At Geisel Marine Investigations, we offer:

• Cargo surveying: Dry cargo damages, refrigerated cargo damages, loading and securing, security seal/checks/counts, bulk cargo damages, vehicle inspections, cargo transfer/weight manipulations
• Attendance as port captain for loading/discharge of containerized and break bulk vessels
• Accident site and derailment site investigations
• Vessel on-hire and off-surveys
• Bunker surveys
• Intermodal Equipment Surveys (Dry equipment and/or refrigeration units): Dry containers, flat racks, platforms, refrigerated containers, gen-sets/power packs, chassis, ISO tank containers, on-hires, off-hires, in-service inspections, CSC, re-inspections, DNV 2.7-1 annual visual inspections
• Vessel related surveys: loading and discharge surveys, Ro/Ro loading and discharge surveys, security seal checks, HAZMAT incidents, vessel on and off hires, bunker surveys

When to Hire a Cargo/Freight Claim Investigator – Consignees and Shippers

Have you suffered damage to your cargo during transit? Consider hiring a freight damage claim inspector to help you navigate the claims process. An independent expert, they assess the damage and provide a comprehensive report to support your claim.
Here are scenarios where hiring a freight damage claim inspector is crucial:

1. Large or Complex Claims
   If your freight damage claim is significant or complex, it may be helpful to hire a freight damage claim inspector. A freight damage claim inspector can provide an expert opinion on the cause and extent of the damage, which can help support your claim and increase the chances of a successful resolution.
2. Disputes with the Carrier
   If you are in a dispute with the carrier over the cause or extent of the damage, a freight damage claim inspector can provide an independent assessment that can help resolve the dispute. The inspector’s report can be used as evidence in negotiations or legal proceedings.
3. Insufficient Carrier Inspection
   If the carrier’s inspection of the damaged goods was insufficient, or if you have reason to believe that the carrier’s inspection was biased or inaccurate, it may be beneficial to hire a freight damage claim inspector to conduct a thorough inspection and provide an independent assessment.
4. Unclear Liability
   If there is uncertainty about who is liable for the damage to your shipment, a freight damage claim inspector can help determine liability by assessing the cause and extent of the damage. This can be particularly helpful if multiple parties are involved in the shipping process.
5. High-Value Shipments
   If your shipment is high-value, it may be beneficial to hire a freight damage claim inspector to ensure that the damage is accurately assessed and that you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

By hiring a freight damage claim inspector, you’ll gain objective evidence and expert support to strengthen your claim and ensure fair compensation.

When to Hire a Cargo/Freight Claim Investigator – Carriers

Received a freight claim from a shipper or consignee? Consider hiring a freight claim investigator to help you navigate the situation. An independent expert, they investigate the claim and provide a comprehensive report to support your position.
Here are scenarios where hiring a freight claim investigator is crucial:

1. High-Value Claims
   If the freight claim is for a high-value shipment, it may be beneficial to hire a freight claim investigator to ensure that the claim is legitimate and that you are not being taken advantage of. A freight claim investigator can investigate the claim and provide a report that can be used to support your position.
2. Suspicious Claims
   If the freight claim seems suspicious or there are indications that it may be fraudulent, it may be appropriate to hire a freight claim investigator to investigate the claim and provide evidence to support your position.
3. Disputes with the Shipper or Consignee
   If there is a dispute with the shipper or consignee over the cause or extent of the damage, a freight claim investigator can provide an independent assessment that can help resolve the dispute. The investigator’s report can be used as evidence in negotiations or legal proceedings.
4. Inadequate Documentation
   If the documentation provided by the shipper or consignee is inadequate or incomplete, it may be appropriate to hire a freight claim investigator to investigate the claim and provide additional documentation to support your position.
5. Compliance with Regulations
   If the freight claim involves compliance with regulations, such as hazardous materials or food safety regulations, it may be appropriate to hire a freight claim investigator to ensure that you are in compliance with the regulations and that the claim is handled appropriately.

By hiring a freight claim investigator, you’ll gain a thorough and impartial examination of the claim, enabling you to make informed decisions and defend your position with confidence.

What to do if your Shipment Arrives Damaged

Take immediate action if your shipment arrives damaged! Follow these crucial steps before returning the container to the carrier:

1. Notify your insurance provider: Inform them of your intention to file a claim and ask:
• Will a pre-return container inspection be required?
• When do demurrage charges apply?
2. Document damage with photos: Capture clear evidence of the damage before returning the container.

Understanding Freight Damage Claims
If your goods are damaged during transit, you may need to file a freight damage claim with the carrier or transportation company. This legal claim seeks financial compensation for damaged goods. Key aspects of freight damage claims include:

• Timely action: File your claim promptly to avoid missing deadlines
• Gathering evidence: Collect documentation, photos, and witness statements
• Carrier liability: Understand the carrier’s responsibility for damage
• Claim amount: Determine the value of your damaged goods

Don’t delay! Take swift action to protect your interests and secure fair compensation for damaged goods.