Accelerate your Claims Recovery in 4 Steps

Typically, shipping lines resolve cargo claims within a timeframe ranging from 30 to 90 days on average. However, delays may occur, particularly when essential documents are initially missing. 

Can you accelerate a claim in 30 days or less? It’s absolutely possible.

1. Swift Action is Critical

It is entirely acceptable to seek compensation from the responsible party each time your cargo sustains damage. The duty lies on the party responsible for the damage to cover the costs – not your insurance company, not you, but the liable party.

In reality, the longer you procrastinate, the slimmer your chances become of securing a settlement. Acting promptly allows you to amass evidence of freight damage, providing ample time to safeguard against the time bar – the statutory limit for pursuing a cargo claim through legal channels.

2. Evidencing Cargo Damage is Crucial

Shipping lines and transportation companies often conveniently omit a prescribed list of images in their official claim procedures, images that claimants must present as evidence to settle claims.

Frequently, cargo undergoes damage during transportation, and recipients inadvertently neglect to photograph the unloaded goods, returning the container empty. It is only at this point that they attempt to file a claim. Care to venture a guess on the compensation you might receive? Precisely – none.

Review the images below, representative of typical submissions by claimants to shipping lines, all of which were subsequently rejected.

You may ask, “Why”? This picture does not make it clear to the shipping line that the cargo was carried and damaged by them. To avoid this happening to you, here are five steps to claim your freight damage efficiently.

• Step 1
  To collect proper evidence, you need a smartphone only. Nothing more!

• Step 2
  Take pictures of the container with a visible container number on the door and side panel. Show that the container was damaged (holed bent, dropped, corner post damages, etc.), in poor condition (e.g., heavy rust, dents, old door gaskets), or was submerged in water (e.g., visible water lines on side panels). Pictures should be taken from outside and inside a container.

• Step 3
  The following picture has to show how the cargo was stuffed correctly inside the container. Showing if the shipper fulfilled an obligation to pack, stuff, and seal the container correctly at loading time.

• Step 4
  Show the extent of cargo damage. Was only one bag of rice soaked in the water or half of the container?

• Step 5
  Take all the pictures before you return the empty container to the yard. If possible, put the time stamp on each picture and send it immediately to the transportation company with the claim.

3. Extend the Invitation to the Shipping Line

Participating in a joint survey is a mandatory legal procedure that demands your compliance. Whether or not the liable party chooses to attend a joint survey at your warehouse, extend the invitation and ensure the container is accessible for inspection during this collaborative process.

4. Consistent Follow-up on Cargo Claims

After submitting a claim, establish a systematic follow-up routine with the shipping line. Numerous valid claims have lapsed due to claimants neglecting follow-up responsibilities or shipping lines intentionally prolonging cases until they reach the point of being time-barred. If you’ve furnished essential documents such as the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, damaged cargo pictures, and all requisite evidence of your cargo loss, avoid losing out due to delayed follow-ups. Take action today, not tomorrow, to secure stress-free compensation.

In cargo claims recovery, patience alone may not suffice; emphasis on settling claims promptly is crucial. Adhere to legal procedures, maintain diligence in evidence presentation, and consistently follow up, and you pave the way for an accelerated cargo claims recovery process.

Recoupex is a hub of transport lawyers – experts in cargo claims. We assess your case quickly. We have successfully recovered claims from Maersk, Sealand, Hapag-Lloyd, Mediterranean Shipping Company – MSC, CMA CGM, and other carriers.

SUBMIT A CLAIM NOW!