Damaged Freight

[coinvestor]

I had another machine come in with a fork mark on the side, the leveling leg missing and the skid flopping loose. This time I flagged it with the freight company before they left, as I have learned my lessons from previous times.

I actually have a spare leg since I just ordered some for another machine and had extras. So the leg cost is $20 plus my time. Then I have a fork dent / scratch in the side. This will not be seen where the machine is going, but could in another location.

What do you think I should expect from insurance? I don't see any major damage, but I don't intend to work for free to fix the problems the freight company created. I can't remember the last time they did work for me for free. Has anyone had a similar situation? What do you think is reasonable?

FYI... The machine was a factory refurb snack machine ~$2400.

JD

[Hillbilly]

I'd take some pictures and try to get an estimate from a body shop.  I had a buddy that worked in one and he painted all kinds of stuff.

[mission vending]

Don't know what to tell you about the dent.... For me, if I do any service calls for other vendors I charge a minimum $60 service call fee. So go for $80 on the leg and your time on that part.

my .02

[Sparta_Automation]

Unfortunately...unless you declared a higher value of the machine, paid the increased shipping premium, or said the machine was NEW and paid a higher insurance rate, most companies will only pay a pitance based upon the weight of the shippment.

I actually had one driver say "you can certainly mark the scratching, but since it clearly says "used" machine, they would pay any claim on it!

Good luck though!

[coinvestor]

Unfortunately...unless you declared a higher value of the machine, paid the increased shipping premium, or said the machine was NEW and paid a higher insurance rate, most companies will only pay a pitance based upon the weight of the shippment.

I actually had one driver say "you can certainly mark the scratching, but since it clearly says "used" machine, they would pay any claim on it!

Good luck though!

Luckily I took pictures of the damaged packaging prior to opening it so they know that it happened in shipping. The drivers are strongly encouraged to do what they can so that you don't write on that receiving paper. As long as they can leave without you writing that damage in it is your fault for not flagging it on receipt.

This driver wrote down the damage and had me sign a paper that was correct, then before he left he handed me a copy that he conveniently forgot to write in the scratch and dent portion of the damage. I had to go over and knock on the side of the truck to have him fix it.

JD