Freight Claim

A freight claim is a formal demand for monetary compensation filed by a shipper or consignee against a carrier when freight is lost, damaged, delayed, or otherwise fails to arrive in the condition and timeframe specified in the transportation contract. In cold chain logistics, temperature damage is one of the most common bases for freight claims, as temperature excursions during transit can render entire truckloads of perishable product unsaleable.

The Carmack Amendment to the Interstate Commerce Act establishes carrier liability for loss and damage to freight in interstate commerce. Under Carmack, the carrier is generally liable for the full actual value of lost or damaged freight if the shipper can demonstrate that the freight was tendered in good condition, it arrived damaged or did not arrive, and the damages are quantifiable. The carrier can limit its liability through contractual provisions, but cannot disclaim liability entirely.

Filing a Refrigerated Freight Claim

Successful temperature damage claims require thorough documentation including the bill of lading showing the specified temperature, temperature data logger records from the shipment, receiving inspection records with temperature readings and product condition notes, photographs of damaged product, the carrier's reefer unit temperature printout, product valuation documentation such as invoices, and a formal claim letter specifying the amount demanded.

Claims must typically be filed within 9 months of the delivery date and the carrier must acknowledge the claim within 30 days and resolve it within 120 days. The claims process can be contentious, as carriers may dispute liability by arguing that the damage was pre-existing, that the shipper failed to pre-cool the product, or that the temperature excursion was within acceptable limits. Having complete and accurate documentation at the time of delivery is the single most important factor in successful claim resolution.