Flatbed cargo claims and tarp damage
A flatbed cargo claim is filed in writing, acknowledged within 30 days and answered within 120 days. A carrier cannot give a shipper less than 9 months to file. The best defense for tarp and securement damage is a record: photos and notes of the load, tarps and tiedowns at pickup, at each check and at delivery.
- Claim deadlines
- Securement checks
- Documenting tarps and load condition
- A checklist
- FAQ
Steel, lumber and machinery loads can be damaged by weather, shifting or tiedowns. Here is how claims work and how to document a load.
Claim deadlines
- Claims are filed in writing (49 CFR 370.3), acknowledged within 30 days (370.5) and answered within 120 days (370.9).
- A carrier may not give less than 9 months to file or 2 years to sue after a denial (49 USC 14706(e)).
Securement checks
- Inspect cargo and securement within the first 50 miles and during the trip (49 CFR 392.9).
- Securement rules start at 49 CFR 393.100. Coils: flatbed cargo securement and steel coils.
Documenting tarps and load condition
- Photos of the load before tarping, after tarping and at delivery.
- Notes on the bill of lading for any damage or wet product at pickup.
- Times and places of each securement check.
A checklist
- Photograph every load at pickup and delivery.
- Note exceptions on the bill of lading.
- Log securement checks.
- Keep a claim file for every claim. Plant certificate rules: certificates of insurance for mills and plants.
Data: steel and machinery carriers by county.
FAQ
How long does a shipper have to file a cargo claim?
A carrier may not provide less than 9 months to file a claim (49 USC 14706(e)).
When must a flatbed driver check securement?
Within the first 50 miles and again during the trip (49 CFR 392.9(b)).
Are tarps required by federal rules?
Federal rules cover securing cargo, not tarps. Tarping is set by the shipper or load terms, so damage disputes depend on your records.
What answers a tarp damage claim?
Dated photos of the load and tarps at pickup, at each securement check and at delivery, plus notes on the bill of lading.
This guide is general information, not advice on any policy.
Sources
- 49 CFR 370.3: Filing of claims (last amended Jun 15, 2018)
- 49 CFR 370.5: Acknowledgment of claims (last amended Jun 15, 2018)
- 49 CFR 370.9: Disposition of claims (last amended Jun 15, 2018)
- 49 USC 14706: Liability of carriers under receipts and bills of lading (accessed Oct 29, 2026)
- 49 CFR 392.9: Inspection of cargo and securement (last amended Dec 12, 2016)
- 49 CFR 393.100: Cargo securement scope (last amended Nov 18, 2024)