According to Packaging Digest, as much as 11% of shipments arriving at a distribution center have some level of case damage.
The biggest key to managing concealed damage freight claims and other claim types is to prevent them outright. You can also take measures to improve your chances of a successful concealed damage freight claim.
What Are Concealed Damage Freight Claims?
Tips to Prevent Concealed Damage Freight Claims
1. Inspect Shipments Thoroughly
For reasons we’ve already covered, you are much more likely to be reimbursed if you note damages before you sign a delivery receipt. This makes it essential to inspect shipments to the best of your ability before signing them. During this inspection, be sure to look for signs of damage, such as:
- Rips in the shipment’s packaging.
- Dents in boxes or box corners.
- Moisture or signs of leaking.
- Watermarks or stains.
- Mildew damage.
- Broken tape/seals or other evidence that a package has been opened.
- Punctures in the shipment’s packaging.
- Rattling in boxes.
- Unauthorized double stacking.
2. Make Sure the Shipment Isn’t Short
3. Consider Freight Insurance
Even if the carrier does accept responsibility, they are still likely to try and pay as little as possible. Third-party freight insurance, meanwhile, covers the total value of your shipment and does not require you to prove that the carrier is directly responsible for the shipment’s damage.
What to Do When Concealed Freight Damage Occurs
If you encounter a need to file a concealed damage freight claim, here is the process that you should follow:
- Report the damage to the carrier as soon as it is discovered. In most cases, you only have five days after a shipment’s arrival to file a concealed damage claim.
- Thoroughly document all damage with photographs.
Follow up with the carrier via email to create a record of your request. - If the carrier wants to inspect the shipment, schedule the inspection as soon as possible.
- If the carrier waives the inspection, keep a record that the inspection was waived.
- Preserve all packing material and pallets until authorized by the carrier to dispose of them.
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Manage Theft and Concealed Damage Claims More Effectively with MercuryGate
To learn more about managing theft and concealed damage claims, download MercuryGate’s free ebook, The Guide to Concealed Damage Claims, or reach out to us today to schedule a demo of our freight claims management tools.