Millions of containers are moving around the world constantly. It’s inevitable that some of them get damaged along the way.
When damage happens, here’s what to do.
First, ensure that the damage is new damage, not old damage. Was it already dented when you picked it up? Always capture the condition of the container in photos at pick-up with Photector. You don’t want to pay for old damage.
Second, determine the extent of the damage. Is just the container damaged or is the cargo also damaged? If the cargo is also damaged, repeat the process below with the owner of the cargo as well.
If the container has new dents, scratches, a hole, or broken doors that weren’t there when you picked it up…
Step 1. Take up to 20 high-resolution photos with close-ups of the damage using Photector.
Step 2. Notify the owner of the container that damage has occurred and share the Photector photos. The owner will file a damage claim and send it to you with an invoice.
Step 3. Reply to the claim by submitting the following:
- Your Photector photos
- Gate in EIR at origin
- Gate out EIR at discharge with specific damage and location noted (size of dent, length of scratch, broken left door hinge, etc.)
- Equipment Interchange Report
- Sub-contractor’s damage/loss report and contract with customer
- Container track
- Copy of bill of lading
- Road haulage documents
- Delivery notes
- Police reports and witness statements, if available
An average container damage claim is $1,452. To avoid as many damage claim payouts as possible, protect yourself by using Photector on every load, at every interchange.
Use Photector to prove that old damage wasn’t caused by you and to prove your damage-free delivery (in case the next guy damages the container but you are asked to pay for it).
When damage does happen on your watch, Photector can protect you from paying more than necessary. Often a small gouge can get bigger and bigger as the container is passed along the supply chain.
Test drive Photector with a 14-day FREE Trial and schedule a 1-on-1 demonstration today!