If your goods get damaged by the carrier you will need to file a formal complaint, or freight damage claims, to receive reimbursement. Since the freight carriers and their insurance companies are working with experts in the claims process, you should present strong arguments against them in order to speed up the process and receive a full refund.
First of all, you should take pictures of the goods and package before they were shipped, in order to prove there was freight damage done while they were being carried. This is a very important step that is often skipped. However, a case that doesn’t have proof of being affected while being transported can be easily dismissed, so make sure that every item in the freight is shot before it leaves.
Another important step is examining the freight when it arrives. There’s a certain timeframe in which you can submit the freight damage claims reimbursement form. A preliminary notice of the claim (PNC) should be sent as soon as you noticed that the goods have been harmed. You can find a detailed guide about how to file a freight claim on the net. Also, it would be a good idea to examine some example of a form that you must submit with your written complaint.

A solid PNC file can speed up the process and it should include:
• The estimated value of the damaged or lost goods [ here you can include before/after pictures of the goods as well]
• Nature of the loss – here in the freight damage claims writing you should write if the freight was lost, if there are items missing from it or if the items were damaged during transportation
• Circumstances of the loss – Were items broken when you opened the freight? Were your items exposed to shock and vibration? Was the freight lost?

Depending on the mode of transportation, the timeframe in which you can submit a PNC varies. However, if the notification is done in time the carrier will have to offer a resolution.