What is the most common cause of freight damage?

Insufficient packaging and improper palletization are the leading causes. Freight that is not properly stretch-wrapped, banded, or cushioned is vulnerable to damage during the normal course of transit and terminal handling.

How do I file a freight damage claim?

Document the damage with photos at delivery, note it on the delivery receipt before signing, and file a written claim with the carrier within 9 months. Include the BOL, delivery receipt, invoice showing value, and damage photos. The carrier must acknowledge within 30 days and resolve within 120 days.

What is the Carmack Amendment?

The Carmack Amendment (49 USC 14706) is federal law that holds interstate carriers liable for freight damage in their possession. It establishes the shipper's right to file claims and limits the carrier's defenses to five specific exceptions (act of God, public enemy, shipper fault, public authority, or inherent nature of goods).

Does freight insurance cover damage?

Carrier liability under the Carmack Amendment is the primary coverage for freight damage. Additional cargo insurance (purchased by the shipper or through a broker's contingent policy) provides supplemental protection, especially for high-value shipments that exceed the carrier's declared value limits.

How do I reduce LTL damage specifically?

Use standard pallets, stretch wrap thoroughly, add corner boards and banding, keep pallets under 60 inches tall, avoid pallet overhang, and choose LTL carriers with direct service on your lane to minimize terminal transfers. Taking photos before shipping creates documentation for claims if needed.

Should I note damage on the delivery receipt?

Always note visible damage or signs of mishandling on the delivery receipt or proof of delivery before signing. This creates a contemporaneous record that significantly strengthens your claim. Signing 'clean' and reporting damage later makes claims much harder to win.

How to Reduce Freight Damage: Packaging, Loading, and Carrier Selection

Freight damage is not just a cost problem — it is a customer service problem, a production problem, and sometimes a safety problem. While some damage is unavoidable, the majority of freight damage claims trace back to preventable causes: poor packaging, improper loading, or choosing the wrong carrier for the commodity. This guide covers practical steps to reduce damage at every stage.

Packaging Requirements by Freight Type

The single most effective way to reduce freight damage is proper packaging. LTL carriers in particular handle freight multiple times through terminal networks, and your packaging must withstand that handling. Here are minimum packaging standards by freight type:

Palletized freight (LTL): Use 4-way pallets in good condition (no broken boards). Stack cartons evenly without overhang past pallet edges. Stretch wrap the entire pallet from base to top with at least 3 revolutions at the base. Corner boards are essential for tall stacks. Band cartons to the pallet if they are heavy or slippery.
Crated or boxed machinery: Use skids or crates with internal bracing to prevent shifting. Bolt heavy items to the skid. If the item has moving parts, secure them individually. Mark lifting points and center of gravity.
Fragile items: Double-box with at least 3 inches of cushioning material on all sides. Use vibration-dampening foam for electronics and precision instruments. Mark “Fragile” and “This Side Up” clearly, but do not rely on labels alone — design the packaging to protect the contents regardless of orientation.
Rolls, drums, and cylinders: Use cradles or chocks to prevent rolling. Strap rolls to pallets with flat banding, not round strapping that can dig in and damage the product.

Palletization Best Practices

Keep pallet dimensions standard: 48" × 40" is the most widely accepted
Do not stack heavier items on top of lighter ones
Interlock carton layers in a brick pattern rather than stacking columns directly
Keep total pallet height under 60" (including pallet) for LTL unless the carrier confirms they can accommodate taller stacks
Use slip sheets between layers if contents are moisture-sensitive
Weight limit per pallet: stay under 2,500 lbs unless using heavy-duty pallets

Load Securement for FTL Shipments

Even though FTL freight is not handled at terminals, it still faces forces during transit: braking, acceleration, turns, road vibration, and occasional sudden stops. FMCSA load securement rules (49 CFR Part 393) set minimum standards, but exceeding those minimums is always wise.

Use load bars and straps to prevent shifting, even if the trailer is fully loaded
Fill void spaces with air bags, void fillers, or dunnage to prevent lateral movement
For mixed loads, place heaviest pallets on the floor and secure lighter items on top or behind them
Communicate loading instructions to the driver or loading crew — do not assume they know how your freight should be positioned

Choosing Carriers to Minimize Damage

Not all carriers handle freight the same way. When damage prevention is a priority, look for:

Claim ratios: Ask the carrier or broker about their damage claim rate. Top-performing LTL carriers maintain claim ratios below 1% of revenue.
Terminal quality: LTL carriers with modern terminals, adequate space, and well-trained dock workers handle freight more carefully than overcrowded, understaffed operations.
Direct service: LTL carriers offering direct service (no intermediate terminal transfers) on your lane reduce the number of handling touchpoints.
Experience with your commodity: A carrier experienced in handling electronics will treat your freight differently than one primarily moving industrial supplies.

Filing Freight Claims: The Carmack Amendment

When damage does occur, the Carmack Amendment (49 USC 14706) establishes the legal framework for freight claims in interstate commerce. Under Carmack, a carrier is liable for damage to freight in its possession unless they can prove it was caused by an act of God, a public enemy, an act of the shipper, public authority action, or the inherent nature of the goods.

To file a successful claim:

Document the damage at delivery with photos, including the condition of the packaging
Note the damage on the delivery receipt or proof of delivery before signing
File the claim in writing within 9 months of delivery (the legal deadline, though sooner is better)
Include the original BOL, delivery receipt, invoice showing freight value, and photos
The carrier has 30 days to acknowledge receipt and 120 days to resolve the claim

Damage Prevention Checklist

Weigh and measure freight accurately before shipping
Use appropriate packaging for the commodity and shipping mode
Palletize properly with stretch wrap, corner boards, and banding
Take photos of freight before it leaves your dock
Write clear handling instructions on the BOL and on the freight itself
Inspect the trailer for cleanliness and damage before loading (FTL)
Verify the consignee inspects freight at delivery and notes any visible damage
Maintain packaging standards documentation and share it with your broker

Freight damage is frustrating but largely preventable. If you are experiencing recurring damage issues, our team can help assess your packaging, carrier selection, and routing to identify the root cause. Contact us to discuss your freight protection needs.