Carmack Amendment

Carmack sets the framework for nearly every domestic truck freight claim, including filing time limits. Carriers often limit liability through released rates in their tariffs, so the recoverable amount may be far below the goods' value.

Does the Carmack Amendment mean the carrier pays the full value of damaged goods?

Not always. Carmack makes the carrier liable for actual loss, but carriers can limit liability with a released value, such as a dollar amount per pound, in their tariff or bill of lading. Declaring a higher value or buying cargo insurance covers the gap.

• Freight ClaimA written demand to a carrier for payment of loss, damage, or delay to goods in its care, supported by the bill of lading, delivery receipt, invoice, and proof of value.
• Over, Short, and DamagedThe category of delivery exceptions in which received freight exceeds, falls below, or arrives in worse condition than what the bill of lading lists, also used for the carrier department handling them.
• Less-Than-TruckloadFreight shipping for loads too large for parcel but not large enough to fill a truck, where several shippers share trailer space.
• Full TruckloadA shipment that uses an entire trailer, usually a 53-foot dry van in the US, moving directly from origin to destination.