Filing a Cargo Claim With Coyote: Frequently Asked Questions
Your freight is important to both your business and Coyote. Nobody likes damaged, shorted, lost or stolen product, but filing a cargo claim is an unfortunate part of shipping freight.
When the unexpected does happen, Coyote is here to help you through the process.
This guide will answer some of the more common questions shippers have about the claims process.
Find Answers to Your Claims Questions:
- How do I file a claim with Coyote?
- How long do I have to file a claim?
- What information will I need?
- Do I need any other documentation?
- How do I contact Coyote's Claim Department?
- I submitted a claim, what happens next?
- How do I check the status of my claim?
- How long will my claim take to resolve?
How Do I File a Claim With Coyote Logistics?
Download Coyote's claim form, fill out all the relevant information, provide additional documentation, then submit to claims@coyote.com.
This is the fastest, easiest and most efficient way to file a claim and have it quickly reviewed for reimbursement.
Download the Coyote Cargo Claim
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
The acceptable timeframe for claimants to file a claim varies slightly by mode.
Full Truckload
- Damage & shortage claims: Nine months from the delivery date
- Lost & stolen claims: Nine months from the expected delivery date
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)
- Damage & shortage claims: Nine months from the delivery date
- Lost & stolen claims: Nine months from the Bill of Lading date
Intermodal
- Damage & shortage claims: Nine months from the delivery date
- Lost & stolen claims: Nine months from the expected delivery date
What Information Do I Need to File a Claim?
According to the Carmack Amendment, which governs cargo claims law, the list below is the minimum required information you will need to file a formal claim.
Coyote cannot help you until you have gathered all of this information and submitted it to us.
- Shipment identification information
(Coyote load number, claimant reference number, Bill of Lading number, PRO number, etc.) - Reason for the claim
(damage, shortage, loss or theft) - Detailed description of claimed product(s)
(quantities, costs, weights) - Total claim amount
(sum of all quantities claimed) - Claimant information
(company name, contact person, contact information)
What Other Documentation Do I Need to File a Claim?
For the Coyote Claims Team to quickly and efficiently review your claim, submit the following documentation when you submit your claim.
If you do not include these documents (when applicable) with your submission, it will likely slow down your claims process.
- Proof of value for the entire shipment (e.g., commercial invoice, manufacturer invoice)
- Repair invoice (if applicable)
- Packing list
- Photographs (if available)
- Temperature readings (if applicable)
- Completed W-9 form (Coyote cannot issue payment to your company without a completed W-9 on file)
How Do I Reach Coyote's Claims Department?
Download the Coyote Claims Form, fill it out and submit to claims@coyote.com to begin the claims process.
If you need any additional assistance or have any questions, you can reach our Claims team in the way that works for you:
- Email: claims@coyote.com
- Phone: 773.799.2068
- Fax: 773.799.4277
- Mail:
Coyote Logistics Claims Department
960 North Point Parkway, Suite 150
Alpharetta, GA 30005
I Submitted My Claims Form. What Happens Next?
Once you submit your claim form, the Coyote Claims Team will send an acknowledgement letter via email to the point of contact listed on the submitted claims form.
This acknowledgement letter will provide your claim number and the claims investigator's contact information.
It will also advise you that the claimed product must be retained for possible salvage pick up or inspection (when applicable).
How Do I Check Up on the Status of My Claim?
The fastest and most efficient way to check up on the status of your claim is to contact your assigned claims investigator.
We will provide your claims investigator's phone number and email address to you in the acknowledgement letter.
How Long Will It Take for My Claim to Be Resolved?
The Carmack Amendment, which governs cargo claims, states that a carrier has 120 days from the date of receipt of the claim to resolve it, provided that the claimant submits all supporting documentation or information that will assist in the claim investigation.