1. Who is responsible for your cargo
The carrier or vessel operator that had your cargo when it was lost or damaged is responsible under its bill of lading, terms and tariff, and under the law that applies to that part of the trip. Different rules and liability limits can apply to the road and sea parts of the same shipment. We arranged the shipment, so we help you file the claim with the right carrier and follow up on it.
2. At delivery
- Inspect the cargo before you sign for it.
- Write any visible loss or damage on the delivery receipt, with a short description, before you sign.
- Take photos of the damage, the packaging and the vehicle, trailer or container, and keep the packaging.
- Tell us as soon as you can at quotes@ferriesfreight.com.
3. Damage you find after delivery
If you find damage that wasn't visible at delivery, report it to us in writing within 5 days of delivery, with photos. If you can, keep the cargo and its packaging as they were until the claim has been inspected.
4. Deadline for a claim
File your written claim within 9 months (an ocean carrier's bill of lading can set a shorter period), counted from delivery or, for lost cargo, from the date it should have been delivered. A carrier can refuse a claim that arrives late.
5. What to include
- Your shipment reference and the bill of lading or booking confirmation
- The delivery receipt with your notes
- Photos of the cargo and its packaging
- A commercial invoice or other proof of the cargo's value
- A repair estimate or invoice, or other proof of the loss
- The amount you're claiming and how you worked it out
6. What you can recover
Carriers and vessel operators limit their liability in their bills of lading and tariffs, and the law can limit it too. Limits differ by mode of transport: trucking carriers set their limits in their tariffs and bills of lading; ocean, RoRo and barge carriers usually limit liability per package or per unit under their bills of lading and federal law, often far below the cargo's value. The amount you recover can be less than your cargo's value, so consider cargo insurance before you ship.
7. Where to send a claim
Email quotes@ferriesfreight.com with "Claim" and your shipment reference in the subject line.