Receiving Party (Consignee) must inspect freight upon delivery and adhere to the following guidelines:
Visible Damage
- Before signing the delivery receipt, inspect your freight for possible damages.
- When accepting damaged merchandise, place a written notation on the delivery receipt.
- Always make a list of the following:
- Specific item(s) damaged, and the extent of the damage and the value of the damaged item(s).
- The extent of damage to the container (use specifics such as, “top left corner,” “crushed and torn,” “bottom right side dented,” “wet,” etc.
- Do not accept freight that is damaged beyond repair or is unusable. Note on delivery receipt, “Damaged Refused” and describe the items and number of pieces being refused.
- Photograph damaged merchandise valued over $200.
Concealed Damage
- When a shipment is delivered with no visible damage, but damage is discovered at a later time as in “concealed damage,” the following steps should be taken:
- Once damage is discovered, leave packaging intact and notify the carrier immediately (must be within 24-hours of delivery via phone and in writing within 15 days). Request that an inspection be made as soon as possible when value exceeds $200.
- Do not attempt to alter contents or packaging until inspection is made or claim is settled.
- Record the date and name of the person you contact on freight bill. If an inspection has been waived by the carrier, file a claim immediately.
- Photograph the damages during carrier inspection or only after inspection has been waived.
Shortage
- Before signing delivery receipt, check the shipment for shortages.
- Examine the delivery receipt for a proper description and piece count.
- Determine the number of pieces missing for each time.
- If available, refer to packing list for possible shipper errors.
- Notify carrier immediately when shortage counts.
- Note the description and number of each item that is short on the delivery receipt.
- If carrier cannot locate missing items within 72-hours, initiate claim procedures.
Information needed to file visible Damage or Concealed Damage claim (MUST HAVE):
- Copy of original invoice.
- Copy of signed delivery receipt.
- Copy of inspection report (if damage is noted on delivery receipt and value of shipment is less then $250, this is not required).
- Should you accept damaged freight “AS IS,” indicate dollar amount your company is willing to accept for damaged item(s).
- Repaired Merchandise – if merchandise has been or will be repaired, include the actual repair invoice or repair estimate. If repair is to be done in-house by your workers, include internally generated invoice detailing parts used and labor involved to repair damaged merchandise.
- Replacing Merchandise – if merchandise has been replaced, include a copy of the replacement invoice and the replacement freight bill.
Salvage Retention:
- Salvage must be retained until the claim is concluded.
- Once liability has been accepted by the carrier, disposition of the freight should be determined at that time.
- If retaining the freight is not feasible, the carrier has to be notified for disposition immediately.
- Destroying the freight without authorization from the carrier could result in non-payment of the claim.
Information needed to file Shortage claim:
- Copy of the original invoice.
- Copy of signed delivery receipt with shortage notation.
- Replacing Merchandise – if merchandise has been replaced, include copy of replacement invoice and replacement freight bill.
To begin the processing of all claims, please contact our Customer Service Department:
E.H. Lynn Industries, Inc.
Attn: Customer Service
524 Anderson Drive
Romeoville, IL 60446
Tel: (800) 633-2948 | (815) 328-8800
Fax: (800) 344-9809 | (815) 328-8840