New York - Allianz Group’s specialist corporate insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty® (AGCS) announced that it is launching a dedicated transportation and logistics unit in North America to be led by Helen Leonard, Inland Marine Global Product Leader, effective today.  This new division will offer rail, motor truck cargo, warehouse and related property coverage solutions.  Building on the strength and technical expertise of its current transportation claims division and popular Specialty Logistics Package (covering contingent cargo, warehouse legal liability and other specialty transportation and motor truck cargo needs), this department will be expanded by a team of newly hired professionals strategically located throughout the region, and together, will become part of the Inland Marine division.  The AGCS Inland Marine group services clients ranging from local haulers and warehouse operations to logistics firms and large international carriers. Samuel (Sam) Rizzitelli joins AGCS as Transportation Product Lead.  Rizzitelli was previously VP/Director of Inland Marine Transportation for The Travelers Companies, Inc.  Prior to this, he held several senior positions with The Hartford, Property and Casualty based in Connecticut.  Sam obtained his JD from Quinnipiac University School of Law and a BA from Sacred Heart University. “We are excited to bring Sam, a respected industry veteran, on board to launch this practice designed to handle the unique and often complex transportation needs here in North America,” stated Leonard. “He has an impressive track record in understanding the risks clients face and will be supported by the Allianz global network of specialists – one of the strongest in the industry.” Together, these new hires, coupled with current team employees, offer 150 years of combined total underwriting experience.  As transportation needs are increasing exponentially, AGCS is well positioned to capitalize in this space, given its expansive geographical footprint, assortment of capabilities and credible history.  According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. inter-modal transportation industry is up 30% hitting an all-time high in August 2015, compared to an all-time low in April 2009.  Additionally, freight shipments are up 15.7% in the five years from the post-recession level of August 2010. “As a leader in the Inland Marine space, AGCS understands the spectrum of challenges faced by transportation and logistics companies, and our underwriters and claims professionals will focus on delivering real-time solutions needed to perform in this rapidly growing sector,” added Leonard.