A Guide to Cargo Claims
Filing a cargo claim with ABF Freight® is easy when you know what to expect. This guide provides a general overview of loss and damage claims and helps you through the process of filing a claim. If you have questions, please contact our Cargo Claims and Prevention Department at 479-785-8741, or email cargoclaims@abf.com.
Our Responsibility as A Carrier
Our primary goal is to provide safe, secure transportation for every shipment ABF Freight handles. For nearly a century, we have provided best-in-class, less-than-truckload (LTL) solutions, with the highest commitment to quality and claims prevention. Even with this commitment to safety, occasional loss and damage can occur. When it happens, we believe it is our responsibility to help resolve transportation-related issues quickly, efficiently and fairly. We do this by following these guidelines:
- The ABF Freight Tariff (ABF 111 Series Item 780-1)
- The Carmack Amendment (Title 49 USC Section 14706(c)(1)(A)
- The Uniform Straight Bill of Lading (National Motor Freight Classification® 100 Series)
A Closer Look at Loss and Damage Claims
What is a Cargo Claim?
A cargo claim is a legal request to a carrier for a specific amount of money for the loss or damage freight.
What is the Shipper’s Responsibility?
The shipper is responsible for packaging freight to withstand normal transportation conditions (such as vibrating and shifting) and to label the shipment and fill out the documents properly. When damage occurs because of improper packaging, labeling or documentation, it’s the shipper’s responsibility to repair or replace the freight.
What is the Consignee’s Responsibility?
The consignee is responsible for verifying that the freight delivered is theirs, and to notate any loss or damage on the delivery receipt. There are three types of losses and damages:
Shortages
If there appears to be a shortage, the consignee should recount to confirm. Any shortages should be noted on the delivery receipt before signing for the shipment.
Visible Damage
The consignee should inspect the freight for visible damage and note anything obvious on the delivery receipt at the time of delivery. Be specific when describing the damage and avoid general terms such as “cartons damaged.” An example of a proper notation: “5 of 10 metal bars item 65023 damaged in one crate.“
Concealed Damage
When damage is discovered after delivery, the consignee should immediately report it to the delivering carrier and request an inspection. Concealed damage claims must be reported within five business days after delivery. Failure to report the damage within this timeframe may release the carrier from liability.
To report concealed damage to ABF Freight, please contact the service center that delivered the shipment (this contact information is on the delivery receipt). The service center may waive the inspection and advise you to submit a claim, or they’ll send someone to examine the freight. It’s important to hold the salvage and all packaging materials until the matter is resolved; otherwise, any claim you submit may be denied.
Mitigation
Claimants have a legal obligation to mitigate their loss and damage as much as possible — by decreasing the claim to an amount that reflects only the affected goods and by taking steps to reduce loss and damage further. And when possible, damaged items should be repaired or discounted. The consignee must accept all shipments whether or not damaged.
Who can File a Claim?
The shipper, consignee or owner of goods can file a claim.
How to File a Claim with ABF Freight
Our goal is to resolve all claims quickly by making the process simple and efficient. You can file online at https://arcb.com/tools/claims.html in three easy steps:
- Start your claim by filling out the “Loss & Damage Claims” form and click Begin Filing.
- Continue entering your information into the required fields and upload supporting documents.
- When all fields are complete, click File Claim to submit it. You will receive an email confirmation shortly after.
What Documents Should I Include?
When submitting your claim, be sure to upload:
- The original invoice (or a copy)
- All replacement/repair invoices (if applicable)
- Any available images
We will contact you if additional documents are needed.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
For a claim to be considered, it is critical that it be filed within the following legal timeframe:
- Damage claims must be filed within nine months of the delivery date
- Loss claims must be filed within nine months after the delivery of the freight, except that claims for failure to make delivery must be filed within nine months after a reasonable time for delivery has elapsed.
What to Expect After Filing a Claim
After submitting a claim with ABF, we’ll update you via email throughout the process and will also let you know if more details are needed. If you have an online account with us, you can check the status of your claim using this tool.
Please contact our Cargo Claims and Prevention Department if you have any questions or concerns:
ABF Freight
P.O. Box 10048 Fort Smith, AR 72917-0048
Phone: 479-785-8741
Email: cargoclaims@abf.com