Industry Insights

February 10, 2025 – Chicago, IL Roanoke Insurance Group proudly celebrates its 90th anniversary as a pioneer and trusted partner in the logistics and trade insurance industry. Since its founding in 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, Roanoke has been at the forefront of industry innovation, delivering specialized insurance solutions that have shaped and supported the global trade and logistics sector. Milestones in Roanoke’s Legacy From its early days as the first provider of customs import bonds in the United States to its recognition as the first official ATA Carnet provider for the U.S. Council for International Business (USCIB) in 1978, Roanoke […]

By: Andrew Johnson, Account Executive, Roanoke Insurance Group Inc. The freight brokerage industry as we know it today began in the late 1970s and early 1980s, around the time of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980. Before the passage of this landmark legislation, regulations were too restrictive to make freight brokerage a viable business segment. Fast-forward to today, and most motor carriers, by authority definition, also have a freight brokerage operation. Freight brokerages fulfill a vital service in modern logistics, connecting independent carriers with loads and drastically reducing empty repositioning moves. Brokering also allows carriers to complement their assets by […]

We are excited to share that Karen Rzeszutko, President of Roanoke Insurance Group Inc. has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the United States Council for International Business (USCIB) for the 2024-2026 term. This appointment recognizes Karen’s outstanding leadership and her significant contributions to the industry. The USCIB, a prominent organization dedicated to promoting the success of U.S. businesses globally, has welcomed new and reelected members to its Board of Trustees and Board of Directors. The announcement, made on May 20, 2024, in New York, NY, includes a diverse group of leaders from various sectors who will bring […]

Fictitious pickups are increasing in North America. In the US, the percentage of cargo thefts due to fictitious pickup rose from 1% in 2022 to 17% in 2023. Strategic theft patterns are also rising, where thieves use identity theft and fraud with fictitious pickup and brokering schemes to obtain loads from freight locations. Combatting this menace requires a combination of vigilance, technology, and a well-trained staff. Let’s explore some effective strategies for guarding against fictitious pickups and minimizing the risk of falling victim to scams. Per Tony Pelli, Practice Director, BSI Consulting, Specializing in Supply Chain and Security Risk Management, […]

By Glenn Patton, Managing Director, Roanoke Insurance Group Canada, Inc.   The following are several important issues regarding the insurance industry and regulatory changes that impact freight brokers and forwarders. With so many Canadian freight brokers and forwarders conducting cross-border business, U.S. regulatory changes affect the entire industry. Nuclear verdicts in liability cases in the U.S. involving motor carriers have included freight brokers. Nuclear verdicts against trucking companies in the U.S. have reached tens and hundreds of millions of dollars in the past decade or so. In their lawsuits, plaintiffs in accidents with motor carriers have named all parties involved […]

It is with great pleasure that we announce the promotion of Danielle Kurtzer to the role of Regional Vice President of our Charleston office, effective February 1, 2024. This is a significant milestone for Danielle and all of us at Roanoke, as she brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this pivotal role. Danielle’s journey in the insurance industry is nothing short of inspiring. With over 30 years under her belt specializing in Surety Bonds, Cargo Insurance, and Property & Casualty Insurance, she has proven herself to be a formidable force in the field. Her tenure at Roanoke began […]