1. Cargo Direct International
Claims Process and Procedures
2013

2. Claims Overview
At Cargo Direct International we are constantly attempting to improve our freight handling techniques so as to minimize the possibility of shortage or damage occurring to your freight. However, in the event that you are involved with a ‘claim’, we have prepared the following guidelines to assist you in helping us resolve it. If you follow these guidelines, your claim will be processed with a minimum of delay.

3. Claims Overview
The Carrier is not liable for loss, damage or delay to any goods carried under the bill of lading unless notice thereof setting out particulars of the origin, destination and date of shipment of the goods and the estimated amount claimed in respect of such loss, damage or delay is given in writing to the originating carrier or the delivering carrier within sixty(60) days after the delivery of the goods, or, in the case of failure to make delivery, within nine (9) months from the date of shipment. The final statement of the claim must be filed within (9) months from the date of shipment together with a copy of the paid freight bill. The Carrier will not accept liability for claims less than $75.00 and will not accept account receivable set-offs or deductions related to cargo claims.

4. Claims Overview
A claim for overcharge shall not be paid unless received in writing (or electronically communicated when agreed to by the Carrier and shipper or receiver involved) by the carrier that collected the transportation charges within 180 days from date of delivery. The collecting carrier shall be the carrier to process all such claims with the exception of claims due to misrouting which should be filed directly with the responsible carrier, if known. When a claim is filed with another carrier that participated in the transportation t hat carrier shall transmit the claim to the collecting carrier. If the collecting carrier is unable to dispose of the claim for any reason, the claim may be filed with or transferred to any participating carrier for final disposition.

5. Receiving freight at Origin or Destination
INSPECT AND COUNT FREIGHT CAREFULLY: When freight arrives at your premises, count it and inspect it thoroughly before signing the Proof of Delivery. If there are any shortages or damages, make sure they are described in full on the delivery receipt. DO NOT sign as ‘Subject to Inspection’ or ‘Cartons Open’, as this does not describe the freight damage or shortage. Notations such as Subject to Inspection, Subject to Verification, Possible Damage and/or Shortage are not acceptable.
CONCEALED DAMAGES: If the cartons/cases appear to be in good condition, but upon opening, you find concealed damages to the contents, then you should call Cargo Direct International immediately. Please request that an inspection of the freight be performed and make sure that all packaging material is retained until the inspection has been completed. Concealed damaged and/or claims for damages not noted at time of delivery may be disallowed.

6. Required Documentation
SUBMITTING CLAIMS:
When submitting a claim, please ensure the following documents are included:
The invoice to Cargo Direct International is the ACTUAL CLAIM. The claim cannot be processed without this invoice. The invoice shall detail how the amount was determined and shall be forwarded either to the local Cargo Direct terminal or to:
CARGO DIRECT INTERNATIONAL, Claims Department,
3400 Pharmacy, Unit 6
Toronto, Ontario
M1W3J8
Copy of the Inspection Report;
Copy of the Original Invoice from the supplier or customer confirming the value of the goods at the time of shipping;
Copy of the Original Bill of Lading or Proof of Delivery.

7. 60-DAY TIME LIMIT FOR FILING CLAIMS: A call to Cargo Direct must be made within 48 hours of delivery to arrange for an Inspection of Damaged goods
All packaging must be available for inspection
Inspection report is not a claim nor an intent to claim notice
After the inspection is completed, please complete the Standard Claim Form and attach all relevant documentation. Note: ALL claimed amounts must have documents to support such amounts.
If your freight has been received / delivered with a shortage, you have 60 days in which to notify us of your claim. In the event of a total loss of shipment, you have 9 months to file from the date of shipment. or, in the case of failure to make delivery, within nine (9) months from the date of shipment. The final statement of the claim must be filed within (9) months from the date of shipment together with a copy of the paid freight bill. This notification must be in writing. An Inspection Report or a notification of the ‘Proof of Delivery’ does not constitute notice of a claim. Claims for total loss of shipment must include a statement from the consignee certifying that the claimed items have not been received from any other source.
All damages or shortages must be noted on the delivery receipt
at the time of delivery
Limitations

8. Resolutions
WHAT CARGO DIRECT INTERNATIONAL WILL DO: Once we have received your claim, we will issue a Claim Acknowledgment for all claims over $55.00 (based on the inspection amount). Cargo Direct will not accept liability for claims less than $50.00 and will not accept account receivable set-offs or deductions related to cargo claims. Claims are payable at $2.00 / lb based on actual weight of shipment
Please keep this form handy for future reference when inquiring about your claim. We will then investigate and advise you, as soon as possible, as to the outcome. Please try to understand that the investigation sometimes takes a while, but we try to settle all claims within a reasonable time frame.
By following the above instructions, your claims can be handled quickly and efficiently by the Cargo Direct International Claims department.

9. Additional comments and Information
All claims or intents must be received in writing within 60 days from the date of delivery, or in the event of a total loss of shipment, 9 months from the date of shipment. Claims for total loss of shipment must include a statement from the consignee certifying that the claimed items have not been received from any other source.
The carrier is not required to pay GST or HST.
All salvage must be retained for inspection and/or until claim has been settled. Failure to have salvage available may result in default of payment.
If filing more than one claim, please issue a separate claim and documents for each shipment.
Payment of freight charges must be received before any claim can be processed. Freight claims are not to be deducted from freight invoices.
Claims may be delayed if incomplete documentation is submitted.