An ocean crossing.
A claim that needs clarity.

When commercial goods arrive damaged

A container can reach its destination with water-damaged cartons, shifted machinery, missing inventory or goods that no longer meet their intended specification. The visible damage is only the beginning of the claim. Its cause, timing, value and relationship to the insurance policy all need a clear record.

Active Claim Adjusters LLC helps insured cargo owners review the loss, organize supporting evidence and present the insurance claim. Julio C. Ortega is a Florida public adjuster licensed since 2005. Each engagement begins with a review of the policy, the parties’ interests and the applicable service jurisdiction.

Connect the damage to the shipment

Keep the container number, seal details, delivery date and transport documents with the damage photographs. Record the condition of the doors, walls, floor, packaging and goods before further handling changes the scene. Where safe, separate affected inventory from undamaged goods and document reasonable efforts to prevent additional loss.

Wet cargo, corrosion, contamination and refrigeration losses may require technical findings. A marine surveyor, laboratory or other specialist can help investigate cause and extent. Temperature records can be especially important for refrigerated goods; save the original files, device details and available voyage logs.

Build a supported value for the loss

Commercial invoices and packing lists establish what was shipped. Repair assessments, replacement quotations, testing and inventory records can explain what remains usable and what has been lost. Policy valuation provisions, deductibles, limits and any salvage value affect the claim calculation.

Before agreeing to disposal, salvage or a release, obtain relevant instructions and preserve evidence. Perishable or hazardous goods may demand urgent action; document the circumstances and coordinate promptly with the appropriate parties.

Know which claim you are making

Your cargo policy and a claim against a shipping company are separate paths. Notice to one party may not satisfy obligations to another. Report the loss promptly and check the policy and transport documents for specific requirements. There is no single deadline that safely applies to every ocean shipment.

Coverage for delay, spoilage, storage, extra expense or general-average contributions depends on the actual policy. We review those questions against the facts rather than assuming every commercial consequence is insured.

Prepare the essentials for a claim review →