P.O. Box 3129 -- Hickory, North Carolina. 28603 -- Telephone: (828) 464-8247 / FAX 828-464-8091
Last Updated: March 2011
DAMAGE / LOSS CLAIMS POLICY
IN ORDER FOR US TO PROCESS YOUR CLAIM IN A TIMELY MANNER;
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES FOR FILING A CLAIM:
DO NOT DISCARD PACKAGING UNTIL MERCHENDISE HAS BEEN DECLARED FREE OF DAMAGE!
 All claims not noted at delivery should be reported within 7 days for consideration. The
only reasonable exceptions should be concealed damage on warehoused stock items which have
no outside indication of possible damages. We must limit these claims to a maximum of 15 days
to report.
 Take several pictures of damage items from different angles (try to reduce glare if possible).
 Take pictures of cartons/packaging, especially in area of damage. This will help us to determine
the cause of damage, possible packing issues/needs, and prevent similar damages in the future.
 No claims will be honored on items that are no longer at or have been moved from the original
delivery location unless arrangements have been made with Ideal Transport prior to moving the
items to another location. We will not be liable for damages found at offsite/home installations.
 The damaged item(s) must be kept with the original carton(s) and/or packaging for inspection and
return to Ideal Transport. Failure to retain the original carton or wrapping along with all other
packaging materials may void the claim.
 When a Replacement item is authorized; the original item must be packed and ready for return
when replacement arrives unless other arrangements have been made with Ideal Transport prior
to delivery. **Failure to meet this requirement may result in additional pick-up/delivery charges.**
 As specified on freight bills; no claims will be honored on glass, ceramic, marble, or mirrors unless
noted at time of delivery, while driver is present.
 Anytime "OPEN AND INSPECT" is listed or noted in the body of the freight bill; all items must be
opened, inspected, and any damage noted at delivery, with driver present, unless pre-approved
by Ideal Transport. **Failure to do so will release Ideal Transport of any liability for damage thus,
voiding any later claims.**
 No claims will be honored on shipments to a delivery service unless opened, inspected, and any
damages noted while our driver is present to verify.
 Do not place an order for replacement(s), for repair parts, or have repairs made on a claim without
prior authorization from Ideal Transport; doing so gives just cause to make any claims null and
void. Ideal Transport will not be liable for any replacement/repair costs without our prior approval.
 Ideal Transport will not accept any claims not reported within 15 days of delivery.
 Concealed damaged claims reported within 15 days will be settled on a percentage of actual
manufacturers invoice cost.
 We reserve the right, by I.C.C. Rules and Regulations, to have damages inspected by an agent of
our choosing to determine whether they can be repaired or if replacement is warranted; this
includes the right to bring items back to our local repair professionals for inspection and/or repair.
 Tariff limitations may apply to high value goods.
DAMAGE / LOSS CLAIM FORM
At Ideal Transport, it is our goal to provide the best quality furniture transport available and keep the need
for this damage form to a minimum. However, when a damage/loss claim is necessary, we want the process to
be simple and easy. By completing the information on this form in its entirety, our ability to resolve the claim
in a fair and timely manner will be greatly enhanced. Please fill in all information on the claim form and the
inspection report; checking or circling information that applies. We need this information in order to process
a claim. If any additional information is needed, you will be notified. Please call if you need any assistance in
filling out the forms. We want to settle your claim quickly and will make every effort to do so.
Please E-mail or Fax Completed Forms To:
claims@idealtransportinc.com
Fax: 828-464-8091
Phone: 828-464-8247 / 800-342-9838
DO NOT ORDER A REPLACEMENT, PARTS, OR REPAIRS UNTIL AUTHORIZED.
COMPANY NAME:_______________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:_____________________________________________ CITY,STATE,ZIP:_________________________________
FACTORY ACK #:________________________________
YOUR REF. / PO NUMBER: ____________________________
DATE OF CLAIM: ______________________________________ CLAIM AMOUNT: _______________________________
What is the nature of this Claim?
____Shortage
____Damage
____Concealed Damage
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR SUPPORT OF CLAIM
FREIGHT BILL / PRO NUMBER: __________________________________________
(ITEMS BELOW REQUIRED FOR DAMAGE CLAIMS ONLY)
> Copy of original Manufacturer/Shipper Invoice (All pages)
> Invoice for Cost of Repairs and/or Parts
> Inspection Report *
> Repair Estimate / Cost of Parts (if needed)
> All damage claims must be supported with photos of the item and the packaging. ( Please Do
Not Fax Photos)
PLEASE PUT PRO NUMBER IN SUBJECT LINE ON ALL CORRESPONDENCE!!!!
