DO NOT SIGN THE BILL OF LADING UNTIL YOU HAVE INSPECTED THE BOX OR CRATE

Examine the box as it is delivered. If there is any evidence of damage when it arrives note that on the bill of lading. If there is obvious gross damage to the outside of the box or crate refuse the shipment. The kiln will then go back to the freight company’s terminal where they are entirely responsible. Open and inspect your kiln carton or crate as soon as possible.

Note: unless the following procedures are followed correctly and we are notified within ten (10) days, L&L cannot accept any responsibility for the problems that may ensue.

IF L&L SELECTED THE CARRIER:

Because we have good relationships with the various carriers that we regularly use we are able to provide superior service when problems occur. If you report shipping damage within 10 days we will make arrangements with the freight company for inspection. If you have done what you are supposed to do, this should be the end of your problem except to assist in repacking the kiln and getting it on a truck for shipment back to L&L.

WHEN INSPECTING A SHIPMENT:

1. Count all the cartons and compare with the number shown on the freight bill of lading.

2. Look at the name on each carton. Is it addressed to you?

3. In case of damaged or missing cartons, before you sign the freight bill, write a full description of the breakage or damage or shortage on all copies of the freight bill.

4. Make your notations as specific as possible to protect yourself in the event that concealed damage is subsequently discovered.

5. Open all cartons as soon as possible AND DEFINITELY WITHIN 10 DAYS. It is easy enough to repack our shipping cartons so there is no excuse to store a kiln after it is delivered and then claim shipping damage 3 months later. At that point there is nothing that can done to help you because the shipping company will refuse to honor any claim. Claims must be filed within ten (10) days of receipt of goods.

6. If there is damage contact us immediately. We will notify the local agent of the transportation company immediately and an inspection will be arranged.

7. Hold damaged goods with any packing material undisturbed for an inspection by the carrier’s agent. DO NOT RETURN ANY DAMAGED GOODS TO L&L WITHOUT PRIOR AUTHORIZATION OF L&L AND THE CARRIER.

8. We will discuss with you the best way to have equipment or goods repaired or replaced.

[Go to Top]

IF THE CUSTOMER HAS SELECTED THE CARRIER:

Unfortunately, when we have a minimal relationship with a carrier we do not have the ability to control this difficult process. Damage claims must be collected by the consignee (that is you). The bill of lading is an acknowledgment by the transportation company of the receipt in good condition of the shipment covered by the invoice. Once the freight company has accepted the goods from the manufacturer the consignee must file a claim directly with the carrier for any damages occurring during shipment or final delivery. Because safe delivery of a shipment is the responsibility of the carrier, it is imperative that you inspect the shipment at the time of arrival before signing the freight bill. If you sign a clear delivery receipt (one signed without exceptions) and later find a shortage, or damage, you will be liable. L&L accepts no responsibility for goods damaged in transit. Claims for loss or damage must not be deducted from our invoice, or payment held up awaiting adjustment of such claims.

[Go to Top]

WHEN INSPECTING A SHIPMENT:

1. Count all the cartons and compare with the number shown on the freight bill of lading.

2. Look at the name on each carton. Is it addressed to you?

3. In case of damaged or missing cartons, before you sign the freight bill, write a full description of the breakage or damage or shortage on all copies of the freight bill.

4. Make your notations as specific as possible to protect yourself in the event that concealed damage is subsequently discovered.

5. Open all cartons as soon as possible. Claims must be filed within ten (10) days of receipt of goods.

6. Call our office so we can help you through the process.

7. Notify the local agent of the transportation company immediately.

8. Hold damaged goods with any packing material undisturbed for an inspection by the carrier’s agent. DO NOT RETURN ANY DAMAGED GOODS TO L&L WITHOUT PRIOR AUTHORIZATION OF L&L AND THE CARRIER.

9. File a claim against the transportation company. Substantiate the claim with the examining agent’s report. A “certified” copy of your invoice will be available upon request. If the shipment was prepaid, contact L&L in writing for transportation bill receipt.

10. Discuss with us the best way to have equipment or goods repaired or replaced.

[Go to Top]

UNITED PARCEL SERVICE

1. Contact local UPS office regarding damage and insurance claim.

2. Retain container and packing.

3. Each UPS office has different methods of handling these occurrences and will advise you of their procedure.

4. Notify us at once for replacement or repair.

5. Note that we fully insure all shipments.

[Go to Top]

SHORTAGE

1. Check packing list notations. The apparent shortage may have been marked as an intentional back ordered item

2. Re-inspect container and packing material, particularly for smaller parts.

3. Ascertain that unauthorized personnel prior to complete unpacking and checking did not remove the item.

4. Notify us immediately of shortage in writing and by phone.

INCORRECT SHIPMENT

1. If material received does not correspond with your order, notify us immediately referencing order number and item(s).

2. Hold incorrect items until return shipping instructions are received. DO NOT RETURN ANY DAMAGED OR INCORRECT ITEMS UNTIL SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS ARE RECEIVED.

ALL CLAIMS MUST BE FILED WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS OF RECEIPT OF GOODS.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROPER PROCEDURES CONTACT THE OFFICE MANAGER AT L&L.

FEDEX

Contact us if you have damage. It is such a rare occurrence that it is not worth detailing the procedures.

[Go to Top]