Damaged Freight

It has been said: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure - the best defense is to always properly package your shipment. However, despite our best efforts damage does sometimes happen, Freight Buddy is your advocate and will help guide you through the claims process.

RULES OF THE ROAD

As a third party, Freight Buddy has limited ability to influence the carrier or third-party inspection company utilized in determining the Carrier’s liability or to make determinations regarding claims and the final compensation amounts decided by the carrier.

While Freight Buddy is happy to file claims on your behalf when the Carrier allows for the third party claim submission, Freight Buddy strongly recommends the Shipper file claims directly with the Carrier as it is the best assurance for full compensation of both the actual damaged freight but also the full transaction value of the shipment itself (in most cases if Freight Buddy files the claim, the Shipper will only receive FB’s wholesale freight reimbursement amount versus the full retail amount that you paid).

Payment of freight charges may not be delayed due to alleged loss or damage. Your claim will not be processed without full payment of your invoice. Without payment of the freight charges, the transportation contract has not been completed and thus the claim may not proceed with the Carrier.

Carriers have up to 30 days to acknowledge the receipt of the claim, and it can take up to 120 days to settle a claim. If your chose to have Freight Buddy file a claim, we will promptly reimburse you once funds have been received from the Carrier.

Your shipments are subject to the terms and conditions of the Carrier’s rules tariff. For additional information, please also reference the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) Rules Regarding Claims.

I HAVE A CLAIM - NOW WHAT?

Collect all supporting documents outlined on the right. Having all of these documents ensures minimal delay and maximum compensation for the damage.

WHEN AND WHERE TO FILE A FREIGHT CLAIM

Claims should be filed promptly once loss or damage is discovered.

As always, it is best if the receiving party (Consignee) notates damage on the bill of lading or shipping receipt before signing any document provided by the Carrier’s driver.

If the shipment appears damaged beyond repair, the Consignee should refuse the shipment before the driver leaves.

Once the damage has been notated either at the time of delivery or after the driver has already left, the shipment must be left unaltered and quarantined until such time it has been inspected by the Carrier or designated authority or the Consignee has been given specific instructions from the Carrier on how to proceed.

LINKS TO FILING CLAIMS DIRECTLY WITH CARRIER

ABF: https://arcb.com/tools/claims.html

CCFS: https://ccfs.com/claims' target=_new

DAYTON: https://www.daytonfreight.com/wpcontent/uploads/2018/04/ClaimFormPrint.pdf

ESTES: https://www.estes-express.com/resources/claims-information

FEDEX: file.freightclaim@fedex.com

MAGNUM: https://magnumlog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022-Magnum-Claim-Form.pdf

Pitt Ohio: https://pittohio.com/mypittohio/ground/about/claims

R&L: https://rl-cdn.com/docs/rlc/shipping-forms/freight-loss-claim-form.pdf

SAIA: https://www.saia.com/tools-and-resources/documents

XPO: https://app.ltl.xpo.com/appjs/claims-external/claim-entry

FILING CLAIMS DIRECTLY WITH FREIGHT BUDDY

Claims should be filed online at freightbuddy.com under CLAIMS Tab (scroll to bottom of this page). Freight Buddy will file claim with the carrier on your behalf.

Any supporting documents can be submitted via email to mailto:claims@freightbuddy.com

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

BILL OF LADING AND DELIVERY RECEIPT Signed Bill of Lading and Delivery Receipt should be submitted to provide proof of shipment and /or proof of loss or damage
ORIGINAL INVOICE A complete original invoice with date of sale, shipper Information, sold to Information, detail of product sold and total of original sale.
REPAIR INVOICE (If applicable) When submitting a repair invoice, include a breakdown of hours, labor rate and materials.
THE FREIGHT BILL: Copy of the PAID Freight Invoice paid for the claim shipment-Your claim will not be processed without payment of the freight bill
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SHORTAGE OR DAMAGE Include a detail of the damage to the freight and list of all items to be included in the claim
PHOTOS OF SHIPMENT/DAMAGE Include any photos of the items prior to shipment, packaged for and ready for shipment and all photos of the damage to the items.

DISPOSITION OF DAMAGED FREIGHT

Damaged goods must be retained until the claim is resolved, or until the claimant is given disposition by the carrier.

STATUS OF CLAIM

Freight Buddy will keep our customers informed of the status of the claims process as the carriers give updates to the claim.

Carriers have up to 30 days to acknowledge the receipt of the claim, and it can take up to 120 days to settle a claim.

Loss and Damage Claims Form

Was delivery receipt annotated as damaged?

No Yes

Claim Submitted By Date Submitted Contact Phone Number Carrier Name Contact Email PRO Number

Shipment Date Delivery Date Claim Reason

Sender

Name Address Shipper Email Shipper Phone

Consignee

Name Address Consignee Email Consignee Phone

Claimed Items

Qty	Item Description	Damage Description (use Note Section for Detail)	Unit Price	Amount	NMFC Code	Class Code	Weight







					TOTAL CLAIM

Claim Description in Detail

Documentation Requirements

MUST ATTACH DOCUMENTS

Select ALL files needed before submitting

Bill of Lading click to upload
Delivery Receipt click to upload
Invoice copy of ALL items on the shipment. The invoice MUST be the original Sales invoice, with Date of purchase, Invoice Number, and detail of Items on shipment. click to upload
Repair Estimate click to upload
Freight Invoice click to upload
Photo of clear damage to all items click to upload

Upload Files