Mastering Freight Preparedness with Claudia Catlett | Ep 37

In this eye-opening episode of Miles and Mentors: A Trucking Podcast, Claudia Catlett returns with a hard-hitting and deeply insightful conversation on the realities of freight fraud, insurance strategy, and risk preparedness in today’s trucking world. As the Risk Manager for General Transportation and a key force behind the national Freight Fraud Task Force, Claudia brings an unmatched depth of knowledge that blends practical experience with passionate advocacy.

From the outset, Claudia dives into how she was “baptized by fire” in the industry in 2021, stepping into logistics during a time of skyrocketing freight demand and a surge in organized cargo theft. She explains her multifaceted role managing insurance, claims, and vetting carriers, and highlights how freight fraud has evolved—becoming more sophisticated and more common than many realize.

Claudia recounts attending the Southwest Transportation Security Council’s annual cargo theft summit, sharing how vital in-person connections can directly result in cargo recovery. She details a stunning real-life incident where a stolen trailer was recovered within an hour—thanks to her network of law enforcement contacts and insurance investigators. This story drives home her key message: preparedness isn’t just smart—it’s powerful.

Listeners gain rare access to Claudia’s strategies for communicating effectively with law enforcement, protecting freight in known theft hotspots like Memphis, Chicago, and Southern California, and the importance of visible trailer markings. She also breaks down the logistics of secure parking, how to pick the right insurance agent, and what every owner-operator should know before factoring a load.

Beyond the tactical, Claudia speaks from the heart about the industry’s shifting communication culture—from CB radios to social networks—and encourages drivers to keep sharing information to protect each other. She outlines the value of conferences not just for education but for survival, and introduces her involvement in launching an industry-wide freight fraud nonprofit aimed at educating and protecting both brokers and carriers.

For new drivers stepping into the business side of trucking, this episode serves as a masterclass in risk management, resilience, and building a network that can literally save your cargo. With warmth, humor, and unmatched clarity, Claudia helps drivers understand how to protect their assets, their operations, and their reputations in a rapidly evolving landscape.