Cargo Claim

A cargo claim is a formal written demand for financial compensation submitted to an air carrier for loss, damage, delay, or shortage of cargo during air transport under a contract of carriage. The claim initiates the carrier's liability assessment and compensation process governed by international conventions. Under the Warsaw Convention, damage claims must be filed within 7 days of cargo receipt and delay claims within 14 days, while the Montreal Convention extends damage claims to 14 days and delay claims to 21 days. Claims that exceed these time limits cannot be brought against the carrier and are automatically forfeited.

A Singapore freight forwarder receives damaged pharmaceuticals on Emirates SkyCargo flight EK366 with AWB 176-12345678 and files a cargo claim within 14 days citing Montreal Convention coverage, seeking $25,000 compensation for temperature-controlled goods that spoiled due to inadequate cold chain maintenance. A Lufthansa Cargo shipment with AWB 020-87654321 containing automotive parts arrives 5 days late at Frankfurt Airport, prompting the German consignee to submit a delay claim within the 21-day Montreal Convention requirement for €8,500 in production line stoppage costs.

• air cargo claim
• cargo insurance claim
• damaged cargo claim
• lost cargo claim
• shortage claim
• cargo damage claim

What are the exact time limits for filing a cargo claim under international conventions?

Under the Warsaw Convention: 7 days for damage claims and 14 days for delay claims from receipt. Under the Montreal Convention: 14 days for damage claims and 21 days for delay claims from receipt. Both conventions require formal legal action within 2 years of the cargo's actual or scheduled arrival date.

What happens if I miss the cargo claim filing deadline?

If no complaint is made within the required time limits, no action can be brought against the airline. The claim is automatically forfeited and the carrier is released from liability. Receipt of cargo without complaint within the time limit serves as prima facie evidence that cargo was delivered in good condition.