TIDA Member Spotlight

The TIDA Member Spotlight will feature one member each month. The spotlighted member will share responses to interesting questions and non-work related photos to build connections among new and seasoned members. Anyone may propose a member to be spotlighted. The committee will alternate each month between industry and legal professionals to increase engagement among our organization. Members can nominate themselves or another member to be featured by sending your recommendation to Megan Early-Soppa, Member Communications Committee Chair.

November 2022

Eugene Duncan, USA Truck a DB Schenker Company

I was born and raised in Tulsa, OK. I was raised with five siblings including a twin sister. My twin sister and I are next to the youngest. We have one younger sister, one older brother, and two older sisters. I currently reside in Fort Smith, AR with my wife, two lovely stepdaughters and four great grandkids. 

How long have you been a member of TIDA and why is it important to you to be a member?

I have officially been a member of TIDA for four years. TIDA is important to me because it allows me to hang out with the “heavy hitters” in the transportation industry. I learn so much at each of the conferences. I always come away feeling smarter. I get to meet and make friends with good people.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be? Why?

If I could collaborate with anyone (living or dead) I would like to speak with the late Representative John Lewis. He was there at the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. I would like to get his perspective on what has changed, what hasn’t changed, and what he thinks we should be doing now. 

To date, what has been the most memorable case you have been involved? Why?

Years ago, I denied what appeared to be a minor claim with disputed liability. There were no witnesses and no police report. Suit was filed and we defended the claim. I was deposed by what I believe to be a reptile attorney. I had been deposed before, but this one shook me to me core. The plaintiff attorney made me feel like an incompetent adjuster, but worse, a dishonest one. It took me some time to get over the experience. Sometimes it still haunts me. However, that experience has motivated me to be more diligent in my investigations and more vigilant in my claims handling. I believe the experience has made me a better adjuster, and perhaps a better person. 

What advice would give to  your 25-year old self?

Believe in yourself. Don’t let your failures and setbacks define who you are.

Where would I travel if there was a chance I could be there for up to a year?