Welcome to the FreightClaimBlog!
This blog has been developed to provide a vehicle for people to share their concerns, frustrations, and questions about freight claims. Through the blogging process, we hope to provide valuable information relating to processing freight claims, best practices for managing O.S. & D., as well as share insights of other professionals.
I am being told that there is nothing I can do to recoup our losses on concealed shortages…is that true? Our customer signed clear but called the carrier the same day to report that one of the boxes was half empty and it looked like it had been resealed. Any suggestions?
George Wright
Ohio Place Mgt.
Comment by Ohio Place Mgt. — Wednesday, September 9, 2009 @ 03:18
Carriers usually require concealed shortages or damages to be reported within 15 days of delivery. The fact that the shortage was reported on the same day and the box appeared to have been resealed is enough evidence for the carrier to launch an investigation. Pictures should be taken and the box should be kept intact until the carrier has inspected the shipment or has waived its right to inspect and has agreed to pay the claim based on the pictures. Make sure everything is in writing and again I can’t say this enough, pictures speak volumes.
Comment by Deirdre — Thursday, February 18, 2010 @ 18:21
Is a Bill of Lading required when filing claims?
Comment by confused1 — Thursday, February 18, 2010 @ 18:27
A Bill of Lading is a document given to the carrier/driver to acknowledge goods have been received for shipping to destination. It acts as both a contract between parties and a medium for reference if any claims are made by the shipper or carrier or shipments are delayed or denied. A bill of lading is also used to give carriers specific instructions regarding the shipment such as: call for appt, must delivery by, liftgate required, and other pertinent instructions. A bill of lading can be a pertinent piece of information when disputing claims if used properly at the onset. The driver should sign appropriately for the product that is being picked up as well as provide a date and time of the pick up on the documentation. If the number of pieces delivered on the delivery receipt do not match what was noted on the Bill of Lading, this may be used to file the initial claim to launch an investigation as to what took place. Some companies do not use Bill of Ladings but may use other paperwork to ship product. But a Bill of Lading would make things easier for both the shipper and the carrier.
Comment by Deirdre — Thursday, February 18, 2010 @ 18:36