E-mail: claims@idealtransportinc.com
Item #____________________________
Item Description_______________________________________________
Claimants Name (please print) ____________________________________________________________
Phone # __________ - __________ - __________________
Fax #
__________ - __________ - ___________________
E-mail Address __________________________________________________________
Claims MUST be reported to Ideal Transport BEFORE delivering to your customer. Once merchandise leaves your
property or delivery site, Ideal Transport is no longer responsible for ANY DAMAGES and any claims will be VOID
whether claim has or has not been reported. So, merchandise needs to be inspected upon delivery or within the (15) day
concealed damage time limit. If damages have occurred to a particular piece, whether it be obvious or concealed, that
piece needs to remain at your location until the damaged merchandise has been reported directly to Ideal Transport and
you have been given specific instructions on what steps will be taken from there.
*PLEASE COMPLETE INSPECTION REPORT ON NEXT PAGE.
INSPECTION REPORT
Freight Bill / Pro Number ___________________
IMPORTANT - PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD THE CARTON/PACKAGING OR ANY PACKING MATERIALS.
*NOTE: If there are multiple items damaged, please complete a separate inspection report for each item.
To file a claim, please provide the following information to the fullest extent possible. By providing photographs
(of item(s) and packaging) and completing all information on this form; our ability to resolve your claim in a
timely and efficient manner will be greatly enhanced.
STYLE / ITEM # ________________________ PRDUCT DESCRIPTION (sofa, chest, etc....)____________________________
Please describe the damage: ___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Was the packaging all intact? _____YES _____NO (please explain)________________________________________________
Was there damage to carton/packaging? _____YES _____NO If yes, please describe __________________________________
______________________________________________________________ Is the packaging still available? ____YES ____NO
Was the item received at a: ____ Truck level dock ____Ground level dock ____ Curbside ____ Other - __________________
Where is the freight now? _____________________________________________________________________________________
Is it possible that the damage is a manufacturer defect or a result of insufficient packaging? ____NO ____YES (please explain)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Is this an imported product? ____YES ____NO
Could this item be repaired? ____YES ____NO
Is there a local agent capable of making the repairs? ____YES ____ NO
If not repairable, please explain. _______________________________________________________________________________
REPLACEMENT NEEDED ____ YES ____ NO
If replaced; could the damaged/repaired piece be sold to recoup some of the repair/replacement costs. ____YES ____NO
Was the damaged discovered before being moved from the original delivery location? ____YES ____NO
Who discovered the damage?____________________________ When (Date & Time): ____/______/________
_____:_______
Describe the type of packaging (carton, shrinkwrap, bubble, etc.): ___________________________________________________
Please check all that were used in packing:
Corner Pads ____
Plastic Wrap _____
Styrofoam Filler _____
End Caps _____
Wooden skid(runners) _____
Kraft Paper _____
Bottom Tray _____
Other (specify) ______________________________________________________
Were the legs or bottom of the damaged item suspended or resting on? ___Suspended ___Skid ___ Pads ____No protection
If cartoned, was item protected with: ____Foam wrap ____Styrofoam ____Cloth wrap ____Other ____Nothing additional ?
Does the packaging indicate (circle all that apply): Top – Bottom – Front – Back - Arrows – Fragile – Caution - Glass
Other (please describe):_______________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE NOTE: This Damage/Loss Claim Form is merely a process of stating observations and facts about the items listed
thereon and in no way acknowledges carrier liability. Upon receipt of these completed forms, Ideal Transport, Inc. will consider
the information you have provided and any further investigation and/or interview performed at our discretion. If after a review of
the information listed on this form a valid claim is accepted; a process of resolution will begin.
Please retain all cartons and packaging until the claim is resolved; failure to do so may void your claim or reduce any
compensation for damage or loss. Thank you for cooperating with our damage/loss policy guidelines and requirements.
A copy of our damage/loss policy and form is available upon request.
Form completed by: ________________________________________ Date: _____________________
If additional information or pages have been sent or attached, please notify us below.
____ *YES ____ NO *If yes, please note number of additional pages: _____