Freight Claims

Damage or shortage with your shipment? We’re here to help.

Review the information below to understand the claims process, what documentation you’ll need, and how to submit your claim to Maritime-Ontario.

Already submitted a claim? Contact claims@m-o.com

Important: Overages, shortages and damages should be clearly noted on the proof of delivery at the time the shipment is received. 

What You'll Need

Have these ready before starting your claim.

What Happens Next?

Here’s what you can expect after you submit your claim.

Submit

Complete the online claim form and upload your supporting documents.

Review

We’ll review your submission and request any missing information required.

Investigation

The shipment details and supporting documentation are reviewed.

Resolution

We’ll contact you once our investigation has been completed.

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Claims FAQ

All claims must be submitted on our website by completing the form.

Any questions throughout the process can be forwarded to claims@M-O.com.

Maritime-Ontario will only resolve a freight claim with the bill-to party. This is the party responsible for the freight charges.

Notice of an Intent to Claim must be filed in writing via e-mail to claims@M-O.com within sixty (60) days from the date of delivery of the goods, or in the case of failure to make delivery within nine (9) months from the date of shipment.

  • A copy of the Bill of Lading
  • A copy of the Proof of Delivery Receipt
  • A copy of the original supplier’s invoice as proof of the value of the product being claimed
  • In cases where repairs are possible, an invoice for repairs or replacement parts
  • An itemized statement breaking down the items being claimed and the associated values
  • Clear photos of the physical product being claimed
  • The product being claimed must be retained by the customer. Failure to do so could result in the claim being closed without payment.


If the submitted claim does not include all documents requested, Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines Limited will make a request for the omitted information. Once the requested has been made, you will have 15 days to submit; otherwise the claim will be abeyance.

Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines Limited is not liable for any costs or penalties resulting from late deliveries, missed appointments or requested arrival dates irrespective of the cause.

Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines Limited is not liable to pay a claim associated with concealed loss or damage. Damages or shortages must be explicitly noted on the proof of delivery receipt at time of delivery. Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines Limited operates on a pallet basis and does not conduct an individual case count to verify the number of cases each pallet is said to contain at any point in time. Notations on a POD such as “subject to inspection” do not constitute as a delivery exception.

Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines Limited’s maximum liability shall be the lesser of,

  1. the value of the goods at the place and time of shipment, including the freight and other charges if paid, and
  2. $4.41 per kilogram computed on the total weight of the shipment. ($2.00 / LB)

Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines Limited provided the claimant with a delivery service, therefore the freight charges must be paid in full, before the claim can be finalized or payment can be issued.

Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines Limited shall not be responsible for the reimbursement of freight charges for a replacement shipment moving with another Carrier or a shipment that was picked up at any Maritime-Ontario dock to deliver on behalf of the customer by any means of travel whether land, sea or air.

Yes. Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines Limited will not accept liability for claims less than $150.00 and will not accept account receivable deductions related to cargo claims. Claiming amounts do not include the taxes on the cargo claim.

Owner’s Risk applies to inadequately packaged goods. Inadequately prepared or protected shipments will be deemed moving at Owner’s Risk. Shipment packaging requirements will be published in the National Motor Freight Classification, NMF 100 Series. All shipments of Live Plants, Flowers, Ice Cream and Household Goods tendered for transport move at Owner’s Risk at the “temperature range” noted on the Bill of Lading. Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines will not be liable for any exceptions to damage or spoilage of any kind.

Yes – “Valuation Insurance” can be purchased at a fee. Approval must be arranged prior to the shipment moving. 

Contact rates@m-o.com to make arrangements.

Still Need Help?

Our Claims team can help with questions about documentation or an existing claim.

Service Update

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