Freight Glossary
Freight Claim
A freight claim is a formal demand filed by a shipper or receiver against a carrier for reimbursement of loss or damage that occurred during transit. Claims must be filed within specific timeframes and supported by documentation including the BOL, delivery receipt, and photos. Common claim types include visible damage noted at delivery, concealed damage discovered after unloading, and shortage where the pallet count does not match the BOL.
Why it matters
Freight claims are time sensitive. Visible damage must be noted on the delivery receipt at the time of delivery, and most carriers require written claims within 9 months. Missing these windows forfeits your right to recover losses. The average freight claim takes 30 to 120 days to resolve, tying up working capital and adding administrative overhead to your logistics team.
When to use it
File a freight claim immediately upon discovering loss or damage. Inspect all deliveries at receipt, document any discrepancies on the POD, photograph damage, and initiate the claim process without delay. Train receiving dock staff to note any visible damage or shortages directly on the delivery receipt before signing, as this notation is your strongest evidence in a dispute.
How Warp thinks about it
Warp provides clear claims processes and documentation support. The digital POD and Orbit tracking records give shippers the documentation foundation needed to support a claim if an issue arises. The Warp driver app captures timestamped delivery photos that serve as independent evidence of freight condition at the point of handoff.