A freight claim is a formal, written demand for financial compensation from a carrier for freight that was lost, damaged, or (in some cases) delayed while in the carrier’s custody. Under the Carmack Amendment, U.S. interstate motor carriers are liable for actual loss to the goods — but only if you document the damage, file on time, and prove the shipment was in good condition when tendered. Most denied claims fail on paperwork, not merit.
The four elements every claim needs
To succeed, a claim must establish: (1) the goods were in good condition at origin — your packing list and a clean bill of lading prove this; (2) the goods arrived damaged or short — noted on the delivery receipt at the moment of delivery; (3) the amount of the loss — invoices showing actual value, not retail markup; and (4) timely filing in writing. Miss any one and the carrier has a legal basis to deny.
Step-by-step filing process
1. Note damage on the delivery receipt
Before the driver leaves, write specific exceptions: “3 cartons crushed, product visible” beats “subject to inspection.” Concealed damage discovered after delivery must typically be reported within 5 days, and the burden of proof rises sharply.
2. Preserve the evidence
Photograph packaging, damage, and labels. Keep the goods and the packaging — the carrier has the right to inspect and to salvage. Discarding either can void the claim.
3. File in writing within 9 months
Standard carrier tariffs and the Carmack framework give you 9 months from delivery to file cargo claims. Include the BOL and PRO number, delivery receipt with exceptions, commercial invoice proving value, repair estimates or salvage value, and a stated claim amount.
4. Track the statutory clock
Carriers must acknowledge claims within 30 days and pay, decline, or make an offer within 120 days. If declined, you have 2 years from the declination to file suit.
Know the liability limits before you ship
Carrier liability is not insurance. LTL carriers limit liability by freight class — often $1-$25 per pound — and released-value rates can cap it lower. Used goods carry pennies on the dollar. For high-value cargo, buy shippers-interest cargo insurance, which pays on proof of loss rather than proof of carrier fault. A good 3PL will flag under-insured shipments before pickup; Go Freight quotes insurance alongside LTL and drayage rates so the coverage gap is visible up front.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a freight claim?
For U.S. interstate motor freight, the standard deadline is 9 months from the delivery date (or scheduled delivery date for lost freight). Concealed damage should be reported to the carrier within 5 days of delivery. Ocean claims under COGSA carry different rules — notice at delivery and a 1-year suit deadline.
What is the difference between carrier liability and cargo insurance?
Carrier liability pays only when the carrier is legally at fault and is capped by tariff limits, often per pound. Cargo insurance pays the insured value on proof of loss regardless of fault, with no per-pound cap, and typically settles far faster.
Can I deduct a freight claim from the carrier’s invoice?
No — offsetting a claim against freight charges violates most tariffs and federal credit regulations, and it gives the carrier grounds to send the invoice to collections while still denying the claim. Pay the freight bill and pursue the claim separately.
Ship with fewer claims in the first place
Go Freight’s owned fleet, sealed-trailer moves, and scan-verified warehouse handling keep exceptions rare — and documented when they happen. Get a quote or call (786) 445-0150.