Damage Claim

A damage claim is a formal request for reimbursement when your shipment arrives damaged. Whether it’s a crushed box, broken product, or water damage, you may be entitled to compensation from the carrier or through shipping insurance.

Types of Shipping Damage

Visible damage:

• Obvious before opening
• Crushed boxes, torn packaging
• Note on delivery receipt
• Strongest claims

Concealed damage:

• Discovered after opening
• Package looks fine outside
• Harder to prove carrier fault
• Report immediately

Common damage types:

• Crushing/compression
• Punctures and tears
• Water/moisture damage
• Temperature damage
• Breakage

Immediate Steps After Receiving Damaged Goods

1. Document at Delivery

• Photograph the package before opening
• Note damage on delivery receipt
• Have driver witness if possible
• Keep ALL packaging materials

2. Document the Contents

• Photograph damaged items
• Take multiple angles
• Show damage in detail
• Document everything, even if minor

3. Preserve Evidence

• Don’t throw away packaging
• Don’t repair items
• Keep in original state
• Store safely for inspection

4. Report Quickly

• Most carriers: 24-48 hours for concealed damage
• Check carrier’s specific timeframe
• Faster reporting = stronger claim

Filing a Damage Claim

Required documentation:

• Tracking number
• Photos of damage (package and contents)
• Original invoice showing value
• Repair estimates or replacement quotes
• Description of the damage

Claim filing deadlines:

Damage Claim Outcomes

Full approval:

• Carrier pays declared/covered value
• May require item surrender
• Timeline: 30-60 days typical

Partial approval:

• Carrier pays depreciated value
• Packaging deducted
• Negotiate if you disagree

Denial:

• Inadequate packaging cited
• Excluded item type
• Insufficient documentation
• Can appeal with more evidence

Preventing Damage

Packaging best practices:

• Use new, sturdy boxes
• 2 inches cushioning on all sides
• Wrap items individually
• Fill void space
• Double-box fragile items
• Seal with quality tape

Service selection:

• Choose careful handling options
• Use “Fragile” labels (limited protection)
• Consider specialized carriers for fragile goods

Who to File With

Shipper (seller/sender):

• File if you’re the buyer
• They have carrier relationship
• Often faster resolution

Carrier directly:

• File if you’re the shipper
• Required for freight claims
• Use online claims portals

Third-party insurance:

• File if you purchased additional coverage
• May have better coverage limits
• Separate process from carrier