Who may file a loss and damage claim?
- The shipper, the consignee, or a third party who has title to the goods may file a claim.
What documentation is needed to submit a claim?
A claim must be presented with a statement describing the lost or damaged goods and how the amount of the claim was determined. The claim must also be supported with a copy of the paid freight bill or bill of lading, a copy of the vendor’s original invoice detailing discounts; other documents may in some cases be accepted to establish the value of the goods. In some cases a copy of an inspection report may be required. For a detailed list, please refer to the Claims page
A claim may be submitted by email or by fax (604) 472-2137 directly to our claims department in Coquitlam, BC. A standard claim form is not required so long as all required documentation is provided. However, a Clark Freightways claim form may be downloaded directly from this site.
A notice of intent to claim must be filed in writing within sixty (60) days from the date of delivery of goods, or in the case of non-delivery within nine (9) months from the date of shipment. The final claim must then be filed within nine (9) months from the date of shipment.
In the event your shipment or a portion thereof is damaged during transit, the damaged articles must be retained along with all of the packaging material until picked up by the carrier or until the claim is settled. It may be necessary for the carrier to inspect the damaged articles and/or packaging and the damaged articles may ultimately be retrieved by the carrier as salvage to mitigate the claim.
In general, all claims must be inspected. However, when the claim is under $500.00 or for other reasons, Clark Freightways may elect to waive the required inspection. Contact our Claims department or any branch to request a claims inspection.
Never deduct the amount of a claim from your invoice. Your claim will be processed as quickly as possible once received. Claims with unpaid invoices will not be processed until paid in full. To contra the carrier’s receivables is not a legal remedy. However, freight charges may be considered in the final settlement.
Generally claims at Clark Freightways are settled within 30 days, in fact over 90% are settled in 30 days or less. The presentation of a well documented claim with all required documentation greatly assists in the timely processing of a claim.
If you signed for your shipment as free and clear and later identify damages, you must immediately stop unpacking the freight and request an inspection by Clark Freightways. All original packaging must be retained for inspection. Failure to request an inspection may result in the declination of your claim.
In some cases shippers tender freight to carriers in a configuration that does not permit the carrier to confirm the piece count. In these circumstances the carrier will notate that the shipment was pick-up with an un-confirmed count (STC) notation on the bill of lading. If the carrier delivers the handling units intact, the carrier cannot be responsible for packaging errors.
Testimonials
Anipet Animal Supplies
It is great to see that Clark Freightways is continuing to grow with their customers, is finding new ways to make our businesses connect better and is helping us to improve our efficiency and customer service.
Colonial Farms Ltd.
Colonial Farms Ltd. has been conducting business with Clark Freightways for more than 25 years. We have found them to be very reliable in the movement and delivery of our fresh product throughout B.C. The product arrives on time and in good condition. The office personnel and drivers are always helpful, courteous and responsive to our needs. We look forward to many more years of doing business together.
Elco Fine Foods Inc
Elco Fine Foods Inc. has been using Clark Freightways for several years. Our company has been very pleased with the service and professionalism of the Clark team from delivery to customer service.
Euro-Rite Cabinets Ltd.
As soon as we began doing business with Clark Freightways, they impressed me with their service, efficiency and professionalism. Our experience working with Clark confirms that we have partnered with true leaders in the freight business
Health Shared Services BC
HSSBC’s business relationship with Clark Freightways was founded on the Health Authorities requirement to procure 3rd party transportation solutions in support of the centralized services established in 2007 in Kelowna, BC.
What stands out for me is the exceptional responsiveness Clark Freightways applies to our queries; and the communication protocols established to support the vast geographical area we service.
Horizon Distributors
Clark has been providing us with excellent logistics solutions for nearly 20 years now. The Clark team fulfills every promise they make, and this is vital because they’re not only a delivery company but also an ambassador of Horizon: Their consistent performance makes us look good.
UNFI Canada
It’s rare to find someone who can deliver dry, fresh and frozen anywhere in the province without any issues, and it’s crucial to our retailers because they need the freedom to purchase from these three categories in order to make the hauling cost-effective.
