The goods have been damaged – What to do?

If the goods are damaged, proceed as follows:

• Make a note of damage to the shipping receipt (CMR) immediately upon arrival. Write a note legible and visible and take the driver’s signature.
• To prove that the goods did not get a bump when unloading, make photos of the goods while the goods are in the trailer.
• Notify your transport manager immediately.
• Submit a reclamation within 7 days at the latest.

In order to receive compensation for goods damaged in the event of a transport accident, it is neccessary to submit the claim (reclamation) in due time to the carrier. The claim for damages should be submitted in writing – for air and sea shipping, within 14 days of detection of damage and road transport within seven days. The claim of damage must include description of damage – whether the loss or destruction of the goods and the amount of damage. An invoice, package sheet and transport document (CMR) should be submitted together with a claim for damages.

If the goods are lost, submit a claim for damages to the transport manager with an explanation and add documents of goods that prove the value of the lost goods.

If the consignee accepts delivery of the goods without checking their condition together with the carrier or without sending the carrier application giving a general indication of the loss or damage no later than the time of delivery in the case of apparent loss or damage and within seven days of delivery, Sundays and public holidays excepted. In the case of loss or damage which is not apparent, the fact of accepting the delivery shall be prima facie evidence that the consignee has received the goods in the condition described in the consignment note. In the case of loss or damage which is not apparent the reservations referred to shall be made in writing. (According to CMR convention, chapter V, article 30, 1)