are shippers liable for trailer damage?

I agree, not knocking your trailer but as far as actual value a 10yr old van isn't worth much (book price). Not fair I know because it could be a 10yr old trailer that's never hauled a load or even been in the rain but age still hurts it. I would probably get a quote to fix it and go from there. If it's not too bad you might fix it but the market is flooded with equipment so I wouldn't spend much. Hate to spend $5k to fix a trailer that's only worth $8k and when your done it's still 10yrs old.

 

You should of filled out an accident report when it happened. The shipper is responsible,they carry insurance to cover things like this. If they give you a hard time turn it into your ins. co. and let them go after the shippers ins. co. You have to take action when it happens,later makes it harder to get it taken care of. If the shipping people won't do anything for you ,call the plant manager or security,but as i said works much better when it happens.

 

i had a forklift go thru a reefer floor too

 

if you have a good insurance company they will cover it then have ou sign a document giving them permission to go after the other guy but you need to turn it in asap

 

Yes - the shipper is responsible for the damage to your trailer and it would be covered under the General Liability policy that they carry. As a few have said on here you can claim it on your PD policy however it is subject to a deductible and the trailer is 10+ yrs old. Typically most deductibles are $1000 or $2500 however you did not mention what you carry so that is speculation.

Your Physical Damage (PD) Carrier may request permission to go after ( subrogate ) however with this small amount in question to repair a 10 yr old trailer more than likely your carrier will pay it and move on. Please note that if they choose to pay it and not go after the shipper than the claim will show up as paid on your loss runs giving them and any other company you shop to a reason for increased rates on PD. Probably not much higher but maybe an additional 1% of the value. Or going from 3% to 4% of the Total Insured Value. Just an FYI.

 

If the shipper were to put the the forks through the side of the trailer or the top then they would be resposible but if the fork lift goes thru the floor of the trailer then it is your faulty equipment (i.e. weak floor) and they are not at fault. This is the reason most paper companies require 10 year or newer trailers because in theory the floor should be stronger because they have to use such heavy fork lifts to load the paper.

Hope this answers your questions.

 

most the paper places I've been wont load a trailer more then 10 yr old.

I doubt they will pay

 

same thing just happened to us what did you do? I think we should call our insurance company and let them sort it out.