Our Proactive Approach

Our basic philosophy is to work with our customers to prevent claims from happening. Because no one wins when freight delivers damaged or short, we take our accumulated knowledge and help shippers ensure their freight is bound for success. This includes understanding packaging, labeling, banding, etc.

PITT OHIO prides itself as having a LTL claims ratio well below the industry standard. Because the inconvenience of these rare incidents, we strive to resolve the claims within 30 days of receipt. The following information will help guide you through the freight claims process and help us in our Claims Prevention efforts.

Our Claims Prevention Team is available to help with your packaging issues. We work closely with our shippers to share our shipping knowledge with all shippers. Our focus is to help "prevent" claims.

We have included some frequently asked questions to help educate you about cargo claims. We hope you find this information helpful. If you need more information, please contact our Claims Prevention Department at 1-800-366-7488.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of claims?

Visible or noted loss or damage
The loss or damage was noticeable at the time of delivery and described in specific terms on the delivery receipt.

Concealed loss or damage
The loss or damage was not noticeable at the time of delivery. Notification of a concealed damage must be reported to PITT OHIO within 48 hours from the date of delivery and all packaging materials retained for inspection.

Shortages
Cartons or items are missing from the shipment. Be sure to verify piece count against the delivery receipt as the freight is being unloaded. Any shortages should be noted in specific terms on the delivery receipt.

How do I file an LTL freight claim?

Customers can submit LTL freight claims online by using our online freight claim tool (registration is required). By filing online, LTL customers can trace the status of their claim and correspond electronically with the auditor processing the paperwork. Customers filing online must have the ability to upload the appropriate documentation.

LTL claims and supporting documents can also be submitted via e-mail to [email protected]. All claims submitted in this fashion will not be available for view or status tracking through the online freight claim tool. All updates and communications will be managed through email.

LTL claims and supporting documentation can be mailed to:

PITT OHIO 
Attn: Claims Department
15 27th Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

If you would like to fax your claim and supporting documents please send them directly to the Claims Department at: (412) 360-7033. We ask that you do not submit pictures via fax.

Who can file an LTL freight claim?

Either the shipper, consignee, billing party or a third party logistics company may file a freight claim against a shipment, however only one claim per shipment may be paid by the carrier.

What documents do I need to file an LTL freight claim?

1. A completed freight claim form detailing the shipment information and how the claimed amount has been calculated. 
   Click here for copy of PITT OHIO's Cargo Loss and Damage Claim Form
2. A copy of the original shipper's or vendor's invoice illustrating the cost of the items in question. 
   *Please remember that PITT OHIO is a freight carrier and not a shipper.
3. A copy of the freight bill illustrating that the freight charges have been paid.
   *Freight charges must be paid prior to the settlement of any claim.
4. A copy of the delivery receipt with the delivery driver's signature noting any loss or damage (if available).
5. A copy of a repair invoice, illustrating repair parts, labor hours and labor rate (if applicable).
6. An invoice illustrating that the product has been sold at a discounted rate (if applicable).
7. A copy of the inspection report or a waiver of inspection (if applicable).

Can I send pictures of a damaged product?

If you are filing a claim for damaged freight, we encourage you to send pictures illustrating both the condition of the freight and the condition of the packaging. If you have filed your claim online, you may upload pictures at that time. You may email pictures to [email protected]. Please do not fax pictures.

Why do I need to provide a copy of the shipper's invoice?

Per NMFC Item # 300110, an invoice must be provided to substantiate the value of the product. This invoice will not be distributed to a third party, unless otherwise required by law and remains confidential information between the shipper and PITT OHIO.

What should I expect to happen after the freight claim has been filed?

Once your freight claim has been received, you will receive a letter acknowledging your claim within 7-10 days. This acknowledgment letter will include your PITT OHIO claim identification number. Please use this number in any future correspondence or inquiries regarding your freight claim. If filed online, you may use this number to research the status of your claim.

Freight carriers are given 120 days (four months) to resolve any claims. At PITT OHIO, we strive to resolve our freight claims in 30 to 45 days. To be fair to all of our customers, we process freight claims in the order that they are received.

If your claim presentation is missing any of the required documentation, the resolution of your claim may be delayed.

After your freight claim has been audited, you will either receive a check in settlement or a letter detailing why we feel that PITT OHIO is not responsible for the loss or damage. You may also receive a letter offering a partial settlement and the reasons for that disposition. You may call for clarification at any time by dialing 800-366-7488 and asking for the Claims Prevention Department.

What is the time limit for filing a freight claim?

Section 3(b) of the Uniform Straight Bill of Lading stipulates that any claim must be presented to the carrier within nine months from the date of delivery. PITT OHIO will not honor any claims submitted after this time period has elapsed.

Can I track the status of my LTL freight claim?

If you filed your LTL freight claim through our website, www.pittohio.com , you may track the status of your claim online. Only LTL claims that are filed online will be tracked online. You can also call the Claims Prevention Department at (800) 366-7488.

Where can I find additional information regarding freight claims?

Please refer to the PITT OHIO Rules Tariff for more details on the rules governing our freight claim procedures. This document is available on our website, www.pittohio.com (registration is required).

PITT OHIO handles all claims in compliance with the regulations outlined in the NMFC Principles and Practices for the Investigation and Disposition of Freight Claims, the terms and conditions of the Bill of Lading and any applicable portion of the PITT OHIO Rules Tariff and/or sales contract.