Fire Damaged Cargo: What you Need To Know

Fire, the second most common cause of cargo damage and loss, poses a significant threat to the global supply chain. Whether it ignites during transport or storage, fire damage can leave you with mountains of ash, financial losses, and the daunting question of who is responsible?

Salvage or Disposal: The Tough Call

In the immediate aftermath of a fire, you’ll face the critical decision of salvaging or disposing of the damaged cargo. This choice hinges on several factors, including:

• The extent of damage: Is the cargo completely destroyed, or is there a chance of salvaging some portion of it?
• Salvage feasibility: Can the remaining cargo be realistically restored to a usable condition at a reasonable cost?
• Market value:If salvageable, will the remaining cargo still hold any market value?
• Environmental impact: Does the damaged cargo pose any environmental hazards if disposed of improperly?

Recoupex, your trusted partner in cargo claims recovery, can assist you in navigating this crucial decision. We can analyze the situation, assess potential salvage options, and guide you towards the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution.

Identifying the Liable Party

Determining who is liable for the fire damage and subsequent losses is crucial for recovering compensation.

Here’s a scenario from a Recoupex client: their container, stored within the terminal premises, caught fire due to a blaze originating from another container. In this case, the terminal operator might be held responsible as they hold a duty of care to ensure the safe storage of all cargo on their premises. However, specific legal details and contractual agreements can influence the final determination.

Don’t Delay Your Claim

Our client’s situation also highlights the importance of acting promptly. While waiting months before initiating a claim might seem understandable, it can negatively impact your chances of successful recovery. Evidence can degrade or become unavailable over time, and vital details might slip through the cracks.

Recoupex Recommends: Act Now and Mitigate Damage

Even if you’re unsure who’s liable, it’s crucial to take action to mitigate your losses as quickly as possible. This includes:

• Notifying relevant parties: Inform your insurer, the carrier, and the terminal operator immediately about the fire damage.
• Collecting evidence: Gather as much documentation as possible, including photos and videos of the damage, fire reports, and communication records with relevant parties.
• Initiating a claim:Start the claims process with your insurer and potentially the responsible party.

By fulfilling your duty of mitigation through salvage or disposal efforts and by acting promptly, you strengthen your claim and streamline the process with Recoupex by your side.

Fire damage is a complex and often stressful situation. Recoupex understands the challenges you face, and we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of cargo claims recovery. Our team of experts can:

• Investigate the cause of the fire and identify the liable party.
• Negotiate a fair settlement with the responsible party or your insurer.
• Manage the claims process efficiently, ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Provide legal support throughout the process, if needed.

Don’t let fire damage consume your peace of mind and finances. Contact Recoupex today and let us fight for the recovery you deserve.