Claims

Although it is our aim to resolve your claim as quickly as possible, it is crucial to be aware of common claim timeframes.

• In our experience, your claim(s) are typically settled within 60 to 90 days on average.
• Motor Carriers have 30 days to acknowledge receipt of the claim, then begin their investigation.
• Regulation allows carriers an additional 120 days to resolve.

The items listed below are critical to increase the likelihood of a successful claim:

• Take the time to inspect the freight when it arrives and mark all discrepancies on the delivery receipt.
• Shrink wrap intact?
• Damages/shortages noted?
• Signatures of both driver and consignee are present.
• An OS&D number noted and available for reference.
• Seal intact?
• Temps taken and noted?
• Stick to one email thread when dealing with a claim and include in the subject line the load number or PRO number.
• Take photos of the freight still on the trailer to show how it shipped and arrived.
• Note temps of the freight/trailer while at the shipper on the BOL when it comes to refrigerated freight.
• Submit all temp related documents to provide with your claim related to temp abuse (TTRs, Refer download, pulp readings, etc.)

Here are a few top tips to help you avoid freight claims:

• Package your freight properly.
• Inspect your freight before shipping.
• Properly label your freight and complete all necessary paperwork.
• Use good quality pallets.
• Train your warehouse staff on proper shipping and receiving processes.
• Take photos of your shipment when it is loaded to support the condition of the freight.
• Clearly define expectations for temperature readings and thresholds before pickup.
• Ensure that all partner vendors, receiving facilities, and customers have clearly defined expectations and provide quality assurance guidelines to DLX and carriers.