Claims against carriers are governed by a liability regime that is favourable to the carrier and unforgiving about deadlines.
Prima facie case. Delivery to the carrier in good condition, arrival in damaged condition or non-arrival, and the amount of damage. The carrier then must show the loss was caused by an excepted cause — act of God, act of the public enemy, act of the shipper, public authority, or the inherent vice of the goods — and that it was not negligent.
Notice and filing deadlines. Bills of lading and tariffs impose short periods for written claims — commonly nine months — and a further period for suit, frequently two years and a day. These are enforced strictly and defeat most late claims.
Concealed damage. Note damage on the delivery receipt at the time. A clean receipt makes the claim substantially harder and requires prompt inspection and notice.
Limitation of liability by released value rates, where the shipper is given a choice of rates with corresponding liability limits.
International carriage is governed by conventions with their own limits, notice periods and suit deadlines, which differ by mode.
Insurance. Cargo insurance responds regardless of carrier fault and is usually the faster route, with the insurer subrogating.