Cargo / Freight Claims

WHEN TO HIRE A CARGO / FREIGHT CLAIM INVESTIGATOR – CONSIGNEES AND SHIPPERS

If you have experienced damage to your freight during shipping, you may be wondering when it’s appropriate to hire a freight damage claim inspector. A freight damage claim inspector is an independent third-party professional who assesses the damage to your shipment and provides a report that can be used to support your freight damage claim. Here are some situations where it may be beneficial to hire a freight damage claim inspector:

  1. Large or Complex Claims

If your freight damage claim is significant or complex, it may be helpful to hire a freight damage claim inspector. A freight damage claim inspector can provide an expert opinion on the cause and extent of the damage, which can help support your claim and increase the chances of a successful resolution.

  1. Disputes with the Carrier

If you are in a dispute with the carrier over the cause or extent of the damage, a freight damage claim inspector can provide an independent assessment that can help resolve the dispute. The inspector’s report can be used as evidence in negotiations or legal proceedings.

  1. Insufficient Carrier Inspection

If the carrier’s inspection of the damaged goods was insufficient, or if you have reason to believe that the carrier’s inspection was biased or inaccurate, it may be beneficial to hire a freight damage claim inspector to conduct a thorough inspection and provide an independent assessment.

  1. Unclear Liability

If there is uncertainty about who is liable for the damage to your shipment, a freight damage claim inspector can help determine liability by assessing the cause and extent of the damage. This can be particularly helpful if multiple parties are involved in the shipping process.

  1. High-Value Shipments

If your shipment is high-value, it may be beneficial to hire a freight damage claim inspector to ensure that the damage is accurately assessed and that you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

In summary, hiring a freight damage claim inspector can be beneficial in situations where the claim is significant or complex, there is a dispute with the carrier, the carrier’s inspection was insufficient, liability is unclear, or the shipment is high-value. A freight damage claim inspector can provide an independent assessment of the damage, which can help support your claim and increase the chances of a successful resolution.

WHEN TO HIRE A CARGO / FREIGHT CLAIM INVESTIGATOR – CARRIERS

If you are a carrier and you have received a freight claim from a shipper or consignee, there may be situations where it is appropriate to hire a freight claim investigator. A freight claim investigator is an independent third-party professional who can investigate the claim and provide a report that can be used to support your position. Here are some situations where it may be beneficial to hire a freight claim investigator:

  1. High-Value Claims

If the freight claim is for a high-value shipment, it may be beneficial to hire a freight claim investigator to ensure that the claim is legitimate and that you are not being taken advantage of. A freight claim investigator can investigate the claim and provide a report that can be used to support your position.

  1. Suspicious Claims

If the freight claim seems suspicious or there are indications that it may be fraudulent, it may be appropriate to hire a freight claim investigator to investigate the claim and provide evidence to support your position.

  1. Disputes with the Shipper or Consignee

If there is a dispute with the shipper or consignee over the cause or extent of the damage, a freight claim investigator can provide an independent assessment that can help resolve the dispute. The investigator’s report can be used as evidence in negotiations or legal proceedings.

  1. Inadequate Documentation

If the documentation provided by the shipper or consignee is inadequate or incomplete, it may be appropriate to hire a freight claim investigator to investigate the claim and provide additional documentation to support your position.

  1. Compliance with Regulations

If the freight claim involves compliance with regulations, such as hazardous materials or food safety regulations, it may be appropriate to hire a freight claim investigator to ensure that you are in compliance with the regulations and that the claim is handled appropriately.

In summary, if you are a carrier and you have received a freight claim, it may be appropriate to hire a freight claim investigator in situations where the claim is for a high-value shipment, the claim seems suspicious or fraudulent, there is a dispute with the shipper or consignee, the documentation is inadequate, or compliance with regulations is involved. A freight claim investigator can investigate the claim and provide a report that can be used to support your position.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SHIPMENT ARRIVES DAMAGED

Damage cargo in a container

Call your insurance provider. Let them know that you will be filing a claim. Ask them…

  1. Will the container have to be inspected prior to returning to the carrier?
  2. Explain when demurrage charges be applied.
  3. Document the damage with photos.

These steps should be done prior to returning the container back to the carrier. Once the container is returned it is very difficult to find the container for inspection.

If you are a shipper or consignee and your freight has been damaged during transit, you may need to file a freight damage claim with the carrier or transportation company. A freight damage claim is a legal demand for financial compensation for the damage that occurred to your goods during shipping. Here are some important things to know about freight damage claims:

  1. Inspect the Shipment

The first step in filing a freight damage claim is to inspect the shipment as soon as it arrives. You should inspect the shipment thoroughly and document any damage by taking pictures or videos of the damaged items. See WHEN TO HIRE A FREIGHT CLAIM INVESTIGATOR

***KEEP THE DAMAGED GOODS FOR FURTHER INSPECTION IF NEEDED***

Exceptions may be hazardous material or perishables if they pose a risk or will not survive (spoil) before the investigation process

  1. Note the Damage on the Delivery Receipt

When you receive the shipment, you should note any damage on the delivery receipt and have the driver sign it. Be as specific as possible about the damage and include the number of damaged items.

  1. File the Claim with the Carrier

To file a freight damage claim, you will need to submit a claim form to the carrier or transportation company. The claim form should include details about the shipment, the damage, and the amount of compensation you are seeking.

  1. Provide Supporting Documentation

Along with the claim form, you should also provide supporting documentation, such as:

  • Bill of Lading
  • Delivery Receipt
  • Inspection Report
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Photos or videos of the damaged items
  1. Wait for the Carrier’s Response

Once you have filed the claim, the carrier will investigate and respond to your claim. The carrier may either accept the claim and offer compensation or deny the claim. If the carrier denies the claim, you may have the option to appeal or take legal action.

  1. Consider Hiring a Freight Damage Claim Lawyer

If you are dealing with a complex freight damage claim or have experienced significant financial loss, you may want to consider hiring a freight damage claim lawyer. A freight damage claim lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.

In summary, if your freight has been damaged during shipping, it’s important to act quickly and follow the proper procedures to file a freight damage claim. Be sure to inspect the shipment, note the damage on the delivery receipt, file the claim with the carrier, provide supporting documentation, and consider hiring a freight damage claim lawyer if necessary.