AsDi Cargo

Cargo damage or loss: which documents to prepare

Cargo damage or loss: which documents to prepare

The cargo arrived damaged, short or did not arrive at all? Your chances of compensation depend on how the documents are drawn up: the transport order, the CMR entries, the report and the claim.

Transport order

It sets out the terms you will rely on in a dispute: route and deadlines, description and value of the cargo, vehicle and driver details, the rate, liability and insurance.

CMR deadlines

  • Apparent damage — reservations immediately on delivery, in box 24 of the CMR and in the report.
  • Hidden damage — written reservations within 7 days (Sundays and public holidays excepted).
  • Delay in delivery — a claim within 21 days.
  • Limitation period — 1 year (3 years in case of the carrier's wilful misconduct).

If the cargo is damaged

  1. Accept the cargo with reservations instead of refusing it.
  2. Make a reservation in box 24 of the CMR.
  3. Draw up a damage report in the driver's presence.
  4. Take photos and videos of the cargo, packaging and seals.
  5. Call an independent surveyor for major damage.
  6. Send a written claim with attachments.

Without reservations on delivery the goods are presumed to have been received in good condition — proving otherwise later is very difficult.

The claim outline and the full procedure are in the PDF guide below.

Download the PDF guide “Cargo damage or loss: which documents to prepare” (3 pp.)