Damaged Goods: What to Do and How to Get Compensation?

Unfortunately, damage to goods during delivery from China to Ukraine is not uncommon. This can happen to any cargo, regardless of its size, weight, or value.

In this article, we will tell you what to do if you receive damaged goods and how to get compensation from the logistics company.

Determination of the Responsible Party

First of all, you need to determine who is responsible for the damage to the goods. This can be:

• the seller, if the goods were damaged before shipment;
• the carrier, if the goods were damaged during transportation;
• the insurance company, if you have insured the cargo.

To determine the responsible party, it is important to study the terms of the transportation contract. It should clearly outline the provisions regarding liability for damage to the goods.

What Could be the Causes of Product Damage

Transportation of products always carries the risk of loss of their marketable condition. Let's consider the most common causes of product damage during transportation.

• Improper packaging of the product. Insufficiently strong and improperly sized packaging cannot protect the product from impacts and other factors that occur during transportation.
• Careless handling. Careless loading, unloading, and transportation, throwing, and impacts on the packaging will lead to mechanical damage.
• Adverse conditions. Incorrect temperature or humidity levels can cause product spoilage.
• Force majeure circumstances. Natural disasters, accidents, and other unforeseen events carry the risk of damage or loss of cargo.

Force majeure circumstances can become reasons for damage to the goods

Loss of product quality during transportation causes significant financial losses for the cargo owner. Therefore, it is important to carefully select the carrier, properly pack the goods, and insure them in case of force majeure circumstances.

Fixation of Damage

If you received a damaged item, it is important to document the breach of integrity as quickly as possible. To do this, draw up an act on the defects of the goods with the participation of representatives of the logistics company. Describe the nature of the damage and take detailed photos of the deformation of the packaging and the item itself. Take photos from different angles.

Keep all documents related to the transportation and damage of the item:

• delivery note;
• damage report;
• photos;
• correspondence with the logistics company.

It is important to have all the necessary documents to confirm the fact of damage, determine the cause, and receive compensation.

Claim Submission

The next step is to submit a claim to the logistics company. In it, describe in detail how and under what circumstances the goods were damaged, include a link to the damage report and photographs.

State your claim for compensation. Clearly specify the amount you want to receive. Submit the claim in a timely manner for review. Usually, it must be submitted within 14 days of receiving the goods.

In our podcast "Let's Talk," we discuss what to do with damaged goods, providing practical advice and recommendations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQCC0rSVUZo

Advice for Preventing Damage

To minimize the risk of product damage during transportation, it is recommended to:

• use high-quality and durable packaging materials;
• collaborate with reputable logistics companies;
• insure the cargo for its full value.

Insurance is your protection against risks associated with the transportation of goods

Receiving compensation for damaged goods is a process that requires certain knowledge of your rights and the action algorithm. Follow these tips, and you will increase your chances of successfully resolving the issue.

DiFFreight is your reliable partner in logistics matters. We provide only professional and prompt organization of international cargo transportation. We know all the nuances of working with China and are ready to assist you with ordering and delivering any goods by sea transport or arranging air freight deliveries.