Claim Prevention Checklist

Quick Answer

Claim prevention starts before the truck leaves the shipper: visible inspection, accurate notes, securement checks, seal records, and timely reporting.

Use before and after pickup

The checklist is meant to prompt documentation habits before pickup, during transit, and at delivery. It does not decide liability or coverage, and it should be adapted to carrier policy and customer rules.

Before pickup

Confirm shipment identifiers, trailer or container number, visible freight condition, seal status, shipper load-and-count wording, temperature instructions where relevant, and whether the driver was allowed to inspect the load.

Photograph visible exceptions if allowed, then report anything that conflicts with paperwork before leaving.

At delivery

Before unloading changes the scene, record seal status, door pressure, visible shift, wet or crushed freight, shortage or overage notes, and who was notified.

Keep proof of delivery, BOL notes, photos, messages, and claim-related documents together so the next reviewer does not have to reconstruct the shipment from fragments.

Practical Notes

Claim processes, timelines, and documentation requirements vary by carrier, shipper, and insurance program. Confirm the applicable claim rule, carrier procedures, and any contract terms before relying on this page for a live claim.