Plan your transport
Note the discrepancy directly on the delivery note or consignment note with the package number and a short description, such as “crate 3/5, bottom left corner dented”, and have both sides initial the entry. Photograph the area before unpacking further and keep the packaging material. Inform sender and customer the same day. Short notification periods apply to damage that is not externally visible, so report it in writing without delay. The relevant periods follow from the agreed terms and the applicable law.
Good and poor notes
Helpful: “Crate 2/4 side panel split, approx. 10 cm, contents not yet checked, photo taken”. Not very helpful: “subject to inspection” with no further detail. The more specific the note, the easier it is later to understand what the situation was at handover.
Prevention through documentation at the start
A note on acceptance carries more weight if the condition at collection was also documented. Photos of all packages before collection show whether a mark was already there. Our guide on condition records at handover explains how to do this.
What matters
- Note the discrepancy with the package number on the document
- Take photos before unpacking further
- Inform sender and customer on the same day