FREE TruckDisp Cargo Claims and Carrier Liability Questions and Answers

Question 1

Under the Carmack Amendment, what is the standard for a shipper to establish a prima facie case for a cargo claim against a carrier?

Accepted Answer

The goods were tendered to the carrier in good condition, arrived in damaged condition, and the amount of damages is specified.

Answer

The shipper must prove the carrier was negligent during transit.

Answer

The shipper must provide video evidence of the damage occurring.

Answer

The carrier signed the Bill of Lading and the driver failed a post-trip inspection.

Question 2

A shipment of produce is rejected due to spoilage. The carrier can prove the delay was caused by an unforecasted DOT-mandated road closure and that their reefer unit functioned perfectly. Which defense might the carrier use against the claim?

Accepted Answer

Act of a Public Authority

Answer

Act of God

Answer

Inherent Vice of the Goods

Answer

Act or Default of the Shipper

Question 3

What is the standard time limit for a claimant to file a cargo claim in writing against a carrier for a damaged shipment?

Accepted Answer

9 months from delivery

Answer

30 days from delivery

Answer

90 days from delivery

Answer

2 years from delivery

Question 4

A driver picks up a load with a 'Shipper Load and Count' (SLC) notation on the Bill of Lading. At delivery, the receiver reports 10 cases missing. What is the carrier's liability?

Accepted Answer

The carrier is not liable if the trailer seal was intact from origin to destination.

Answer

The carrier is fully liable for the shortage because they accepted the load.

Answer

The carrier is only 50% liable for the shortage.

Answer

The carrier's liability is limited to $100 per case.

Question 5

A shipment is damaged, and the Bill of Lading does not specify a 'released value.' How is the value of the damaged goods typically determined?

Accepted Answer

The wholesale market value of the goods at the destination at the time delivery was intended.

Answer

The retail price of the goods at the destination.

Answer

The shipper's original manufacturing cost.

Answer

The average of the manufacturing cost and the retail price.

Question 6

What is the purpose of a 'salvage allowance' in a cargo claim settlement?

Accepted Answer

It is the value of the damaged goods that can still be sold, which is deducted from the total claim amount.

Answer

It is a fee paid to the carrier for attempting to save the cargo.

Answer

It is a discount given to the shipper for filing the claim quickly.

Answer

It is an extra payment to the receiver for the inconvenience of dealing with damaged freight.