Damage or loss of freight shipping happens. Not often, but when it does, FLI provides freight claims management as a service to clients. FLI works hard on your behalf to resolve freight claims, with our resolution rate being over 80%.
Our dedicated claims team handles the entire process—from first notice to final recovery—so you can focus on running your business, not chasing carriers.
A freight claim that goes unfiled, or is filed incorrectly, is a claim you lose by default.
FLI brings structured expertise, carrier relationships, and real-time visibility to every stage of the claims lifecycle, maximizing your recovery while eliminating the administrative burden from your team.
From the moment a discrepancy is identified to the day a settlement is deposited, FLI owns every step. We prepare documentation, submit filings, follow up with carriers, and negotiate settlements on your behalf.
Recovery matters, but prevention matters more. FLI's claims reporting breaks down incidents by carrier, lane, product type, and origin location, giving you the intelligence to address systemic issues before they compound.
FLI tracks claims performance against every carrier in your network and incorporates that data into ongoing carrier reviews. Carriers that consistently generate claims are addressed directly and replaced when necessary.
Freight claims are governed by strict carrier liability rules, statutory deadlines, and varying regulations across the U.S. and Canada. FLI's team files every claim on time, in the right format, with the right supporting evidence.
No two claims are alike. Whether you’re dealing with a crushed pallet in an LTL terminal or a missing container on a cross-border shipment, FLI has the process, carrier contacts, and regulatory knowledge to pursue a successful resolution, regardless of mode, commodity, or claim complexity.
Visible damage and notation made at time of delivery
Damage or shortage discovered after delivery and/or the delivery receipt not noted at time of delivery
Shipment is completely lost in transit and never makes it to the final destination
When the shipment arrives but is missing cargo
FLI streamlines the claims process for freight carriers, reducing headaches and ensuring money and time savings.
Forward all relevant documents to your Account Manager, including original invoices, photos of damaged product including packaging, and a replacement invoice or repair bill.
Our Claims Management team will review all documents you sent and file the appropriate claim for your situation.
FLI manages the claims process from start to finish. We will follow up with the carrier to ensure proper resolution and payment.
Claims are typically resolved within 60 to 90 days. Your claim check will be mailed to FLI, and we’ll issue a reimbursement check to you.
Inspect freight immediately before you sign the delivery receipt. Take photos of both the product and the packaging, documenting the damage.
Take note if the shrink wrap is abnormal, and note the condition on the delivery receipt before signing.
Steer clear of signing “subject to inspection.” This is not considered a valid notation and is treated as if not signed at all.
The carrier may want to schedule an inspection. The consignee/customer has the right to request an inspection.
Advise whether repairs are possible and, if so, whether they can be completed on-site or if the product needs to be moved. Note: If moved, the original carrier must be used.
Do not discard damaged freight. The product and packaging must be held until the claim is settled. Failure to retain may result in the declination of the claim.
Our freight claims clients range from small businesses dealing with the occasional damaged shipment to high-volume shippers managing dozens of open claims at any given time. If you’re tired of chasing carriers, missing filing deadlines, or simply leaving recovery money on the table, FLI’s claims team is built to change that, regardless of your shipment volume or claim complexity.
We’ll run the numbers against your current spend—no obligation.
If you receive a damaged shipment (and it is not refused due to damage), note the damage on the delivery receipt before signing and take photos. File a freight claim with your FLI Account Manager as soon as possible. Claims must be filed within nine months of delivery.
As your 3PL, FLI manages the claims process on your behalf, gathering documentation, submitting the claim, and following up with the carrier to resolution.
To file a claim, you'll need to submit photos of the damaged goods and packaging, the manufacturer’s original invoice, and a repair estimate or replacement invoice, if applicable. Submit documentation as quickly as possible.
The FLI Claims team manages the entire process: filing, carrier follow-up, and negotiating settlement. We keep you updated throughout and aim to resolve claims as quickly as possible, though carrier response times vary.
Reach out to your account manager as quickly as possible. An official report must be sent to the carrier within five days of delivery and include the specifics of the damage, including item numbers, quantity, type of damage, and value, along with on-site contact information.
When filing the claim with the carrier, evidence that the damage/shortage occurred while in the carrier’s possession will be needed.
Yes, per the Carmack Amendment, all freight charges must be paid for claims to be settled. FLI is required to pay the carrier, and in turn, FLI requires our customers to pay freight charges.
