As a third party transportation provider, Knichel Logistics is fully committed to resolving freight claims fairly and efficiently.

Freight Claim Policies

When a freight claim arises, we act as the intermediary between the underlying carrier and our customer. Although our policy is to follow the carrier’s freight claim rules and practices, as your transportation provider we are committed to thoroughly investigate all issues. If a freight claim should be denied, we will work very closely with both you and the carrier to ensure the satisfaction of all parties.

What Are the Signs of a Potential Freight Claim?

Look out for these signs that may warrant you filing a freight claim:

• Shortage of product
• Missing seal
• Load shift (due to improper blocking and bracing)
• Container involved in derailment
• Container possibly involved in rough handling
• Stolen container
• Water damage
• Possible contamination

Initial Information Required When Reporting a Claim

When you believe a freight claim is required, provide Knichel Logistics with the following as soon as possible:

• Container number
• Seal number
• Type of damage (examples are listed above)
• Location of the damage
• The PO number for the damaged or short product and how much is damaged or missing
• Details about how the load was the blocked and braced
• Pictures of the damage
• Location of the container

Procedures to Follow

• Do not unload if you immediately see damage. If you are already in the process of unloading, STOP when you encounter the damaged product.
• Failure to notify Knichel Logistics immediately of a potential claim may lead to denial of the claim.
• Take pictures of the damage or loss as well as the cause of the damage or loss (e.g. hole in container roof).
• Take pictures of all blocking and bracing, airbags, cardboard filler, shrink wrap, etc. (We need to show that proper shipping procedures were utilized.)
• The consignee may be required to hold the product at their facility until an inspector arrives – possibly for a length of two or more days.
• An inspection may or may not be performed. If you have damaged product, the customer is responsible for mitigating any losses. If the customer refuses to do this, the railroad will deduct approximately 1/3 of the product value from the claim amount.
• Please be sure to notate on the delivery receipt the amount and type of damage. Minimum claim amount is $250.00 (exception is Pacer Stacktrain) per shipment on product value.

Information Needed to File a Claim

Failure to supply these documents could result in your freight claim being denied.

• Pictures of the damaged product
• Copy of the shipper’s invoice for the entire load
• Copy of the bill of lading
• Copy of signed Proof of Delivery (POD) showing consignee’s acknowledgment of damage or loss
• Claim form filled out by the customer showing amount and value of product being claimed
• If the product is being salvaged, a receipt with the product and price is required.
• To expedite a claim, it is necessary to notify Knichel Logistics immediately upon delivery so that Knichel Logistics can inform the railroad. Once we are notified, there are 270 days to file the claim with the railroads.

Reporting or Filing Freight Claims

Please download and complete our claims form and fax back to 724-939-1065, or email to claims@knichellogistics.com. For intermodal claim questions, please contact:

Jon Krystek
5347 William Flynn Hwy 2nd Floor
Gibsonia PA 15044

Phone: 724-449-3300 ext. 234
Fax: 724-939-1065
Email: jkrystek@knichellogistics.com

For over the road claim questions, please contact:

Terry Rosky
5347 William Flynn Hwy 2nd Floor
Gibsonia PA 15044

Phone: 724-449-3300 ext. 247
Fax: 724-939-1065
Email: trosky@knichellogistics.com

Please remember that if we do not receive the necessary completed paperwork within 270 days of the ship date, the railroad will not acknowledge the claim.
If you would like more information regarding accepted blocking and bracing procedures and guidelines, please download our informative guide to blocking, bracing and freight claims management.