Cargo Claims & Liability Support

We are committed to resolving your transit issues quickly and efficiently. Find everything you need to submit, document, and track your cargo claim below.

Submit a New Claim

The Step-by-Step Claims Process

A simple 3-step workflow so you always know what to expect.

Document & Mitigate

Inspect your cargo immediately upon arrival. Note any damage on the Delivery Receipt (POD) and take high-resolution photos. Work to minimize further loss.

Gather Required Documents

Collect your invoice, packing list, signed POD, and photos — see our Standard Document Checklist below.

Submit Your Claim

Send your completed claim package to claims@anchorexpressinc.com or use our online portal. Our team will acknowledge receipt and begin the investigation.

Standard Document Checklist

To ensure a swift resolution, please provide the Standard Document Package with your submission.

Established Value

Commercial Invoice

Proves the actual manufacturing or purchase value of the goods.

Verifies Contents

Packing List

Confirms exactly what items were inside the specific crates or cartons.

Proof of Condition

Signed BOL / POD

Serves as the primary evidence of the cargo's condition at the exact time of delivery.

Visual Proof

Photographic Evidence

Must clearly show the damage, the internal/external packaging, and the container or trailer numbers.

Final Loss Amount

Repair / Salvage Invoice

Provides the legally required proof of the final loss amount after mitigation efforts have been made.

Filing Deadlines & Time Bars

Different modes of transport carry strict legal deadlines. Claims submitted after these time frames may be automatically barred by the carrier.

3 Days

Concealed Damage

Damage not visible at the time of delivery.

9 Months

LTL Ground Shipments

Standard domestic less-than-truckload freight.

2 Years

Ocean Cargo Claims

International maritime shipments under COGSA.

Note: Please notify Anchor Express Inc. as soon as damage is discovered — even if you are still gathering documentation — to protect your right to a claim.

Carrier Liability vs. Cargo Insurance

A carrier's legal liability is vastly different from full cargo insurance. Without purchasing additional third-party cargo insurance, standard carrier liability limits apply.

Limited Protection

Standard Carrier Liability

Applies automatically — no extra coverage purchased.

Ocean Freight: Limited to $500 per "customary freight unit" (per container/pallet/package) under COGSA regulations.
Domestic Ground / LTL: Often limited to a few cents per pound depending on the carrier tariff and commodity class.
Recovery is capped regardless of the true value of your goods.

Comprehensive Protection

Full Cargo Insurance

Third-party coverage added before shipment.

Full Replacement Value: Covers the actual value of the goods, not cents per pound.
All-Risk Coverage: Protects against damage, theft, and loss in transit.
Peace of mind for high-value and business-critical shipments.

Protect Your Freight: We highly recommend securing comprehensive Cargo Insurance for all high-value shipments to ensure full financial protection. Contact your Anchor Express agent to add insurance to your next booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my claim is denied?

If a carrier denies your claim, Anchor Express Inc. will provide you with the formal denial letter and the specific evidence or legal tariff the carrier cited (e.g., proof of proper packaging, a clean delivery receipt, or missed time bars). While carrier decisions are legally binding, if you have additional supporting evidence that was not included in the initial filing, we can assist you in filing a formal appeal within the carrier's permitted timeframe.

What is the expected resolution time?

Most cargo claims are acknowledged within 30 days of submission. However, the full investigation and resolution process typically takes between 30 to 90 days, depending on the complexity of the claim, the mode of transport (ocean claims usually take longer than domestic LTL), and how quickly all required documentation is provided.

What if my claim has an exception?

A "delivery exception" (such as shortages, visible damage, or delays) noted on the Bill of Lading (BOL) or Proof of Delivery (POD) at the time of delivery is actually the strongest evidence for a claim — it creates a presumption of carrier liability. If you are referring to a carrier taking exception to your filed claim (disputing liability), our team will work with you to provide the additional documentation needed to counter their defense.

What is the claim liability limit?

Unless additional third-party cargo insurance is purchased prior to shipment, a carrier's legal liability is strictly limited. Under standard maritime law (COGSA), ocean carriers are limited to $500 per customary freight unit (e.g., per pallet or container). For domestic ground/LTL shipments, liability is usually capped at a few cents to a few dollars per pound, depending on the carrier's specific tariff and commodity classification.

What information do I need from my booking?

To initiate a claim, you will need to reference your unique Anchor Express Booking Number, House Bill of Lading (HBL) number, or Container Number. This allows our claims team to instantly pull up your shipment details, routing history, and carrier information in our system.

Have Questions? Our claims specialists are here to help.

claims@anchorexpressinc.com

630-616-5555

Mon – Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (EST)