Do these first
Damage found after the driver has gone is a weaker position than damage noted at delivery. These steps are what strengthen it.
- Stop handling it — no more unpacking or moving the affected freight than you already have.
- Photograph the outside first — before you change anything. The apparently intact exterior is the point.
- Then photograph the damage inside — product, and how it sat in the packaging.
- Keep everything — carton, wrap, pallet, internal packing and every label.
- Write down when and who — the date and time you found it, and who found it.
- Tell me immediately — before the shipment terms’ notice period runs.
Why concealed damage is harder
A clean delivery receipt is evidence that no visible exception was recorded at delivery. It does not automatically make a later claim impossible, but it removes contemporaneous evidence that helps a visible-damage claim.
Why the outer packaging matters
For concealed damage, the outside condition helps show how the freight appeared at delivery. Keep and document the carton, wrap, pallet, internal packing, damaged product and identifying labels.
Use cargo damage photos for the full photo sequence.
Is there a federal concealed-damage reporting window?
49 CFR Part 370 does not create one universal concealed-damage notice window for all motor-carrier freight. Carrier tariffs, bills of lading and contracts may impose notice, inspection or documentation requirements.
Report concealed damage immediately and check the shipment's governing terms.
Sources
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/part-370
- https://nmfta.org/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-a-bill-of-lading/
Found damage after delivery?
Preserve the freight and packaging, document the discovery and send the shipment references to me immediately so we can organize the next step.
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