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Help, shipper destroyed my trailer

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Dannycolumbia04, Aug 20, 2019.

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  1. Aug 20, 2019 #1
    Dannycolumbia04

    Dannycolumbia04 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 20, 2019
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    Hi everyone,

    Couple months ago we pulled up for a pick up in Ohio. I have a 53 dry van.
    The load was a TL of flooring. When pulled out from dock realized the fork lift operator drove on the side of the trailer and made a huge bump\bubble on the side. About 15 feet long. There was already a little bulging but really minor. Also the forklift operator loaded in a way the end of my trailer got completely dropped. The last 5 feet basically bending downward. I had to get empty because the trailer was unsafe. When I requested the manager there was no one available only the forklift operator who agreed and later denied he messed up the trailer. The police didn't come due to vihecle was not in motion and I was on a private property. We just had an inspection on that trailer 3 days before the incident. I had to make a claim on my own insurance and they declined due to no police report were filed. I made a bunch of pictures and videos. The trailer got inspected and it's a total loss. Any advice? Should I waste my time on taking this to the court with the shipper? It was a 15 years old wabash but fully updated. Shipper say my trailer was already in that condition when I pulled in....any advice appreciated
     
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2019
    Dannycolumbia04, Aug 20, 2019
    Dannycolumbia04, Aug 20, 2019
    #1
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  3. Aug 20, 2019 #2
    Eddiec

    Eddiec Road Train Member

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    It sounds like your trailer was not in perfect condition when you arrived at the shipper. Without witnesses, pictures or video of the forklift creating the damage, it will be your word against his.

    When did you notify your insurance company of the damage?
    When did you take the pictures and make the video?

    At this point it sounds like your only option is to consult your attorney.
     
    Eddiec, Aug 20, 2019
    Eddiec, Aug 20, 2019
    #2
    Dave_in_AZ, Sirscrapntruckalot, Midwest Trucker and 1 other person Thank this.
  4. Aug 20, 2019 #3
    Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    Get an attorney to file a court claim and hope they settle.
     
    Bakerman, Aug 20, 2019
    Bakerman, Aug 20, 2019
    #3
    Dave_in_AZ, Sirscrapntruckalot and Tb0n3 Thank this.
  5. Aug 20, 2019 #4
    TallJoe

    TallJoe Road Train Member

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    I guess we need cameras every f... where mounted on our rigs. Inside. Outside. On our foreheads too. There is no honor left in this industry. Industry polluted by too many lowlifes. I'm including brokers, shippers, receivers here too. Everyone wants to run away from the most basic liabilities.
     
    TallJoe, Aug 20, 2019
    TallJoe, Aug 20, 2019
    #4
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  7. Aug 20, 2019 #5
    starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    When you say already bulged, what kind of sides does it have, frp?
     
    starmac, Aug 20, 2019
    starmac, Aug 20, 2019
    #5
  8. Aug 20, 2019 #6
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Why don't people understand they are not to do a thing until someone gets there as an authority within the company and deal with them only.


    Take lots of pictures when it happens, document it all, even if you have to have refuse taking the load.

    Think about getting lights and an internal camera(s) in the trailer too.
     
    Ridgeline, Aug 20, 2019
    Ridgeline, Aug 20, 2019
    #6
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  9. Aug 20, 2019 #7
    Oor

    Oor Road Train Member

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    Should have dropped it in the door and left it there till the boss man showed up.

    As said, get an attorney.
     
    Oor, Aug 20, 2019
    Oor, Aug 20, 2019
    #7
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  10. Aug 20, 2019 #8
    Tb0n3

    Tb0n3 Road Train Member

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    How is it possible that a forklift can bend the back of a trailer down? I don't think a 50ton lift will fit in there.
     
    Tb0n3, Aug 20, 2019
    Tb0n3, Aug 20, 2019
    #8
    magoo68, FlaSwampRat, HoneyBadger67 and 1 other person Thank this.
  11. Aug 20, 2019 #9
    Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    Yup, I think it might be too late for the OP.
     
    Bakerman, Aug 20, 2019
    Bakerman, Aug 20, 2019
    #9
  12. Aug 20, 2019 #9
    Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    This is another reason I take pictures of tractors and trailers before I move them. I normally do a walk around with the gopro, then go back with the phone and take close ups of any damage old or new.
    Everything is time stamped also location in the details of the phone.
    I also file damage reports with people like Amazon and Walmart before I leave the property, on a drop n hook. If no guard then I send the pictures of damage to the safety department of what ever customer I'm driving for.

    Drivers need to learn to cover there butts. No one else will, and later is frequently too late, as this one appears to be. And if it was damaged prior to loading he should have never loaded it to start with.
     
    Powder Joints, Aug 20, 2019
    Powder Joints, Aug 20, 2019
    #9
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  13. Aug 20, 2019 #10
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    That's true, I just added my comment to warn others.
     
    Ridgeline, Aug 20, 2019
    Ridgeline, Aug 20, 2019
    #10
    FlaSwampRat Thanks this.
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