Cargo Claims and Damage Prevention

 

Cargo Claims Procedures: Container

  1. Upon determining that cargo damage or a shortage has occurred, the cargo interest should notify their insurer immediately.
  2. Regardless of #1 above, the local “K” Line America office must be notified immediately for damages greater than $2000. If at all possible, devanning the container should cease immediately upon discovery of cargo damage or a shortage. KAM reserves the right to call for an independent survey, although the cargo insurer/underwriter may also call for an independent survey. The survey ordered by KAM is strictly for KAM’s internal use only. The Claims department will answer any questions regarding this policy.
  3. If it chooses to do so, the cargo interest should file a preliminary notice of claim with KAM within three (3) business days after discovery of damage to the cargo. The notice should include the vessel & voyage #, bill of lading #, container #, type of loss (wet damage, crushed, etc.), and estimated amount of loss.
  4. Claims must be filed in writing to the address above (c/o: Claims Department), and must be received by KAM no later than nine (9) months from date of cargo receipt. If submitted claims have not been acknowledged by the Claims department within 30 (thirty) days, please contact the department immediately at the either the phone # listed above or at (804) 560-2807 or 4216. Please fax copies of the original claim, with supporting documentation, to the 800 fax # listed above.
  5. The following documents must be submitted to KAM before a claim will receive consideration:
    1. A written, formal statement of the claim, outlining the claim amount.
    2. A copy of the original bill of lading.
    3. Copies of the commercial invoice & packing list.
    4. Copies of the claimant’s survey (if applicable).
    5. Trucker’s Delivery Receipt noting seal number and exceptions, if any.
    6. All receiving reports/ tallies noting exceptions and type of damage. In case of a cargo shortage, the tally should indicate the container # and seal #, especially if the seal differs from the original. The tally should also indicate the shortage by packing # as well as style and size in cases of mixed shipments.
    7. Photos of damaged cargo and the container if it is damaged as well. Digital pictures are acceptable & should be forwarded via e-mail to the Claims department mailbox. Click here to email the "K" Line America Claims Department. Please submit photos in a JPEG format for easy transmission.
    8. A certificate of destruction or statement signed by a corporate officer stating that cargo has been either disposed of or destroyed is required for unsalvageable cargo. Any salvage proceeds realized should be deducted from the gross claim amount.
    9. A Packing Certificate or evidence of container stuffing for shortage claims.
  6. It is the responsibility of the cargo interest to take all necessary steps to mitigate the loss.