Cargo claim packets under 49 CFR Part 370
Build each cargo claim from your bill of lading, delivery receipt, invoice, and photos, then track the deadlines. A claims person sets the dollar amount, certifies the documents, and files.
Claim against Example Hauling LLC
BOL 000417, delivered 01/12/2026
12 cartons Test Part 3, Sample Shipper Co. Three cartons crushed.
Claimant asserts carrier liability for this damage.
Amount claimed: $1,850.00 (claims person to confirm)
Attached: BOL, freight bill, invoice. Claimant certifies these true and correct.
| Clock | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| File by | 10/12/2026 | Confirm on BOL |
| Carrier ack | 04/05/2026 | 30 days |
| Pay, deny, offer | 07/04/2026 | 120 days |
| Status notice | 09/02/2026 | Every 60 days |
Receipt date comes from the carrier. A person confirms each date.
How it runs.
Claims sit in email while the filing window runs. A damage note on a delivery receipt is not a claim, and a carrier's silence is easy to miss.
Shipment documents
Bill of lading, delivery receipt, invoice, freight bill, and photos.
Your dataBuild the packet
Checks the three Part 370.3 elements and lists missing documents.
AutomatedClaims person files
Sets the amount, certifies the documents, and files with the carrier.
A personTrack the clocks
Receipt date starts the 30-day and 120-day carrier response dates.
Automated
49 CFR Part 370 / 49 USC 14706 / Bill of lading / Delivery receipt / Freight bill / Email
The rules and limits.
- What a claim must say
- 370.3(b) requires a written claim to identify the shipment, assert liability, and demand a specified or determinable amount of money.
- What is not a claim
- Under 370.3(c), bad order reports, appraisals, notations on delivery receipts, and inspection reports are not sufficient standing alone, even with a dollar figure.
- Carrier clocks
- The carrier acknowledges within 30 days of receipt (370.5). It pays, denies, or offers within 120 days, then gives written status every 60 days (370.9).
- Minimum time limits
- 49 USC 14706(e) bars rules giving under nine months to file or two years to sue. The two years run from written disallowance.
- Your contract
- Your bill of lading or contract sets the actual window. Written waivers under 49 USC 14101(b) can change these rights, so counsel reads contract carriage.
What a person does.
- A claims person sets the dollar amount and certifies the documents.
- A person files each claim with the proper carrier.
- Counsel handles disputes, contract waivers, and any suit.
Where we stand: we have not shipped this for a shipper or carrier. It uses the same pattern as our document extraction and review-queue work.
Common questions.
Does this make us compliant?+
No. It assembles the packet and tracks dates. A person decides the amount, confirms the deadline on your bill of lading or contract, and files. Legal questions go to counsel.
When does the nine-month window start?+
The statute sets a nine-month minimum, not a start date. The rail and water bill form at 49 CFR 1035 runs from delivery, or a reasonable delivery time if undelivered. Your own bill controls.
Does Part 370 apply to brokers?+
Section 370.1 covers motor carriers and freight forwarders on interstate and foreign shipments. It does not name brokers, so a claim involving a broker needs separate review.
Sources
- 49 CFR 370.1 (Cornell LII)
- 49 CFR 370.3 (Cornell LII)
- 49 CFR 370.5 (Cornell LII)
- 49 CFR 370.7 (Cornell LII)
- 49 CFR 370.9 (Cornell LII)
- 49 USC 14706 (Cornell LII)
- 49 USC 14101 (Cornell LII)
- 49 CFR Part 1035, Appendix B (Cornell LII)
General information, not legal, tax, or compliance advice. Rules change; confirm against the current source and your own advisers.
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