If you’ve ever had to pay for a cargo damage claim you didn’t cause, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless either. Each year, logistics providers lose millions not just from damaged goods, but from lacking the proof to defend themselves.
At Cargosnap, we’ve seen firsthand how a single missed photo or forgotten checklist can lead to five-figure losses. The good news? These claims are preventable — or at the very least, defendable — with the right inspection process.
Here are the five most common cargo damage claims — and how to avoid them:
1. Physical damage
What it looks like: Broken pallets, crushed boxes, torn packaging, dented goods.
Why it happens: Poor handling, improper stacking, or rough transit.
The problem: Without before/after photos, it’s nearly impossible to prove when the damage occurred — or who caused it.
How to avoid it:
Take photos of goods at loading and unloading from multiple angles.
Use CargoSnap to timestamp and geotag each image so there's no debate.
2. Water damage
What it looks like: Soaked cardboard, mold, corrosion, or packaging breakdown.
Why it happens: Leaky containers, condensation buildup, or exposure during transit.
The problem: You’ll likely be blamed unless you can prove cargo was dry when it left your facility.
How to avoid it:
Photograph the inside of containers before loading.
Snap close-ups of sealed goods and container doors.
Document the container condition during rainy or humid conditions.
3. Temperature damage
What it looks like: Spoiled food, frozen goods thawed, pharmaceuticals rendered unusable.
Why it happens: Cold chain breaks, long delays, or misconfigured temperature settings.
The problem: Claims are hard to dispute without temperature records and departure condition proof.
How to avoid it:
Use CargoSnap to capture initial condition of temperature-sensitive goods.
Upload temperature logs alongside visual inspection data.
Standardize your cold-chain inspection checklist.
