How to stop overthinking when cargo is damaged?

Let me take you back to the situation you faced cargo damage last time. Frustration, anger, internal discussion and doubt what to do next?

Overthinking, postponing things instead of just claiming compensation at once? Does it sound familiar?

It’s perfectly normal reaction for most people. But you may ask me, what I could do better next time? How should I stop overthinking, postponing and take action?
How could to defend cargo claim properly?

Below I will share with you vital information to be prepared 100%!

When cargo is damaged in transit very often exporters and importers, traders, freight forwarders make a mistake — do not identify the type of cargo damage.

If they knew about the type of damage they have faced, they would present only these evidence to the shipping line and then there would be a greater chance to obtain compensation from the liable party. For example, cargo suffered the flooding onboard, but cargo owner presented evidence that the container seal was intact. So what? How the fact that the seal was intact support defence that cargo was flooded?

Regardless if you are shipping dry or refrigerated cargo major types of damage are the same: water damage, physical damage and loss. Do not overthink, but search for evidence supporting your defence case.

1. Physical Damage

Physical damage to the cargo happens by dropping, hitting, being pounded during movement, etc. Cargo may be considered as damaged when it is gotten in the worse condition than it was loaded by the seller. The subcategories for physical damage are given as follows:

1. Fire
2. Impact
3. Cargo Leak
4. Heating damage
5. Freezing damage
6. Cargo shift

2. Water Damage

Water damage is precisely what the name suggests when cargo is damaged by water. Water damage may happen due to the underneath reasons.

Water may get inside the container not only when a container is holed, but also when it is rusted, dented, poor quality / outdated door gaskets, if there are any little openings on it, especially during the sea voyage cargo gets damaged. The categories for water damage are given as follows:

1. Flooding
2. Water ingress

3. Loss

If the freight does not arrive at its intended destination at all or arrive not in full quantity then a cargo loss can be claimed. Major categories include:

1. Cargo pilferage
2. Container disappearance
3. Container lost overboard

Are You ready to become an Action-Taker and defend yourself at once?
Knowing cargo damage types guide you what evidence you need to collect to build the case for compensation. Moreover, you will speak the language of the shipping line 💪

I hope you have a beautiful day!