{"id":2114,"date":"2018-01-05T12:40:21","date_gmt":"2018-01-05T20:40:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freightera.com\/blog\/?p=2114"},"modified":"2026-01-27T09:18:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T17:18:45","slug":"avoid-freight-damage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freightera.com\/blog\/avoid-freight-damage\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Freight Damage"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to Avoid Freight Damage and How to Deal with Damage (If It Happens)<\/h2>\n

The uncomfortable truth is that shipments do get damaged. It happens rarely in the freight industry (to less than 1% of shipments) but it does happen, and we understand that it can have a huge impact on your business. However, it also holds true that these accidents are often preventable. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve assembled some helpful information — to fortify you against damages and to prepare you in case of an incident.<\/p>\n

How do I prevent my shipment from getting damaged?<\/h3>\n

Package your freight like a pro<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"How<\/a>The most important thing you can do to prevent damage (and your cargo will thank you for this) is to package your shipment properly. To start with, we always recommend to all our shippers to palletize their cargo. Palletizing your freight<\/a> is neither hard nor expensive, it can be a cheaper shipping option (as quoting for 1 pallet is often cheaper than quoting for 40 loose boxes, for example), and it protects the cargo.<\/p>\n

Palletizing is just the beginning. If your shipment is fragile you may need to take additional steps, such as making sure to shrink-wrap it and then secure it to a pallet, or even put it in a crate<\/a>. Please keep in mind that carriers reserve the right to inspect the cargo prior to shipping, and they may refuse to ship if they deem the cargo not sufficiently protected.<\/p>\n

Okay, my shipment got damaged. What now?<\/h3>\n

You\u2019ve taken all the necessary precautions, and your shipment still got damaged. Here\u2019s how to proceed.<\/p>\n

1. Inspect your freight before signing Proof of Delivery<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Most importantly: always inspect your shipment before signing your POD<\/strong> and note any damages or missing pieces on the POD. This helps you with filing the claim with the carrier later \u2014 not noting damages on the POD might weaken the claim, as nobody can prove that those damages didn\u2019t occur after delivery.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

2. Take pictures and gather extensive documentation<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Secondly, take pictures and gather as much documentation on your freight as possible<\/strong>. Photographs of items showing damages and the carrier\u2019s Pro # sticker in the same photo links the damage with the specific carrier Pro #. Documents such as supplier invoices or commercial\/custom invoices showing the cost of damaged goods, weight and inspection reports — all these will help your claim.<\/p>\n

3. Notify the carrier immediately<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Finally, respond quickly.<\/strong> Most carriers require immediate notification of damages or within 24-48 hours at most. Carriers who offer expedited services may require sooner notification. Remember that you can always refuse damaged shipments at the delivery location. This immediately indicates the problem to the carrier.<\/p>\n

4. You can refuse the damaged shipment<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n

Whom do I notify?<\/h3>\n

Please notify the carrier first, after you have downloaded the claims forms from their website. Next, please contact our client care at (800) 886-4870 ext. 1 or at clientcare@freightera.com to request a full and complete invoice. We can also provide you with the carrier claims forms.<\/p>\n

I have filled in the claims form. What else do I include in my claim?<\/h3>\n