Shipping, Delivery, Inspection, and Freight Damage Policy

At Three Sixteen Technologies, all freight shipments should be inspected carefully at the time of delivery. Prompt inspection, accurate documentation, and timely reporting are important because freight damage claims may be denied if visible damage is not properly noted, concealed damage is not reported on time, packaging is discarded, or the carrier is not allowed to inspect the shipment.

For shipments handled by Old Dominion Freight Line, cargo damage claims must generally be filed within 9 months of delivery, and concealed damage must be reported within 5 business days of delivery.

Inspecting Your Shipment at Delivery

Before signing the delivery receipt, inspect the shipment for any visible signs of damage or shortage. This includes crushed corners, torn cartons, punctures, broken pallets, water exposure, rewrapped cartons, missing pieces, cracked acrylic, bent frames, or signs of impact or tipping.

Count all cartons, pallets, and pieces and confirm that the shipment quantity matches the delivery paperwork. Any damage or shortage should be clearly written on the delivery receipt before signing.

Noting Visible Damage on the Delivery Receipt

If visible damage or shortage is found, it should be described specifically on the delivery receipt before signing. Use clear descriptions such as:

• carton crushed

• pallet broken

• 1 piece short

• acrylic door cracked

• frame bent

• box punctured

Do not rely on vague wording such as “subject to inspection,” because it may not adequately document the delivery exception. Clear written notation at delivery helps support the freight claim process.

When to Refuse a Shipment

A shipment should be refused if there is severe visible damage, if the freight appears unsafe, if major structural damage is obvious, or if key pieces are missing and the product is clearly not acceptable in the condition delivered.

If only part of the shipment is damaged, the undamaged portion may be accepted and the damaged portion may be refused if the delivery circumstances allow it.

If freight is refused, the delivery receipt should clearly state the reason, such as:

• refused due to severe freight damage

• refused due to broken pallet and damaged cabinet

• refused due to visible structural damage

If You Accept Freight With Visible Damage

If the shipment is accepted despite visible damage, the damage must still be noted on the delivery receipt before signing.

Take photographs immediately of the packaging, pallet, shipping labels, and damaged product. Keep all packaging materials and the damaged product exactly as received until the claim is resolved.

Concealed Damage

Concealed damage is damage discovered after delivery that was not reasonably visible when the shipment was received. If concealed damage is discovered and Old Dominion Freight Line is the carrier, it must be reported within 5 business days of delivery.

The shipment, product, pallet, and all packaging materials must be kept available for inspection. Failure to report concealed damage on time or allow carrier inspection may result in denial of the claim.

Filing a Freight Damage Claim

A freight damage claim should be filed as soon as possible after damage is discovered.

For shipments handled by Old Dominion Freight Line, cargo loss or damage claims must generally be filed within 9 months of the delivery date, or if the freight is lost, from the date delivery was expected.

The carrier must also be allowed to perform a proper inspection of the freight and the circumstances of the claimed loss or damage. Failure to submit the claim on time, provide supporting documents, or allow inspection may result in denial of the claim.

Packaging and Inspection Requirements

Do not discard the carton, pallet, internal packaging, or damaged goods until the claim has been fully resolved.

All packaging materials should be retained so the carrier can inspect the shipment if needed. This applies to both visible and concealed damage claims.

Time Limits

For shipments handled by Old Dominion Freight Line:

• Concealed damage must be reported within 5 business days of delivery

• Cargo loss or damage claims must generally be filed within 9 months of delivery

• Civil actions must generally be started within 2 years after the carrier gives written or electronic notice that it disallowed the claim or part of it

Customer Responsibility

Customers are responsible for:

• inspecting freight at delivery

• counting all pieces before signing

• noting any visible damage or shortage on the delivery receipt

• reporting concealed damage within the required timeframe

• taking photographs

• retaining all packaging

• allowing carrier inspection

• filing the claim within the required timeframe

Failure to follow these steps may reduce or eliminate the ability to recover on a freight damage claim.

Contacting Three Sixteen Technologies

If your shipment arrives damaged or incomplete, please notify Three Sixteen Technologies as soon as possible and provide:

• photographs of the shipment and packaging

• the delivery receipt

• the PRO number

• a description of the issue

Three Sixteen Technologies
Phone: 800-611-0069
Email: info@threesixteentechnologies.com