logistics-exception-management

Document the damage on the delivery receipt, photograph it immediately, and gather the original BOL, commercial invoice, and inspection report. File within 9 months of delivery under the Carmack Amendment; carriers have 30 days to acknowledge and 120 days to pay or decline.

The deadline is 9 months from the delivery date for US domestic shipments under 49 USC § 14706. Missing this window time-bars the claim regardless of merit. Concealed damage claims should be filed within 5 days of delivery per industry standard.

File a concealed damage claim within 5 days of delivery, since the burden of proof shifts to the shipper. Provide packaging integrity evidence and photographs, as carriers will challenge claims not noted on the proof of delivery.

Absorb losses under $500 when the carrier relationship is strong, since internal claims processing costs $150-250. For $2,500-$10,000 escalate at 30 days and reject settlements below 80%; above $10,000 involve VP-level awareness and legal review if denied.

Watch for carriers on the BOL not matching the truck that arrives, drivers who cannot name their dispatcher, and insurance certificates from different entities. Other indicators include staged damage patterns, post-pickup address redirects, and consistent small shortages across shipments.