Sometimes things don't go as planned, as evidenced by these pictures. Fires, wrecks and even pirates can prevent your goods from being delivered to you in a timely manner. Then there is also the potential for damage by accidental mishandling. Truthfully though, most transportation folks do their very best to ensure your goods get to your door in good condition. Here are some helpful tips to make receiving your shipment as problem free as possible.

1. If you are picking up your own freight, you must tell the warehouse or airline if you see damage. Be sure to note the damage on the receipt, and get a warehouse person to acknowledge the damage and sign the receipt as well. Keep that as proof for a possible claim in the future. 
2. When you have a shipment delivered, make sure you or another responsible party is available to both count and inspect the packages as they are loaded or unloaded.
3. If ANY damage is seen on the outside of a box, it should be opened while the driver is there, and the contents inspected for hidden damage or missing quantities. Use a copy of the packing list to determine what should be in that particular box, if possible. Take a picture of the damage if it is likely you will need to file a claim.
4. Do not sign off receipt of goods without noting the damage or missing quantities on the receipt, and keeping a copy. This step is critical!
5. A delivery driver is responsible for noting damage to parcels as they are loaded into his truck from the warehouse or airline.

• If he has noted no damage at the time of loading, then it is possible the damage was done while the truck was in transit to your location. You will need to file a claim with the trucking company in this case.
• If the driver has noted damage to goods at the time they were loaded, the airline or warehouse has the responsibility to determine when the damage occurred. If you have received goods in this situation, the claim for the damage will go to the airline or the warehouse.

Be sure to call your customs broker if there is ever a problem with a shipment.

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