Claims Prevention
Freight Bound for Success
At ECM TRANSPORT we work closely with our customers and our focus is to help "prevent" claims by sharing our knowledge. We take great pride in our low truckload claims ratio of 0.1% and in order to prevent claims from happening, we will work with you to help ensure your freight is bound for success.
Truckload shipments are subject to the Uniform Straight Bill of Lading, found in the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC). ECM TRANSPORT handles all claims in compliance with the regulations outlined in the NMFC Principles and Practices for the Investigation and Disposition of Freight Claims, the terms and conditions of the Bill of Lading and any applicable portion of the ECM TRANSPORT Rules Tariff and/or sales contract.
The following information will help guide you through the freight claims process and help us in our Claims Prevention efforts. If you need more information, please contact our claims department at 800-548-7379.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can file a freight claim?
Either the shipper, consignee, billing party or a third party logistics company may file a freight claim against a shipment, however only one claim per shipment maybe honored by the carrier.
What is the time limit?
Section 3(b) of the Uniform Straight Bill of Lading stipulates that any claim must be presented to the carrier within nine months from the date of delivery. ECM TRANSPORT will not honor any claims submitted after this time period has elapsed.
How do I file?
Freight claims can be sent to: ECM TRANSPORT, LLC, 1 Rich Hill Road, Cheswick, PA 15024, or filed online at www.ecmtransport.com
What documents do I need to file?
- A completed freight claim form detailing the shipment information and how the claimed amount has been calculated.
- A copy of the original shipper's or vendor's Invoice illustrating the cost of the items in question. (Please remember that ECM TRANSPORT is a freight carrier and not a shipper.)
- A copy of the freight bill illustrating that the freight charges have been paid (freight charges must be paid prior to the settlement of any claim).
- A copy of the Delivery Receipt with the delivery driver's signature noting any loss or damage (if available).
- A copy of a repair invoice, illustrating repair parts, labor hours and labor rate (if applicable).
- An invoice illustrating that the product has been sold at a discounted rate (if applicable).
- A copy of the inspection report or a waiver of inspection (if applicable).
Why do I need to provide a copy of the shipper's invoice?
Per NMFC Item # 300110, an invoice must be provided to substantiate the value of the product. This invoice will not be distributed to a third party, unless otherwise required by law.
What should I expect to happen after the claim has been filed?
- Once your freight claim has been received, you will receive a letter acknowledging your claim within 7-10 days. This acknowledgment letter will include your ECM TRANSPORT claim identification number. Please use this number in any future correspondence or inquiries regarding your freight claim.
- Freight carriers are given 120 days to resolve any claims. At ECM TRANSPORT, we strive to resolve our freight claims as quickly as possible. In fairness to all of our customers, we process freight claims in the order that they are received.
- If your claim presentation is missing any of the required documentation, the resolution of your claim will be delayed.
- After your freight claim has been audited, you will either receive a check in settlement or a letter detailing why we feel that ECM TRANSPORT is not responsible for the loss or damage.
What should I do with damaged goods?
Per the NMFC, damaged goods must be maintained until the claim has been resolved. All packaging should be held until an inspection has been performed, an inspection has been waived, or the claim has been resolved. Please remember that it is the legal obligation of the shipper and/or consignee to reduce the amount of the claim, therefore every effort should be made to repair the damaged goods, sell items at a discounted cost or salvage materials.
Can I send pictures of a damaged product?
If you are filing a claim for damaged freight, we encourage you to send pictures illustrating both the condition of the freight and the condition of the packaging. If you have filed your claim online, you may upload pictures at that time. You may email pictures to [email protected]. Please do not fax pictures.
What if I discovered concealed damages after delivery?
It is the consignee's responsibility to report concealed damages to the carrier. Please contact ECM TRANSPORT at (800) 548-7379 and ask to speak with A Customer Service Representative. Concealed damages must be reported within 48 hours from the time of delivery.
