oct. 19-21 at the Renaissance Concourse hotel in Atlanta, Ga.
For more information on LPC, call John Rader at (770) 486-5869.