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Cargo – 1st Report of Loss/Damage

A loss or damage report is a notification to the carrier of loss or damage discovered at time of unloading, including any incidents like Crowley cargo loss. The loss or damage report should describe the loss or damage, the probable cause of the loss or damage and the disposition of the damaged commodity. A LOSS OR DAMAGE REPORT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FREIGHT CLAIM.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cargo claim is a formal request for compensation when goods are lost or damaged during transportation under a shipping contract.

  • Open the Cargo – 1st Report of Loss/Damage form
  • Fill out all the required information, including the supporting documentation. (Please refer to question 4, for required documentation).
  • Submit the form.
  • After the submission, a confirmation / acknowledgement email will be sent to the claimant confirming the receipt of the claim, the claim reference and the Adjuster assigned to the case.
  • For further communication, please always include the Claims Reference.

You will receive an acknowledgment email with your claim reference number and the contact details of the assigned claims adjuster within 72 hours of submitting your claim.

When submitting a claim, some documents are required to be attached for a clearer analysis:

Key Supporting Documentation

  • Claim Statement Letter (describing the damage along with the amount being claimed)
  • Bill of Lading (original or copy)
  • Packing List
  • Commercial Invoice/Repair Invoice or estimate of repair costs
  • Survey Report (if available)
  • Delivery Receipt (POD) (with damage remarks if applicable)
  • Photos of the damaged cargo
  • Photos showing the condition of the cargo prior to Crowley taking possession or prior to shipment
  • Clear explanation of the accident, damage or else
  • Additional Documents

Case by case , where applicable :

  • Subrogation Form
  • Disposal Certificate
  • Any other documents to be requested, case by case.

Yes, but recovery is more difficult and depends on proving the carrier’s negligence. Marine Cargo Insurance greatly increases the chances of compensation.

A marine surveyor inspects the cargo, assesses the damage or loss, and prepares an independent report used to support or dispute the claim.

Yes, under the Hague or Hague-Visby Rules, cargo claims must be brought within 1 year of delivery or the date the cargo should have been delivered.

We strive to resolve your claim as quickly as possible. Upon submitting all required documentation and receiving your claim, our team will work to resolve your claim within 90 days.

Each claim is subject to its individual scenario.

  • Take pre-shipment photos and inspections
  • Use adequate packaging
  • Purchase marine insurance
  • Confirm all documentation is accurate

Yes. If additional documents are required or become available, aside from the required documents, they must be submitted via email directly to the assigned claim adjuster with the Claim reference for review. This ensures that all supporting information is properly added to your claim file and may help its resolution.

No. Compensation is limited under the terms of the Bill of Lading and applicable law. Indirect or consequential damages, such as lost profits, are not recoverable.

Please Note

  • Be reminded of the duty to mitigate any loss (i.e separate wet cartons from dry ones, safeguard undamaged cargos from future loss and salvage product where possible)
  • Take photographs to record the extent of any loss/damage, including equipment numbers in the frame where possible.

After submitting a claim, please direct any questions to your Crowley sales representative or assigned adjuster. Our regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additionally, please do not dispose of or destroy damaged cargo until all necessary claim documentation has been properly filed.

*The data contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as an admission of liability, waiver of rights, or available defense by the vessel or the carrier under the terms or conditions of the Bill of Lading, Carta de Porte, applicable shipping document, or the COGSA law.