Trailer Damage by Receiver

[Trans]

Hi, I need a suggestion here as my truck was offloading in OH and the receiver just damaged the roof of the trailer with a forklift and notified my driver. SO we how should I proceed now? They are agreeing on the charges and how we should put this in writing? As I'm bringing him back empty so let me know, the procedure, please

 

[loaders]

Whatever you do, make sure you get someone higher up the management chain to acknowledge the damage. Names, dates, all of the usual accident-type info should suffice. If they are putting this through their insurer, get all of their info. If they want to pay for it themselves, see if there is a trailer repair shop nearby, they could at least provide you with a repair estimate. If everyone feels the estimate is fair, get the receiver to issue you a PO# and send them an invoice today. Getting stuff like this resolved quickly is paramount, people can forget if you leave it go too long.

 

[lowmiler88]

why not just patch it locally?

 

[Trans]

The trailer is a month old and I don't want to do any patchwork I will get the one panel replaced from the roof. It will cost a little extra but it is a proper fix.

 

[Trans]

Whatever you do, make sure you get someone higher up the management chain to acknowledge the damage. Names, dates, all of the usual accident-type info should suffice. If they are putting this through their insurer, get all of their info. If they want to pay for it themselves, see if there is a trailer repair shop nearby, they could at least provide you with a repair estimate. If everyone feels the estimate is fair, get the receiver to issue you a PO# and send them an invoice today. Getting stuff like this resolved quickly is paramount, people can forget if you leave it go too long.

I got the Supervisor to write a letter and mention the incident report number and all the info but they did not give me the insurance name or policy number. So let's see how it goes.

I never charged any shipper or receiver before for trailer damages as no one ever punctured a hole like this before. Thanks for the help

 

[Rob]

The trailer is a month old and I don't want to do any patchwork I will get the one panel replaced from the roof. It will cost a little extra but it is a proper fix.


You are in for a surprise. The roof is one panel. 1 large popcan spread 53 ft. Good luck been through it with new trailers it sucks but patchwork here you come.

 

[tasuinam]

I got the Supervisor to write a letter and mention the incident report number and all the info but they did not give me the insurance name or policy number. So let's see how it goes.

I never charged any shipper or receiver before for trailer damages as no one ever punctured a hole like this before. Thanks for the help

In my limited experience - start an email chain with EVERYONE cc on it. Pictures, times, date, signed statements - it helps when you have a document trail.... also involve your insurance company - you don't have to claim it if you don't want to but they will work on your behalf

 

[dad2andrew]

Those roofs are usually a little more durable than the fiberglass ones. Looks like the loader didn't even touch the rib.

 

[Jim L]

In my experience, if the receiver has acknowledged and given you contact information, they usually will make good on repairs. It will take a long time and you'll probably have issues getting setup in their payable section but you should get paid eventually. I would also include my customer in the conversation.
Unfortunately they probably will not pay for your empty move to your yard or downtime. If you charge way too much they will probably ghost you so be fair, be accurate and take your lumps. I think I would have patched it locally, moved a load and then had it replaced properly as you had mentioned. That would depend on how far you are going empty and if there was even a load to pick up in the area.