In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Cristina Belaval, a freight collections attorney who has carved out a highly specialized niche at the intersection of law, transportation, and cash flow recovery. Cristina breaks down what really happens when freight gets moved but the money never follows. With more than 1,700 cases handled and over $25 million recovered, she shares how carriers, brokers, and factoring companies end up in disputes, and why many of these issues stem from double brokering, fraud, or simply unpaid invoices. The conversation goes deep into the mechanics of freight collections, including how liability can extend beyond brokers to shippers and consignees, and why documentation like bills of lading, proof of delivery, and load confirmations can determine whether a claim is recoverable or lost entirely. Cristina also highlights how often carriers unknowingly weaken their own position through missing paperwork or verbal agreements that are nearly impossible to enforce. A major theme in the discussion is the rise of fraud and sophistication in the market, including email hacking and fake load confirmations that can trick even experienced operators. Cristina explains how factoring companies are increasingly playing a key role in early detection and intervention, often preventing losses before payments are released to bad actors. The group also explores how technology and AI are starting to reshape invoicing and collections. While automation is improving speed and accuracy, Cristina cautions that human oversight is still essential, especially when legitimate invoices are incorrectly flagged or rejected. Other key insights include the importance of acting quickly on aging receivables, the risks of waiting too long to escalate unpaid invoices, and how smaller claims can still be valuable when bundled together into larger recovery actions. Cristina also challenges a common misconception in the industry: that there is always plenty of time to collect. In reality, delay often reduces recovery chances significantly. The episode closes with practical advice for operators: stay disciplined with documentation, monitor receivables closely, and don’t wait too long to act when something feels off. Cristina emphasizes that protecting cash flow isn’t just about collections, it’s about protecting the business itself. A candid, practical conversation that pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked but critical parts of global logistics: getting paid.
