Freight glossary / Operations and dispatch

What is Freight claim in freight?

A freight claim is a demand for payment because cargo was lost, damaged, or delayed while in a carrier's custody. The claim stands or falls on the paperwork: a clean bill of lading at pickup and a noted exception at delivery are what establish that the damage happened in transit. Carrier liability is limited by the terms of carriage and is not the same as the value of the goods.

Also called: claim, cargo claim.

Related terms

• Bill of lading
• Proof of delivery
• Cargo insurance
• Concealed damage