Claims Information

In the event of an overage, shortage or damage on one of your shipments, contact your local Estes Express OS&D representative for assistance. You will find the phone number printed on the bottom of your freight bill. If further assistance is required, call the Loss Prevention Department in Richmond, VA, at (804) 353-1900, Ext. 2235 or 2828.

We pride ourselves on our ability to safely handle millions of pounds of freight each year. To minimize the chance of accidental loss or damage to your freight, we have an aggressive internal claims prevention program. The reward for this effort is a claims ratio well below the industry average.

If you have a cargo claim, we assure you that we will handle your claim in a prompt and fair manner. We adhere to the claims guidelines set forth in 49 C.F.R. Part 370, as well as the principles and practices for investigation and disposition of claims provided in the freight claim rule book of the American Trucking Associations and as provided in the National Motor Freight classification, and the EXLA105 series tariff.

We make every effort to conclude claims within 30 days of receipt; however, some claims require additional investigation. We will acknowledge the claim within five working days of receipt of the written claim.

In the event of concealed damage, please notify the local terminal within 15 days of the time of delivery and request an inspection. Please be sure to retain all cartons and packaging materials from the damaged shipment.

When filing a claim please follow the procedures listed below:

1. File all claims in writing. List the PRO number and the amount of the claim.
2. Provide proof of payment of the freight bill, a copy of the Bill of Lading, an invoice indicating the cost of the goods, and a repair invoice for the parts and labor (when applicable).
3. All claims must be received within nine months of the date of delivery, or within a reasonable time of the date of shipment if nondelivery occurs.

If you have any questions about our claims policies and procedures, please contact your local Estes Express terminal, or call our Cargo Claims Department at (804) 353-1900, Ext. 2236 or 2234.

Claims Presentation Form [pdf]
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Claims information should be sent to:

Estes Express Lines
Attn.: Cargo Claims Department
P.O. Box 25612
Richmond, VA 23260

Claims may also be filed by fax to (804) 232-1407, Attention: Cargo Claims Department. Please do not file the claim by both fax and mail, as this will delay processing.