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a) |
Loss |
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i) |
If you do not receive all of the freight that is called for on the freight bill, make sure the delivery receipt is noted with the shortage at time of delivery. |
ii) |
If the shortage does not arrive on a free-astray billing within a reasonable time, we suggest you contact a Valley Cartage Customer Service Representative to see if the freight can be located or if you should proceed with filing of a claim. |
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b) |
Visible Damage |
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i) |
If your freight is damaged upon arrival, please make sure that there is a notation on the delivery receipt that indicates that the shipment is damaged, describe what products are damaged and the type of damage there is. |
ii) |
If your claim is filed for the entire invoice value of the merchandise, the damaged material must be surrendered to the carrier for salvage. |
iii) |
If the damaged item can be repaired, the claimant is under a legal obligation to repair the merchandise and mitigate the claim. Carrier liability would then be the cost of the repairs. |
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All damaged merchandise must be retained by the shipper or consignee (including damaged parts which were replaced) until the claim is settled or the carrier has advised that it does not wish to pick-up the salvage.
c) |
Concealed Loss or Damage |
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i) |
If the shipment was delivered to you with no apparent damage and Valley Cartage has a clear delivery receipt, our contract to transport the freight has been completed. |
ii) |
You then have fifteen (15) days in which to open your freight to see if the merchandise, which was concealed because of packaging, is in good order. |
iii) |
If there is concealed damage, the carrier must be notified immediately. Depending on the dollar amount of the damage, we will schedule an inspection. The burden of proof that the damage occurred during transit, rather than after delivery, lies with the claimant. If this is proven, your claim will be honored. Normally, concealed damage claims are settled on the basis of 1/3 liability for the carrier, 1/3 liability for the shipper and 1/3 liability for the consignee. |
iv) |
If an inspection is preformed, have the inspector leave a copy of the inspection report with you for your records. The inspection report is not a claim. A formal claim must still be filed with the carrier. |
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