logistics-exception-management

File a freight claim by submitting the original BOL showing clean tender, the delivery receipt noting the exception, a commercial invoice proving value, photographs, and inspection reports. US domestic claims must be filed within 9 months of delivery under the Carmack Amendment.

US domestic surface claims must be filed within 9 months of the delivery date under 49 USC § 14706. Concealed damage claims should be filed within 5 days of delivery as an industry standard, and air freight requires notice within 14 days for damage.

Absorb losses under $500 when the carrier relationship is strong, since internal claims processing costs $150-250 and makes small claims negative-ROI. File standard claims for $500-2,500, and escalate aggressively with dedicated handlers above $10,000.

Concealed damage claims must be filed within 5 days of delivery and shift the burden of proof to the shipper. You need packaging integrity evidence and photographs, since the carrier will challenge claims not noted on the proof of delivery.

Double-brokering indicators include a carrier on the BOL that does not match the arriving truck, a driver who cannot name their dispatcher, and insurance certificates from a different entity. Other red flags include staged damage patterns and post-pickup address redirect requests.

Ocean freight under COGSA limits carrier liability to $500 per package unless value is declared, making container seal integrity critical. Air freight follows the Montreal Convention with weight-based liability limits, 14-day damage notice, and the fastest claims resolution of all modes.