Florida Shipping Company Sues Crowley Puerto Rico Services After Thousands of Cases of Frozen Meat Damaged During Ocean Transit
Great American Trucking, Inc., a Florida corporation doing business as Select Foods, has filed a maritime contract and cargo damage lawsuit against Crowley Puerto Rico Services, Inc. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 9:26-cv-80353-DMM, alleges that a massive shipment of frozen meat products was delivered in a damaged condition after being transported from Jacksonville to San Juan. The action is brought on behalf of Certain Underwriters at Lloyds, the insurance syndicates that covered the loss and are now seeking recovery through subrogation.
Cargo Insurance Underwriters Seek Recovery for Frozen Meat Damages Sustained During Maritime Carriage to Puerto Rico
According to the complaint, the dispute began following an ocean transit agreement coordinated on or about March 28, 2025. Select Foods contracted with Crowley, a common carrier of merchandise by water, to transport a 45-foot container packed with 4,968 cases of frozen meat products. The shipment originated at the Port of Jacksonville, Florida, with a final destination at the Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico. At the time Crowley took possession of the goods, the cargo was allegedly in good order and sound condition, a fact the plaintiff asserts is confirmed by the issuance of a clean Bill of Lading without any noted exceptions.
Crowley Puerto Rico Services Accused of Breaching Contract of Carriage and Violating United States Carriage of Goods by Sea Act
The lawsuit alleges that when the container arrived in Puerto Rico, the frozen meat products were found to be damaged. The plaintiff contends that these damages occurred while the cargo was within the exclusive care, custody, and control of Crowley. Because the shipment originated in the United States and was delivered to a domestic port in Puerto Rico, the complaint asserts that the United States Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, commonly known as COGSA, governs the legal rights and responsibilities of the parties. The plaintiff alleges that Crowley breached its contract of carriage by failing to deliver the frozen goods in the same healthy condition in which they were received at the start of the voyage.
Shipping Plaintiff Alleges Improper Handling of Perishable Cargo Resulted in Losses Exceeding Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars
In addition to the breach of contract claims, the complaint specifically points to improper handling of the cargo during the transportation process as the cause of the loss. As a direct result of this alleged negligence and failure to maintain the integrity of the shipment, Select Foods and its underwriters claim to have suffered significant financial harm. The lawsuit seeks a judgment in excess of 255,103.83 dollars to cover the value of the ruined meat products. The plaintiff also seeks the recovery of prejudgment interest and legal costs associated with the filing of this admiralty and maritime claim.
Select Foods Complies with All Conditions Precedent Before Filing Federal Cargo Damage Lawsuit in Miami
The complaint emphasizes that the plaintiff has met all necessary legal requirements and conditions precedent before initiating this formal litigation in the federal court system. Per the carrier’s own terms and conditions, the lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, where Crowley regularly conducts business. The legal team for the plaintiff, led by Michael C. Black, P.A., has reserved the right to adjust the final damage amount during the trial phase as more evidence regarding the extent of the frozen meat spoilage and financial impact becomes available.
Contact an Experienced Maritime Cargo Damage Lawyer Today if Your Shipment Was Damaged During Ocean Transit
Business owners and shippers who suffer financial losses due to damaged, spoiled, or lost cargo during ocean transit may be eligible to recover damages under federal maritime laws like COGSA. Carriers have a strict legal obligation to properly load, handle, stow, and care for the goods entrusted to them for international or domestic transport. If your company has experienced significant losses due to carrier negligence, temperature excursions in refrigerated containers, or improper handling at port, contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys today. We can help you navigate complex insurance subrogation issues and hold responsible parties accountable for shipping failures.
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Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
