WHAT IS CCPAC?
CCPAC is a non-profit organization that seeks to elevate the professional standards of individuals who specialize in the administration and negotiation of freight claims. Specifically, it seeks to give recognition to those who have acquired the necessary degree of experience, education and expertise in domestic and international freight claims to warrant acknowledgment of their professional stature.
The foundation was laid for CCPAC at a special meeting of a Blue Ribbon Steering Committee, in Washington, DC, in January of 1980. Over 30 farsighted transportation executives were at that historic gathering. The participants came from all walks of transportation – motor carriers, forwarders, railroads, airlines, water carriers, educational institutions, governmental agencies, the press, shippers, receivers, and insurers. CCPAC was officially incorporated in Washington, DC on January 7, 1981.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CCPAC?
WHY SHOULD FREIGHT CLAIMS MANAGEMENT BE ELEVATED TO A PROFESSIONALLY CERTIFIED STATUS?
Many specialized fields requiring education and training have and are instituting certification programs to offer the public an additional aid in selecting or hiring qualified experts. The administration of freight claims requires a significant amount of knowledge of the legal principles of carrier liability, burdens of proof, and an ability to develop and apply pertinent facts. The paralegal aspects of claims management have not heretofore been given appropriate recognition by upper management.
By establishing a program whereby claims professionals might be certified, CCPAC seeks to enhance the credentials of those who specialize in this important field of transportation and logistics, and to encourage specialized training, and a commitment to high professional standards.
DO YOU HAVE TO BE CERTIFIED IN ORDER TO GET A JOB OR A PROMOTION IN THE FREIGHT CLAIMS BUSINESS?
Absolutely not! CCPAC was created to recognize formally what already exists. There are many who are professionals in this field of expertise and deserve recognition as such. Certification will help to accelerate the advancement of worthy professionals in transportation.
HOW DOES ONE BECOME A CERTIFIED CLAIMS PROFESSIONAL?
There have been two levels of certification, but only one is currently available: the Certified Claims Professional (CCP). An applicant for CCP must satisfy the designated minimum requirements for education and/or experience in transportation freight claims. These requirements are outlined in detail in the CCPAC “Rules for Certification of Freight Claims Professionals,” which are available from CCPAC National Headquarters and are reprinted in this booklet. Once the education/experience threshold has been satisfied, the applicant must take and pass a written examination. After certification the CCP must maintain certification status every three years by fulfilling educational requirements, by participation in transport organizations, or by re-examination.
The other level of certification is an Honorary Freight Claims Professional (HCCP). To have been eligible for HCCP, or "grandfather" certification, the applicant had to have accumulated ten or more years of domestic or international experience in freight claims processing, analysis, or management (during at least five years of which he or she had been in charge of a freight claims processing or prevention function). They were further required to have written an essay which CCPAC reviewed and accepted or to have passed the CCPAC written examination. HCCP applications were accepted through August 31, 1982 and are now closed.
HOW MAY THE “CCP” AND “HCCP” DESIGNATIONS BE USED?
The titles "Certified Claims Professional" (CCP) or "honorary Certified Claims Professional" (HCCP) may be used on letterheads, business cards, correspondence, resumes and employment records, etc., to indicate the professional status of a successful applicant.
IF YOU BECOME CERTIFIED, ARE THERE ANY CONTINUING REQUIREMENTS?
Yes, periodic maintenance of your examination is required for CCPs. (HCCPS are excluded from this requirement.) Every three years you must exhibit certain levels of participation in transportation and logistics organizations, including CCPAC, college/university courses, special courses, other educational activities, or through written and published articles. Rules for continuing education are contained in the CCPAC “Rules for Certification.” Periodic maintenance of your CCP status is necessary to ensure the integrity and uniqueness of the certification program.
