What you need to know if your shipment has concealed damage
In the best of circumstances, dealing with a freight claim is a headache. There’s back and forth with the carrier, gathering and submitting the necessary documentation and evidence, and a lot of waiting, even though you may be acting with appropriate urgency. And urgency is important in making sure that your claim is successful. If you notice that your shipment is damaged upon arrival, you should immediately document it as proof that the damage occurred while it was in transit and detail the damages on the proof of delivery (POD), or delivery receipt.
But what if you or your recipient, also known as a consignee, didn’t discover the damage until after the delivery was completed, and you already signed off on the POD without noting any damages?
What is concealed damage?
Concealed damage is damage to freight found after a delivery is made and the driver has left with a POD with no exceptions noted on it. When this is the case, it is presumed that the cargo arrived in the same condition as when it was picked up. This makes it difficult to prove when the damage occurred: at the origin, during transit, or at the destination.
Concealed damage may have a number of causes. Examples include:
Can you file a freight claim on concealed damage?
Filing a freight claim on concealed damage is possible. According to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, however, in order to have the best chance of success with your claim, you must file it within five days of the delivery.
While it’s possible to file a freight claim after that period has elapsed, it is much more difficult to prove. As with all freight claims, it is important to take the necessary actions as quickly as possible.
How do you file a concealed damage freight claim?
As soon as you discover the damages, document them as much as possible. Detail the nature and extent of the damage and the number of units damaged, and take pictures to use as evidence. The next step is to notify your carrier.
When you file the claim, you’ll also need to provide supporting documentation, which may include:
This is not an exhaustive list of all documents or evidence required for a successful claim. Carriers may request additional information depending on the specific goods or the type of damage.
With Koho, filing your cargo claim is a straightforward process that can be done through Koho’s online platform. Simply fill out an online claim form and upload your supporting documents and photos. Within 24 hours, a claims specialist will contact you. If necessary, they may request additional documentation. Once they have everything they need, a claim will be filed with the carrier on your behalf.
To learn more about how Koho can make every step of your LTL shipments easier, contact us today.
What you need to know if your shipment has concealed damage
In the best of circumstances, dealing with a freight claim is a headache. There’s back and forth with the carrier, gathering and submitting the necessary documentation and evidence, and a lot of waiting, even though you may be acting with appropriate urgency. And urgency is important in making sure that your claim is successful. If you notice that your shipment is damaged upon arrival, you should immediately document it as proof that the damage occurred while it was in transit and detail the damages on the proof of delivery (POD), or delivery receipt.
But what if you or your recipient, also known as a consignee, didn’t discover the damage until after the delivery was completed, and you already signed off on the POD without noting any damages?
What is concealed damage?
Concealed damage is damage to freight found after a delivery is made and the driver has left with a POD with no exceptions noted on it. When this is the case, it is presumed that the cargo arrived in the same condition as when it was picked up. This makes it difficult to prove when the damage occurred: at the origin, during transit, or at the destination.
Concealed damage may have a number of causes. Examples include:
Can you file a freight claim on concealed damage?
Filing a freight claim on concealed damage is possible. According to the National Motor Freight Traffic Association, however, in order to have the best chance of success with your claim, you must file it within five days of the delivery.
While it’s possible to file a freight claim after that period has elapsed, it is much more difficult to prove. As with all freight claims, it is important to take the necessary actions as quickly as possible.
How do you file a concealed damage freight claim?
As soon as you discover the damages, document them as much as possible. Detail the nature and extent of the damage and the number of units damaged, and take pictures to use as evidence. The next step is to notify your carrier.
When you file the claim, you’ll also need to provide supporting documentation, which may include:
This is not an exhaustive list of all documents or evidence required for a successful claim. Carriers may request additional information depending on the specific goods or the type of damage.
With Koho, filing your cargo claim is a straightforward process that can be done through Koho’s online platform. Simply fill out an online claim form and upload your supporting documents and photos. Within 24 hours, a claims specialist will contact you. If necessary, they may request additional documentation. Once they have everything they need, a claim will be filed with the carrier on your behalf.
To learn more about how Koho can make every step of your LTL shipments easier, contact us today.
