Freight Claims Calculator — Damage & Loss Claim Value
Estimate the value of a freight damage or loss claim against a carrier. Understand carrier liability limits by freight class and how to maximise your recovery.
📋 Freight Claims Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter actual cargo value — the invoice value of the goods — not replacement cost, the actual purchase price.
- Enter shipment weight — the billed weight on the BOL.
- Find your carrier liability rate — check your BOL, carrier tariff or contract. Default LTL rates are typically $0.10–$2.00/lb by commodity.
- Enter damage percentage — 100% for total loss, lower for partial damage.
Worked Example
Electronics worth $8,000 are shipped at 400 lbs. The carrier's default liability is $0.50/lb. The shipment arrives totally destroyed.
- Actual loss: $8,000 × 100% = $8,000
- Carrier limit: 400 lbs × $0.50 = $200
- Claim value: MIN($8,000, $200) = $200
- Coverage gap: $7,800 uncovered
This is why cargo insurance is critical for high-value shipments. Declaring a higher value on the BOL increases carrier liability but also increases freight cost. Cargo insurance is typically cheaper for high-value goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Under the Carmack Amendment (US federal law), you have 9 months from delivery to file a loss or damage claim with the carrier, and 2 years from the carrier's denial to file a lawsuit. File promptly — delay weakens your case.
Released value is the carrier's default liability per pound, published in their tariff. By accepting a lower freight rate, shippers implicitly agree to limited liability. To get full value protection, you must declare a higher value on the BOL and pay the corresponding higher rate.
Original BOL, carrier proof of delivery (POD), photos of damage, original invoice showing cargo value, packaging inspection report if available, and any repair estimates. The more documentation, the stronger the claim.