Submitting a Freight Claim

Click at right to open/download a claim form. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to view this form. Click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader

Helpful Information and Instructions for Submitting Your Freight Claim

At Alaska Traffic Company, we are proud of our reputation for minimizing damage and loss to freight in transit.  However, we realize that from time to time there will be damage or loss whether the fault of Alaska Traffic or the other carrier(s) that may be involved in the movement of your freight.  With this in mind, the following information is meant to assist all parties in reaching a solution as quickly as possible.  These procedures are based on Federal Regulations related to the handling of freight claims for loss and damage.

It is the responsibility of the consignee (freight recipient), per Federal Regulations, to inspect their shipment upon receipt and note any discrepancies. Damage to freight that is visible at the time of delivery is referred to as VISIBLE damage. Damage that is not visible at the time of delivery is referred to as CONCEALED damage. Please do not sign a delivery receipt "subject to inspection" as this is not a valid notation and will not be considered when investigating the claim.

1. Upon Receipt at Your Facility You Notice Your Shipment Is Short or Damaged

At the time of delivery, while the driver is still there, write up very specific notations describing the damage or shortage on the delivery receipt and take pictures if possible. Then follow the instructions below for submitting your claim.

2.  After You Open the Packages You Discover Your Shipment Is Damaged

Call Alaska Traffic at 1-800-888-3534 or 425-282-6610 and request a freight inspection.  (Please tell us if the damage was VISIBLE or CONCEALED.)  Depending on the value of the goods, we may choose to waive the inspection or we will arrange for someone to come to your location to inspect the goods.  If we waive the inspection, we will fax you a copy of the waiver for your files.

As much as possible, leave the product intact and be certain to retain all product and packaging material; this is very important.  Do not destroy any packaging.

Please do not make any repairs to damaged merchandise without prior written authorization from Alaska Traffic.

Once the inspection is complete or we have determined that the shortage will not clear, please complete a Claim for Loss or Damage form. See below for detailed submission instructions.

ALASKA TRAFFIC COMPANY MUST BE NOTIFIED OF CONCEALED DAMAGE WITHIN 5 DAYS OF DELIVERY.

PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU RECEIVE GOODS WHICH ARE NOT FOR YOUR ACCOUNT.

Please file all claims with Alaska Traffic Company.

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO SUBMIT YOUR FREIGHT CLAIM

Step 1: Complete Your Loss or Damage Claim Form

Fill out your claim form as completely as possible. Complete the form on your computer (and save a completed copy on your computer) or complete it by hand. If you have any questions, please call us at 425-282-6610.

Note: on the claim form, list yourself as the claimant and list Alaska Traffic Company as the carrier.

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation

You will need all of the following to attach to your claim.

• An original or certified copy of the bill of lading
• An original or certified copy of the invoice (from your vendor)
• A copy of the paid freight bill
• A copy of the delivery receipt
• A copy of the inspection report if an inspection was done or a copy of the waiver of inspection
• Any other particulars (such as photographs) which support the claim
• A copy of your completed claim form

Step 3: Submit Your Documents

Email, fax, or mail your claim documents to our Seattle office. Please keep copies of everything for your records.

Email:

Fax: 425-282-6611

Mailing Address
Alaska Traffic Company
Atten: Claims Department
PO Box 3837
Seattle, WA 98124-3837

IMPORTANT CLAIM INFORMATION

Under current federal regulations, the claimant is required to mitigate the claim to the fullest extent possible. In other words, the claimant must reduce the cost of the claim in any way they can. For example, if a damaged item can be repaired, then it should be repaired and the claim is for the reasonable cost of repairs. If a damaged item can be discounted and sold, then the claim is for the difference between the amount it was sold for and the actual cost of the item. Repairing and discounting apply only if this results in less cost than replacing the goods.

• If items cannot be repaired and a claim is paid, the subject items become the property of the carrier paying the claim.  Do not discard salvage without written release by the carrier.

• Invoices for freight charges related to shipments involved in a claim must be paid prior to concluding the claim.

• Alaska Traffic Company has 30 days from receipt of your claim to send you an acknowledgment or, in lieu of an acknowledgment, to conclude your claim.

• You are welcome to call, fax or write to us at any time for an update as to the progress of your claim.

CLAIMS FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE MUST BE FILED WITHIN 9 MONTHS OF THE DELIVERY OF THE FREIGHT OR IN THE CASE OF SHORTAGE, WITHIN 9 MONTHS AFTER A REASONABLE TIME FOR DELIVERY HAS ELAPSED.

Questions? Please call 425-282-6610 for assistance.