What is damaged freight? Damaged freight is products that arrive damaged. Freight can become damaged during the transportation process or while packaging it. However, before you begin to panic, there are ways you can fix this problem. If you are wondering how to handle damaged freight, use this as a guide to help you determine what steps you need to take.
Tips for Handling Damaged Freight
Here are some steps to take in case of damaged freight.
Avoid Turning the Driver Away
Dealing with damaged freight is something that you will face inevitably. You will eventually experience a situation where you will need to determine whether you should refuse the goods or accept them. It is easy to just say you don’t want them. This could result in you paying even more since you would be liable for future shipping expenses.
Accept the Goods
As mentioned above, you should never refuse your damaged items. Instead, accept them. You can then document everything to prepare you for filing a claim. When an investigation is opened, there are many factors that will determine whose fault it was.
Make Sure Everything Is Documented
When it comes to handling damaged freight, one of the most important steps you will need to take is to document all the damage. You can make note of these damages on the proof of delivery page. Exceptions should also be documented, if any. An example of an exemption would be if three of your boxes arrived dented. If the items inside the boxes are not damaged, this would not warrant filing a claim.
Hang on to all Packaging & Items
It may become frustrating for you to store all your damaged items, but you must do so. Don’t just put it up and forget that it’s there. If something must be discarded, such as food or hazardous materials, check with your local disposal laws before throwing it away.
Ensure Freight Doesn’t Sustain Further Damage
You can easily do this by storing them properly. It is all in your control now, so once you have located a good area to store them, leave them there. Avoid placing the freight in a location where it could be exposed to a lot of constant movement.
Pay any Fees
If you plan on filing a claim and don’t pay the charges, this could hurt the final claims resolution. This ensures good faith is shown on your end when you pay the bill immediately, even if it doesn’t seem fair initially.
File Claim Right Away
Once you have documented everything, make sure you file the freight claim immediately. The carrier only has 30 days to respond to a claim, but you will then be given two years to file any dispute thereafter. Filing a claim after the claim period will deem your claim as invalid.
Keep Copies
Finally, don’t forget to hold on to all documentation, including the bill of lading, freight bill, packing slips, photos of damaged freight, and more.