Rapid Fire Loss Recovery for Fleet Transit’s Critical East Coast Operations
How GGG/AI Helped Fleet Transit Secure a Multimillion-Dollar Recovery While Maintaining Operations After a Major Fire Loss in Baltimore
When a major fire severely damaged Fleet Transit’s headquarters and service facilities in Baltimore, Maryland, the incident threatened to disrupt critical 24/7 dispatch operations along the East Coast. The fire caused extensive structural damage, impacted inventory and equipment, and created significant operational challenges, all while permitting delays complicated the recovery process. Goodman-Gable-Gould/Adjusters International (GGG/AI), together with Atlantic Estimating and Rollins Accounting & Inventory Services, mobilized immediately to quantify damages, coordinate claim strategy, and negotiate directly with Allianz. Through rapid response, strategic claim management, and coordinated recovery efforts, GGG/AI helped Fleet Transit maintain operations, avoid business interruption losses, and secure a substantial insurance recovery.
Once I was notified of our own fire, the first words out of my mouth were: we need GGG! As I arrived on-site, the plethora of companies trying to convince our team to sign agreement while the building was still smoking still amazes me. once I was notified of our own fire, the first words out of my mouth were: we need GGG! As I arrived on-site, the plethora of companies trying to convince our team to sign agreements while the building was still smoking still amazes me. once I was notified of our own fire, the first words out of my mouth were: we need GGG! As I arrived on-site, the plethora of companies trying to convince our team to sign agreements while the building was still smoking still amazes me.
Description
A significant fire occurred at Fleet Transit’s headquarters facility in Curtis Bay, Baltimore, Maryland, damaging vehicle bays, the parts department, and support facilities connected to its 24/7 East Coast dispatch operations. The November 14, 2024 fire originated in a vehicle bay adjacent to a parts storage trailer, where corrosive materials intensified the event and generated heavy smoke that disrupted the surrounding industrial area and temporarily closed the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel.
Fleet Transit retained Goodman-Gable-Gould/Adjusters International (GGG/AI), Atlantic Estimating, and Rollins Accounting & Inventory Services to manage all aspects of the insurance claim and recovery process. The team immediately began quantifying structural damage, documenting business personal property losses, coordinating with engineers and contractors, and negotiating directly with Allianz and its consultants to accelerate claim approvals and payments.
Using advanced estimating technology, forensic accounting analysis, and strategic negotiation, GGG/AI helped secure funding for reconstruction, maintain operational continuity, and position Fleet Transit to resume full operations despite significant permitting and rebuilding challenges.
Issues
- Major fire damage to vehicle bays, support facilities, and parts storage areas
- Heavy smoke and corrosive material contamination
- Temporary closure of the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel and disruption to surrounding industrial operations
- Extensive damage to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
- Potential exposure to a 90% business personal property coinsurance penalty
- Increased operating costs due to outsourced vehicle repairs
- Need to maintain 24/7 dispatch and transportation operations during reconstruction
- Significant permitting delays impacting rebuilding timelines
- Complex coordination between contractors, engineers, salvage consultants, and insurer representatives
Solutions Applied
- Mobilized a multidisciplinary claims team immediately following the loss
- Conducted 3D scanning, engineering analysis, and detailed Xactimate estimating within weeks
- Coordinated meetings with structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing experts to support claim documentation
- Worked collaboratively with Allianz consultants and Allied Salvors to streamline claim review and approvals
- Documented and valued all inventory, furniture, fixtures, and equipment losses
- Negotiated acceptance of full demolition and rebuilding of the primary structure
- Implemented strategic coordination to eliminate any coinsurance penalty exposure
- Secured approval for temporary facility costs and ongoing operational expenses
- Negotiated coverage for 45% of outsourced vehicle repair expenses under Extra Expense provisions
- Maintained direct communication with Allianz adjusters to accelerate payments and decision-making
Outcome
- Multimillion-dollar insurance recovery secured
- 91% of the repair estimate approved for payment
- 92% of the building claim paid upfront with minimal depreciation
- 100% of the business personal property claim accepted by Allianz
- 93% of the business personal property claim paid promptly upfront
- No coinsurance penalty applied
- 45% of outsourced repair costs covered under Extra Expense
- Full reimbursement obtained for temporary facilities and operating costs
- Business interruption losses successfully avoided
- Fleet Transit resumed full operations at the site by the end of 2025 despite substantial permitting delays