# Respond to a shipper's cargo loss or damage claim

Assesses a freight claim against liability rules and contract terms, then drafts a clear acceptance, partial offer, or denial.

- Topic: Legal & Compliance
- Framework: RTF
- Level: Advanced
- Tags: Legal, Analyze, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/respond-to-a-shipper-s-cargo-loss-or-damage-claim

## Prompt

```text
Help me assess and respond to a cargo claim.

**My role:** [carrier / freight broker / 3PL / freight forwarder]
**Claim details:** [CLAIMANT, AMOUNT CLAIMED, DATE FILED, SHIPMENT DATE, PRO OR BOL NUMBER]
**What they say happened:** [loss, shortage, damage, temperature, delay]
**Delivery receipt notes:** [CLEAN / EXCEPTIONS NOTED - copy exactly]
**Contract and liability terms:** [carrier agreement, tariff liability limits, released value on BOL, broker-carrier contract, cargo insurance limits]
**Governing rules:** [e.g. "US interstate - Carmack", "CMR in Europe", "Montreal Convention for air", or [CONFIRM]]
**Evidence we have:** [photos, seal numbers, load and unload method (shipper load and count?), reefer download, driver statement, inspection report]

Assess:
1. Was the claim filed on time and with the required documents (claim letter, invoice, BOL, delivery receipt, proof of loss amount)?
2. Was the freight in good condition at pickup, and was damage noted at delivery?
3. Possible defenses: shipper's packaging, shipper load and count, inherent vice, act of God, released value limits.
4. Is the amount correct (invoice value vs. selling price, salvage value, freight charges)?
5. Does it go to our cargo insurer and what is our deductible exposure?

Return:
- A one-paragraph assessment with a recommended position: pay, offer partial, request more documents, or decline.
- A missing-document request list.
- A professional response letter to the claimant.
- Internal lessons to prevent a repeat.

Do not invent legal deadlines or liability limits; mark them [CONFIRM]. This is general information, not legal advice; check with a transportation attorney or claims specialist for large or disputed claims.
```

## What to fill in

- carrier / freight broker / 3PL / freight forwarder
- loss, shortage, damage, temperature, delay
- CLEAN / EXCEPTIONS NOTED - copy exactly
- CONFIRM

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.