Patterson Companies Inc - Risk, Claims, and Carrier Qualifications Specialist at Patterson Companies Inc

Position Summary

The Risk, Claims & Carrier Qualifications Specialist plays a critical role in protecting Patterson Companies from operational, financial, and reputational risk. This position is responsible for managing all Overages, Shortages, and Damages (OS&D), processing and resolving freight claims, qualifying and onboarding carriers, maintaining carrier insurance compliance, and overseeing organizational risk management procedures. This role ensures that Patterson Companies operate within industry regulations while building strong partnerships with carriers and safeguarding our customers’ freight.

Key Responsibilities

Claims & OS&D Management

• Serve as the first point of contact for all OS&D and freight claims from shippers, carriers, and internal teams.
• Investigate, document, and process claims in compliance with company policies, federal regulations, and industry best practices.
• Communicate with carriers, customers, and internal stakeholders to resolve disputes promptly and fairly.
• Maintain detailed claim files, documentation, and reporting for trend analysis and process improvement.

Carrier Vetting & Qualification

• Conduct thorough vetting of new carriers, including verifying MC/DOT authority, safety ratings, insurance coverage, and operational capabilities.
• Ensure carriers meet Patterson Companies’ safety and compliance standards before onboarding.
• Monitor ongoing carrier compliance, including insurance renewals, safety performance, and regulatory changes.
• Manage the carrier onboarding process in collaboration with the operations team, utilizing TMS-integrated vetting tools (e.g., Highway).

Insurance & Compliance Management

• Track and verify carrier insurance policies, ensuring timely renewals and appropriate coverage.
• Coordinate with carriers and insurance providers to update coverage documents in company systems.
• Monitor regulatory requirements and ensure company compliance with FMCSA, DOT, and other governing bodies.

Organizational Risk Management

• Identify operational risks and recommend preventive strategies to mitigate exposure.
• Develop and update company policies related to risk, claims, and carrier compliance.
• Provide regular risk and claim trend reports to leadership to inform decision-making.
• Collaborate with sales, operations, and leadership to ensure contractual agreements protect company interests.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in transportation, logistics, risk management, or claims processing.
• Strong knowledge of carrier vetting, insurance requirements, OS&D processes, and freight claims procedures.
• Proficient in using TMS platforms and compliance monitoring tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

• Experience in a 3PL or freight brokerage environment. Operations experience is preferred.
• Familiarity with Highway, RMIS, SaferWatch, Carrier411, or equivalent compliance software.
• Knowledge of cargo insurance policies, Carmack Amendment, and freight claim regulations.