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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 via email at [email protected] or call 1-800-366-7488 to be directed to our claims support staff.

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 LTL Claims Tool. Please be prepared to provide your PITT OHIO Pro # and the consignee (delivery) zip code.

By filing online, LTL customers can trace the status of their claim and correspond electronically with the auditor processing the paperwork. Customers who file online must have the ability to upload the appropriate documentation. 

If you require further assistance regarding a new or existing claim, our Claims and Prevention team is always here to answer your questions. Please connect with our team via email at [email protected] or call 1-800-366-7488 to be directed to our claims support staff.

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. If you cannot file online, 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 file 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. 

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 submitted, you will receive an email acknowledging your claim. This acknowledgment will include your claim identification number and a link that gives you the ability to correspond with the auditor and check the status of your claim. Please use this number and link in any future correspondence or inquiries regarding your freight 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 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?

When your claim is created via the online claims tool, a unique link with your submitted claim record will be emailed to your preferred email address. You can view status updates, edit your submission and communicate with our Claims and Prevention Auditors directly via the provided link.

You may also call the Claims Prevention Department at (800) 366-7488 to review the status of your claim.

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.