At Delivery: Do Not Sign Clean
Before signing the delivery Bill of Lading, inspect the vehicle thoroughly against the pickup BOL. If there is new damage — any dent, scratch, chip, or crack not documented at pickup — note it on the delivery BOL before signing. Write a clear description and mark the location on the diagram. Do not let the driver pressure you to sign quickly. Once you sign the delivery BOL as received in satisfactory condition, your claim becomes dramatically harder to pursue.
Document Everything Immediately
Photograph the damage from multiple angles. Photograph the delivery BOL showing your damage notation. Photograph the pickup BOL for comparison. Get the driver's name and the carrier's name and MC number from the truck. Note the date, time, and weather conditions. If possible, take a video walk-around of the vehicle at delivery. This documentation is your evidence — comprehensive evidence at this stage is worth more than anything that comes later.
Notify Your Broker Within 24 Hours
Contact your broker (that's us, if you shipped with Conveyed) immediately. We initiate the claim process with the carrier and their insurance company. Provide all documentation — photos, BOL copies, and a written description of the damage. The sooner the claim is filed, the stronger your position.
Get a Repair Estimate
Obtain a written repair estimate from a reputable body shop. The insurance company will want to see a professional assessment of the damage and repair cost. In some cases, the insurer may send their own adjuster to inspect. Don't begin repairs until the claim is acknowledged and the insurance company has had the opportunity to inspect if they choose to.
The Claims Timeline
Most carrier insurance claims are resolved within 30–90 days. The process: you file the claim with documentation, the insurance company reviews, they may inspect, they issue a determination, and payment is made. If the carrier's insurer denies a valid claim, your broker's contingent cargo insurance may cover it as a secondary layer. Throughout this process, your broker should be handling the carrier communication — at Conveyed, we manage the entire claims process on your behalf.