What is a Freight Claim?
A Freight Claim is a legal demand by the customer to a carrier for financial reimbursement for a loss or damage of a shipment. Freight claims are also known as shipping claims, cargo claims, transportation claims, or loss and damage claims.
Types of Freight Claims
Freight Claim #1 - Damage
A large number of freight claims you will file will be of the type “damaged.” To actually have this type of claim, the freight damage must be visible upon delivery and then notated on the proof of delivery (POD), aka delivery receipt.
Freight Claim #2 - Loss
This type is official if you have notated and documented against the original bill of lading that the freight was picked up but never got delivered. You will need to ask the carrier for an official declaration stating that the freight is lost, in order to file this type of claim.
Freight Claim #3 - Shortage
Basically, when only a portion of the freight that was picked up, gets delivered. For this reason, make sure to verify the number of pieces you received against the drivers delivery receipt provided at the time of delivery. Note in detail any discrepancies on the carrier’s delivery receipt. Do not forget to have the freight driver sign all copies to acknowledge your notation.
Freight Claim #4 - Concealed Damage or Shortage
A concealed damage or shortage claim is filed when the loss or damage is not noticeable at the time of delivery. These types of claims are tricky because you need to prove that the damage occurred (even though it was properly packaged and secured) while it was in the carriers possession. To ensure that the carrier does not decline your claim, after the driver leaves, immediately unwrap the freight and inspect and count all of the products and inner packaging. If damages/shortages occurred, call to inform the carrier immediately. Take photos of the freight before and after unwrapping it. Concealed damages/shortages must be reported to the carrier within 5 days after the delivery for a claim to be valid.
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