Freight Claim

Under US rules, claims against interstate motor carriers generally must be filed within nine months of delivery, and carriers often limit liability per pound. Check liability limits before shipping high-value goods, and buy cargo insurance if they are too low.

How long do I have to file a freight claim with a US trucking carrier?

For interstate shipments under the Carmack Amendment, carriers can require claims within no less than nine months from delivery, and nine months is the common deadline. If the carrier declines the claim, you generally have at least two years from the declination to file suit.

• Carmack AmendmentThe US federal law governing liability of interstate motor carriers and freight forwarders for loss or damage to goods, making the carrier liable for actual loss unless liability is lawfully limited.
• 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.
• Bill of LadingThe legal document between a shipper and carrier listing what is shipped, its origin and destination, and terms of carriage. It also serves as a receipt.
• Carrier Invoice AuditReviewing carrier invoices for errors such as duplicate charges, wrong surcharges, incorrect weights, and late deliveries eligible for refunds.