When do Cargo Claims Arise

Typically (and I can't speak for all cases) but if they accept the load and don't note any damage upon receipt they can no longer claim damages.

 

I had a claim 9 months after delivery which I refuted.
It went legal and they withdrew just before it went to court.
Have had 2 others that I recall where it was about a week later and there were freight bills signed as received in good order.
Although I conciser risk transferred on signing of bills with no endorsements I always investigate so as to make sure we are not at fault.
Unless there is a specific agreement stating otherwise I consider that once the receiver signs receipt of cargo as in shipped condition and they make no endorsements the chances of a successful claim are low if you choose to reject such a claim.

 

Many times it isn't caught immediately b/c the forklift driver doesn't really pay attention then the warehouse manager gets around to looking at it a week later. Then because 95% of the transport industry has a "blame someone else" mentality they will try and blame it on the trucker because they know truckers have the insurance to cover it. It could have been run over by the forklift 10 times at a receiver and they will still try and blame the trucker.

 

Most coil BOLs are stamped with the ol' "subject to inspection" rubber stamper.