Those Certain Underwriters at Lloyds London v. DTI Logistics Inc.

The entire cargo of three trailers was stolen while the trailers were parked in a Ryder Truck facility parking lot. DTI Logistics, Inc., the company transporting the cargo, had cargo insurance provided by Those Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s, London Subscribing to Policy No. C6120102 the “Underwriters”. The policy covers loss of cargo owned by third parties, and DTI requested reimbursement under the policy. The Underwriters denied coverage. DTI brought suit for breach of contract, and the case went to trial with DTI prevailing. On appeal, the Underwriters contend the trial court erred by denying their motion for directed verdict, by improperly instructing the jury regarding a term of the policy, and by awarding prejudgment interest. Construed in favor of the verdict, the evidence shows that DTI is a small trucking company that leases many of its trucks from Ryder. As a consequence of the relationship, Ryder gave DTI permission to park trailers at a Ryder facility in Atlanta. In the matter at hand, Colgate-Palmolive hired DTI to ship cargo valued at over $100,000, which required three trailers. Between May 9 and May 11, 2003, DTI parked the three loaded trailers at the Atlanta Ryder facility. The trailers were detached from the tractors, closed, and securely locked with keys removed. Nevertheless, at some point, the trailers were taken from the Ryder facility by an unknown person and returned empty.

In order to protect itself, DTI had purchased motor truck cargo coverage from the Underwriters and paid the premiums. The insuring clause of the policy provides that the Underwriters agree “to indemnify the Insured”: for ALL RISKS OF PHYSICAL LOSS OR DAMAGE FROM AN EXTERNAL CAUSE to lawful cargo in and/or on a truck whilst in the Insured’s care, custody or control in the ordinary course of transit, including loading and unloading. . . . The policy only covers cargo owned by third parties: the policy specifically excludes property of the insured; and “cargo” is defined not to include property or equipment owned, hired or leased by the insured. Colgate-Palmolive is not a party to this action.