In the past few months, I’ve written about how to help eliminate damage and insuring your freight. This month it’s filing a claim.
Filing a Claim
If your cargo is damaged, here are some tips to help make the claims process go smoother.
- Inspect the cargo upon arrival. Don’t let the driver’s impatience at wanting to leave slow you down at inspecting it.
- If you do see damage, have it noted on the paperwork.
- If you find damage after you unpack the freight, contact the shipper immediately, as well as Global Source Logistics. Be aware, concealed loss or damage is tough to prove!
- Take clear pictures of the damaged areas.
- Save all the packaging! The carrier may send someone out for an inspection and they will want to see how it was packed. You should retain everything until the claim has been paid.
- Depending on the extent of the damage, the insurer may only cover an amount to repair the damage.
- If the freight is totaled, it’s up to you to prove the value of your goods.
- Be patient! Your claim should be settled within 60 to 90 days, but regulations allow carriers up to 120 days.
Freight dimensions
The weight and dimensions of your freight shipment are one of the most important factors in determining freight rates on density-based items. Dimensions are always rounded UP to the nearest inch, and include the pallet and ALL packaging. Inaccurate dimensions and weight can be costly, especially for oversized items. Measure twice to be safe!
