How to Deal with Water Ingress Cargo Claims and Recover Your Loss

One of the most significant challenges facing exporters is the risk of water ingress during transport, which can result in damage to the cargo. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to recover losses from a liable carrier due to water ingress.

1. Identify the liable carrier

The first step in recovering losses when cargo was damaged in transit is to identify the liable carrier. Most of the time it is a carrier who issued transport document.  Once the liable carrier has been identified, it is important to prove that loss happened during transit, evidence loss extent and to notify the carrier of the claim.

2. Document the damage

To support a claim for damages due to water ingress, it is important to document the extent of the damage to the cargo. This may include photographs or video footage of the cargo, as well as a detailed inventory of the affected items. By providing clear and detailed documentation of cargo in sound condition at the loading and cargo damage at the discharge, exporters strengthen claim recovery likelihood.

3. Negotiate a settlement

In many cases, it may be possible to negotiate a settlement with the liable carrier without proceeding to court. By following up claim regularly with the liable carrier, providing claim supporting documentation shipper identify early on if carrier will settle genuine claim or continue to drag it into the time bar.

4. Seek legal assistance

In cases where a settlement cannot be reached, or settlement offered by the liable carrier is too small, exporters may need to seek legal assistance to recover their losses. An experienced cargo claims recovery lawyer can help to navigate the complex legal landscape and strengthen claim defense overall, which directly boosts recovery likelihood.

In conclusion, recovering losses due to water ingress during transport can be a challenging and time-consuming process. By taking a proactive and strategic approach, including identifying the liable carrier, documenting the damage, negotiating a settlement, and seeking legal assistance as needed, exporters can increase the likelihood of a successful recovery and protect their valuable cargo.

​​Recoupex is one of the fastest growing cargo claims recovery hubs helping customers globally to obtain the compensation they are entitled to when cargo is lost or damaged in transit (ocean, multimodal, air shipments: dry and refrigerated cargo). If you think Maersk, Sealand, Hapag-Lloyd, Mediterranean Shipping Company – MSC, CMA CGM, and other carriers might owe you compensation because of cargo loss or damages, you’ve come to the right place. Recoupex has recovered thousands for shippers around the globe and they could help you win back the compensation you deserve for lost or damaged cargo in transit.  If they don’t win- you don’t pay.