Meaning
Formal notification of loss or damage submitted by the receiver of a shipment to the carrier initiates the recovery process for financial losses. A consignee claim arises when goods arrive in a condition that violates the terms of the carriage contract or the sales agreement. The process establishes the value of the missing or ruined stock based on the landed cost.
Filing Window
Strict timelines in the bill of lading govern the window for reporting discrepancies found upon delivery. If a consignee claim involves concealed damage, the reporting period often shrinks. Late submissions usually result in a denial of the demand.
Proof Requirement
Documentation of the physical state of the cargo at the point of discharge provides the necessary weight to the filing. Successful processing of a consignee claim depends on the notation of damage on the delivery receipt before the driver departs. High resolution images of the original packing and the serial numbers of the units involved verify the identity of the affected items.
Recovery Value
Settlement amounts usually cover the original invoice price and the proportional freight charges. When the consignee claim exceeds the limited liability of the carrier, the excess is often recovered through a separate transit insurance policy. Payment of the demand typically transfers the right to salvage the remaining materials to the payer.
The final settlement marks the closure of the dispute regarding the specific shipment identifier.