Breakage and Damage Report

Breakage and Damage Report
1. Customer and Move Details
Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
example@example.com
Claim submission date

MonthDayYear
Date
Move date

MonthDayYear
Date
Origin

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Destination

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Was the customer present during loading/unloading?
Did the customer sign a "High-Value Inventory" list for fragile/valuable items?
Was a pre-move inspection report completed?
2. Item-Specific Information
Description of the damaged item (e.g., furniture, electronics, artwork).
Where was the item packed/stored during transit (e.g., box, crate, unprotected)?
Was the item listed on the inventory sheet with its pre-move condition?
Was the damage noted on the delivery receipt? If not, why?
Are there photos/videos of the item pre-move and post-damage?
File Upload

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Was the item improperly packed, labeled, or secured by the customer or moving crew?
3. Documentation and Evidence
Attach copies of the signed bill of lading, inventory list, and contract.

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Did the customer purchase released value (minimum coverage) or full value protection?
Are there third-party witness statements or incident reports?
Was the damage reported within the carrier’s stipulated timeframe (e.g., 9 months under Carmack)?
4. Liability Assessment
Was the damage caused by carrier negligence (e.g., improper handling)?
Could the damage result from inherent vice (e.g., fragile materials) or poor packaging?
Did the customer waive liability for certain items in the contract?
5. Resolution Process
Does the customer request repair, replacement, or monetary compensation?
Estimated repair cost or item value (provide receipts/appraisals if available).
Will the claim be resolved via insurance payout, refund, or replacement?
6. Regulatory Compliance
Was the carrier’s liability coverage explained in writing pre-move (per 49 CFR § 375)?
Is the claim being processed within FMCSA’s 30-day acknowledgment and 120-day resolution windows?
7. Internal Review
Were crew members trained on proper handling of fragile items?
Recommendations to prevent future damage (e.g., improved packing materials).
Process for Handling Breakage/Damage Claims

Immediate Documentation:

Note damage on the delivery receipt; obtain customer signature.
Collect photos, witness statements, and itemized damage descriptions.

Claim Submission:

Provide the customer with a claim form within 24 hours.
Ensure submission is within 9 months of delivery (federal requirement).

Investigation:

Compare pre-move inventory notes with damage reports.
Determine if the carrier is liable (e.g., negligence vs. pre-existing damage).

Resolution:

For valid claims, offer repair/replacement or cash settlement based on the customer’s coverage type.
Deny claims in writing with specific reasons if liability is disputed (e.g., improper packaging).

FMCSA Compliance:

Adhere to timelines: Acknowledge claims in 30 days, resolve within 120 days.
Maintain records for 3 years (49 CFR § 375.505).

Internal Follow-Up:

Train crews on recurring issues (e.g., fragile item handling).
Update packing protocols or liability disclaimers as needed.

Key Regulations to Reference
Carmack Amendment (49 U.S.C. § 14706): Governs carrier liability for interstate moves.

FMCSA (49 CFR Part 375): Requires clear disclosure of liability options and claims processes.

Released Value vs. Full Value: Released value limits liability to $0.60 per pound; full value covers actual item value.
Should be Empty:

Breakage and Damage Report

1. Customer and Move Details

2. Item-Specific Information

3. Documentation and Evidence

4. Liability Assessment

5. Resolution Process

6. Regulatory Compliance

7. Internal Review