Claims Procedure

Visible shortage, damage, or other exception should be documented as early as reasonably possible, ideally at the time of delivery. Relevant shipment records should be preserved while the matter is being reviewed, including the bill of lading, delivery receipt, shipment references, and any written notes made at pickup or delivery.

Damaged freight, containers, wrapping, packaging, pallets, seals, photographs, and other potentially relevant evidence should not be discarded when an inspection or further review may still be necessary. Preserved evidence is often the difference between a claim that can be evaluated and one that cannot.

Noting damage on a delivery receipt or creating an inspection report may be useful evidence, but standing alone it may not constitute a formal cargo claim. A written claim submitted through the route described below is the step that begins the claim process.

A formal claim should be made in writing through Valen's designated claims route and should contain enough information to identify the shipment, explain the alleged loss, damage, shortage, injury, or delay, assert the basis of the claim against the carrier where applicable, and state a specified or reasonably determinable monetary amount.

Applicable filing periods may depend on governing law, the bill of lading, the transportation agreement, or other controlling documents. Review the documents applicable to the shipment and submit the claim promptly rather than relying on any general timeline described on a website.

Supporting information helps establish what moved, what happened, and what the claimed loss represents. Depending on the shipment, records that may assist review include:

• Bill of lading and delivery receipt or POD.
• Shipment, load, or reference number.
• Freight-charge documentation, where relevant.
• Commercial invoice or other evidence of the value of the goods.
• Photographs of the freight, packaging, and any visible damage.
• Repair estimates, inspection reports, or salvage information.

This list is illustrative rather than exhaustive, and not every item is required on every claim. Insufficient information may delay investigation or prevent a claim from being fully evaluated, so documentation should be as complete as the circumstances reasonably allow.

Valen or another authorized party may reasonably request inspection of damaged goods, packaging, or related evidence during review of a claim. Where practical, claimants should preserve the relevant freight and packaging until advised that inspection is unnecessary or the matter is otherwise resolved.

If preservation is not practical for a particular shipment, documenting the condition thoroughly through photographs, written notes, and inspection records before disposition helps keep the claim reviewable.

Claim review generally follows a straightforward sequence. Valen receives the written claim, reviews whether enough information has been provided to identify and evaluate the matter, may request additional documentation or inspection when reasonably necessary, investigates the shipment record and surrounding facts, and then communicates the disposition or the next required step.

Where applicable to Valen's operations, properly filed written cargo claims are handled and investigated in accordance with applicable federal motor-carrier regulations and other governing law. Review timing depends on the completeness of the documentation and the circumstances of the shipment.

Where transportation involved another carrier, broker, shipper, consignee, warehouse, or other party, the proper claims route may depend on the shipment record and the contractual relationships between those parties. Submission of a claim to Valen does not necessarily establish that Valen is the legally responsible party for the claimed loss.

Submission of a claim does not itself constitute an admission of liability, agreement as to the claimed amount, waiver of defenses, or a promise of payment. Claim evaluation remains subject to applicable law, shipment-specific agreements, bills of lading, limitations of liability where lawful, the available evidence, and the facts of the shipment.

This page is procedural guidance only. It does not modify or replace a signed transportation agreement, rate confirmation, bill of lading, tariff where applicable, or any right or obligation established by governing law. Where this page and a controlling document differ, the controlling document governs.

Retain copies of everything submitted, and reference the applicable shipment or claim number in later correspondence so the record stays connected to the right movement.