Steps to Full Proof your Freight Claims

$18,000 freight claim denied. Because you took the wrong photo. Here's what actually wins claims. 📸

Most shippers think damage documentation means snapping a quick pic. That's why carriers deny 40% of legitimate claims. After fighting hundreds of these battles, here's what gets you paid.

📷 THE 7-PHOTO CLAIM WINNING SEQUENCE:

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 1-3: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀
• Full trailer/container with doors open with freight still on trailer
• MC number and carrier name on side of cab truck
• TRL number on doors and inside trailer wall
• Seal number (broken or intact)

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 4-5: 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
• Wide shot showing damaged freight in position
• Close-up of specific damage areas
• Multiple angles of impact points
• Include measuring tape for scale

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 6-7: 𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
• BOL with driver signature and damage notes
• Packing list showing original condition
• Any visible load shift or securing failures

⏰ CRITICAL TIMELINES (MISS = DENIED):
• Note damage on BOL: Before driver leaves
• Photos taken: Within 2 hours of discovery
• Carrier/Broker notified: Same business day
• Formal claim filed: Within 9 months (but do it in 7 days)
• Supporting docs submitted: Within 30 days

🚨 CLAIM KILLERS TO AVOID:
❌ "Damage noted" without specifics on BOL
❌ Accepting delivery then inspecting later
❌ Photos without date/time stamps
❌ Moving freight before documenting position
❌ Waiting for customer complaint to file

📍 Everyone files claims. Professionals win them.
📍 Everyone takes photos. We build evidence packages.
📍 Everyone hopes for payment. We ensure it.

💡 Professional insight:
The difference between a denied claim and a paid claim isn't the damage — it's the documentation. Because carriers don't deny claims with bulletproof evidence. They pay them.

Your phone camera is worth $18,000 when you know what to shoot.

What's the most expensive claim you lost on a technicality?