1995 marks almost 25 years of my association with Bill Augello, who originally conceived of "Freight Claims in Plain English", based on his extensive background in handling freight claims and educating hundreds, if not thousands, of shippers (and carriers) about the legal principles involved. During that time, his tireless efforts and zeal as an educator have been an inspiration and a model to all who have known and worked with him.
The revision to the 1982 edition of this text, which has become "the Bible" for many in the transportation industry, has consumed endless hours of research, extensive revision, and serious scholarship. As the legal issues become more complex and technical, there is a continuing struggle to retain the focus of the original book: a readable, useful reference for people in the field and a teaching aid for those who seek initiation into this relatively obscure area of the law. Hopefully, the "legalese" has been kept to a minimum, and the extensive discussion of actual court decisions and discussion of fact patterns will give the reader useful information with which to understand and solve day-to-day real problems.
Many people have contributed to or assisted in this revision. First, of course, is Bill Augello, whose experience and wisdom are unparalleled. My associate, Ray Selvaggio, and friend, Mike Bange, proofread and made many valuable suggestions. Associates Sean Beliles and Steven Beyer, as well as former law students Jean Concolino and Edward Dosch helped with research. Our "computer Guru", Jim Wilson, of Paradigm Legal Technologies, Inc., provided invaluable help with layout, and many of the technical aspects of publication.
The Canadian section of the revised text was written by Catherine A. Pawluch and Christine E. Hart, both of whom have extensive experience in the area of Canadian transportation and regulatory law. Catherine was assisted by Stacey Overholt, a student-at-law who is interning at Morris/Rose/Ledgett in Toronto.
Bill Augello drafted the Mexican section, based on his active involvement with the North American Free Trade Agreement. These sections reflect the growing needs of our United States readers to know and understand transportation laws and customs in these neighboring countries which have become such important trading partners.
Last, but not least, my thanks for the support from the staff at Augello, Pezold and Hirschmann, P.C., particularly my secretary, Roseann West.
George Carl Pezold