How to File a Freight Claim

Tips & Steps

We regret the conditions/circumstances that have lead you to file a claim.  The following summary outlines basic claim processing requirements to assist you. 

Claims should be presented/filed promptly to allow investigations to take place while facts are reasonably “fresh”.  Under statutory conditions of carriage, written notice of pending claims or formal claim packages must be presented within 60 days of delivery with full payment of freight charges in order to prevent time bar declinations. Filing a claim against the carrier WILL protect any rights you have under the Bill of Lading.  Claims must be submitted by the party responsible for the freight charges and must be a minimum of $50.00.

Freight should be accepted.   Please refrain from refusing freight and take all the necessary steps to minimize the loss.

Document any visible discrepancies directly on the bill of lading or delivery receipt. Indicate a count and be specific, such as “3 boxes on top row crushed” and ensure the driver initials the exceptions.  Any discrepancies discovered upon unpacking or uncrating are considered concealed and not covered under carrier liability (please contact your shipper/supplier for compensation). 

The following terms are not acceptable and will not substantiate a claim as they are too vague and unclear:

• Subject to inspection
• Subject to count
• Damages 

If you are responsible for the freight charges, submit a notice of intent in writing to CSA Claims Department via fax at 416-292-5217 or via email at claims@csatransportation.com; otherwise, advise your shipper/supplier of your discrepancies.  This statement should be on your own letterhead and must indicate details of the shipment:

• CSA Load/tracing #
• Date of the shipment
• Pick-up (Origin) address
• Delivery (Destination) address
• Nature of the claim (shortages / damages/ repairs etc)

All salvage must be retained until investigations are completed.  If disposition is required, you must advise CSA and obtain written authorization from CSA Claims  Department.Submit a claim package with supporting documentation.  Claims submitted inadequately can cause delays in investigations and settlement.  The following documentation must accompany the claim package (you may wish to use this as a checklist):

(a)  Statement of Claim that outlines in detail the amount and nature of the claim.  CSA has a standard form on our website just click here: Freight Claim Form

(b)  Copy of the Supplier Invoice for the entire shipment outlining the replacement/landed cost of the goods and DOES NOT include any unearned profit.  If the claim is for repair costs, enclose a repair quote including labour charges along with a copy of the replacement parts invoice.

(c)  Copy of the original signed Bill of Lading

(d)  Pictures of the freight upon arrival; they should depict the nature of the claim and must include the packaging.

(e)  Copy of the Delivery Receipt showing the exceptions indicated and acknowledged by the driver.

(f)   Proof of payment of the freight bill for the shipment in question.

We hope this summary has been of help to you.  Please allow 30-90 days for investigation.  A reminder that freight charges must be paid in full and any settlement will be reflected on your statement of account.  Please do not hesitate to contact CSA Claims Department if you have any questions: claims@cstransportation.com.