Claims Process
At MapleHaul, we handle your freight with the utmost care. However, if loss, damage,
or delay occurs, we have established a comprehensive claims process to resolve issues fairly and efficiently. This
page outlines how to file a claim and what to expect during the claims process.
Important Time Limits:
Claims must be filed within 9 months of delivery date (or expected delivery date for lost shipments). Claims filed
after this deadline will not be accepted.
Types of Claims
- Loss Claims: For shipments that are completely lost or missing
- Damage Claims: For freight that arrives damaged or in poor condition
- Shortage Claims: For shipments missing items or quantities
- Delay Claims: For shipments that arrive significantly late, causing financial loss
- Overcharge Claims: For disputes regarding billing or freight charges
Claims Filing Process
Step 1: Inspect Freight Upon Delivery
The consignee must thoroughly inspect all freight at the time of delivery. Any visible damage, shortages, or
discrepancies must be noted on the delivery receipt or bill of lading before signing. Take photographs of:
- Damaged items from multiple angles
- Damaged packaging or containers
- Labels and identifying marks
- The delivery receipt showing notations
If damage is not visible until after unpacking (concealed damage), document the damage within 5 days and notify
us immediately.
Step 2: Notify MapleHaul
Contact our claims department as soon as possible after discovering loss or damage. While you have 9 months to
file a formal claim, early notification helps us investigate and resolve issues quickly.
Claims Contact Information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +1 (604) 555-7890
- Mail: Claims Department, 1250 Marine Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia V7P 1T5
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
To process your claim, we require the following documentation:
- Original bill of lading with shipper and consignee signatures
- Commercial invoice showing commodity description and value
- Delivery receipt with damage/shortage notations
- Photographs of damaged items and packaging
- Packing list showing contents and quantities
- Repair estimates or invoices (for damage claims)
- Replacement invoices (if items were replaced)
- Inspection reports (if available)
- Detailed claim letter describing the loss/damage and amount claimed
Step 4: Submit Formal Claim
Submit your formal claim in writing with all required documentation. Claims can be submitted by:
- Email: [email protected] (preferred method)
- Mail: Claims Department, 1250 Marine Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia V7P 1T5
Your claim letter should include:
- Claim number (if previously assigned)
- Shipper and consignee names and addresses
- Bill of lading number and shipment date
- Description of loss or damage
- Date loss/damage was discovered
- Amount claimed with supporting calculations
- Contact information for follow-up
Step 5: Claim Investigation
Once we receive your claim, our claims department will:
- Acknowledge receipt within 3 business days
- Assign a claim number for tracking
- Review all documentation
- Contact the driver and terminal personnel
- Inspect damaged freight (if still available)
- Verify shipment records and delivery confirmation
- Determine liability and cause of loss/damage
We will contact you if additional information or documentation is needed. Please respond promptly to avoid delays
in processing your claim.
Step 6: Claim Resolution
MapleHaul will respond to your claim within 30 days with one of the following outcomes:
- Approved: Claim is accepted and payment will be issued
- Declined: Claim is denied with explanation of reasons
- Partially Approved: Claim is accepted for a reduced amount
- Under Investigation: Additional time is needed; status update provided
If your claim is approved, payment will be issued within 15 days of approval. Payment may be made by check, wire
transfer, or credit to your account (for approved credit customers).
Claim Valuation
Claims are valued based on:
- Actual commodity value at origin (not replacement cost)
- Declared value on bill of lading
- Invoice amount for goods
- Salvage value of damaged goods (deducted from claim amount)
- Depreciation for used or worn items
Maximum liability is limited to $2.00 per pound unless a higher declared value was specified and additional charges
paid. Claims cannot exceed the actual value of goods or our maximum liability, whichever is less.
Concealed Damage
Damage that is not visible during delivery inspection (concealed damage) must be reported within 5 days of delivery.
To support a concealed damage claim:
- Preserve all packaging materials
- Do not discard damaged items
- Take detailed photographs
- Request an inspection by our representative
- Obtain written estimates for repair or replacement
Salvage
For approved damage claims, MapleHaul may request salvage rights to damaged freight. Claimant must make damaged goods
available for salvage within reasonable timeframes. Salvage value will be deducted from the claim settlement amount.
Claims That May Be Denied
Claims may be declined if:
- Filed after the 9-month deadline
- Insufficient documentation provided
- Damage resulted from inherent vice or nature of the commodity
- Improper packaging by shipper
- Delivery receipt was clear (no exceptions noted)
- Claim exceeds liability limitations
- Loss/damage occurred before our custody or after delivery
- Caused by acts of God, force majeure, or shipper's fault
Appeals Process
If you disagree with a claim decision, you may request reconsideration by providing:
- Written appeal stating reasons for disagreement
- Additional evidence or documentation
- Expert opinions or third-party assessments
Appeals should be submitted to our Claims Manager within 30 days of the claim decision. We will review appeals and
respond within 30 days.
Freight Charges and Claims
Filing a claim does not relieve the shipper of the obligation to pay freight charges. Freight charges remain due
according to invoice terms, regardless of claim status. Shippers may not withhold payment or offset freight charges
against pending claims without written authorization from MapleHaul.
Contact Our Claims Department
For questions about the claims process or to discuss a specific claim:
Claims Department
MapleHaul Logistics Inc.
1250 Marine Drive, Suite 300
Vancouver, British Columbia V7P 1T5
Phone: +1 (604) 555-7890
Email: [email protected]