Freight Claims & Damage Guide
Freight Claims Start With Good Documentation
Freight claims start with quick, clear documentation of damage, shortage, and delivery issues. Amark helps customers understand claim support steps, carrier documentation needs, and practical next steps when freight does not arrive as expected.
Inspect Freight Before Signing
When freight arrives, the receiving party should inspect the shipment before signing the delivery receipt whenever possible. Visible damage, shortage, torn packaging, crushed cartons, wet freight, broken pallets, or missing pieces should be noted clearly.
A clean delivery receipt can make a claim harder to support.
Document the Condition
Good documentation matters. Customers should keep:
- Delivery receipt
- Photos of damaged freight
- Photos of packaging
- Photos before unpacking, when possible
- Product photos
- Shipment details
- Invoice or cost documentation
- Communication with the carrier or logistics provider
Report Concealed Damage Quickly
Damage found after delivery should be reported as soon as possible. Customers should document when the issue was discovered, take photos, keep the packaging, and notify Amark or the carrier in writing.
Be Careful Before Refusing Freight
Refusing freight may make sense in some situations, but it can also create storage, redelivery, disposal, ownership, or inspection issues. Before refusing a damaged shipment, customers should contact Amark so the situation can be reviewed and the next step can be documented.
Keep Packaging and Damaged Product
Customers should retain damaged freight and packaging until the carrier has had an opportunity to review or inspect the material, or until Amark confirms the next step. Disposal before inspection may affect claim options.
How Amark Helps With Freight Claims
Amark can help customers:
- Review what happened
- Identify needed documentation
- Communicate with the carrier
- Request carrier backup
- Submit claim information
- Track claim status
- Review carrier responses
- Help customers understand next steps
Amark cannot guarantee claim approval, but strong documentation and timely communication can help protect the customer’s position.
Freight Claims FAQs
For most US interstate shipments, a freight claim must be filed in writing within 9 months of the delivery date, or the expected delivery date if the freight never arrived. Filing sooner is always better, because photos and details are easier to collect while they are fresh.
Carriers must acknowledge a claim in writing within 30 days of receiving it. They then have 120 days to pay, decline or make a firm settlement offer. If the claim is still open after that, the carrier must give a written status update every 60 days.
This is called concealed damage. Stop unpacking, take photos of the freight and packaging, keep everything, and notify Amark or the carrier in writing as soon as possible. Many carriers expect concealed damage to be reported within 5 days of delivery.
Not usually. Refusing freight can lead to storage, redelivery or disposal issues and can complicate the claim. In most cases it’s better to accept the shipment, note the damage clearly on the delivery receipt, and contact Amark before deciding next steps.
You’ll usually need the bill of lading, the delivery receipt with any damage notes, photos of the freight and packaging, the commercial invoice showing the value of the goods, and a written description of the damage or shortage.
Not always. LTL carriers often limit their liability based on the freight class, the weight of the shipment and the terms in their tariff. For high value freight, it’s worth discussing coverage options before the shipment moves.
Need Help With a Freight Claim?
Contact Amark as soon as possible and provide photos, delivery documents, shipment details, and a description of the issue.
