All shipments from A Vinyl Fence and Deck Wholesaler have a detailed packing slip. Should you receive a shipment without a packing slip, please contact us and obtain a copy prior to signing the carrier's freight receipt.
All packing slips from A Vinyl Fence and Deck Wholesaler will have each item numbered so that you know exactly which bundle or box contains which items. Your freight receipt will be clearly marked detailing the total number of pallets and the number of boxes or bundles per pallet. A Vinyl Fence and Deck Wholesaler ships all bundles on pallets that are stretch-wrapped to prevent possible damage; however, from time to time, you may experience some freight damage or possibly even a freight shortage.

For a Shipment Shortage:

If you feel a part of your shipment is missing, count the pieces and check the number against what is indicated on your delivery receipt. Write a precise description of the shortage on both your copy and the freight carrier's copy of the freight bill. A precise description, for example, would be "three 5"x84" 3-rail line posts short", not just "3 pieces short".

How to Have a Shortage Traced:

Your note of a shortage on both copies of the freight bill acts as a written alarm for terminal personnel who will make every effort to locate your missing freight. If it becomes necessary to have your shipment shortage traced, contact the person in charge of Shortage Department at your local terminal. Before you make contact, be sure to have the following information available:

• Freight bill number
• Billing date of the delivery receipt or freight bill
• Names and addresses of the shipper and consignee
• Number of pieces in the shipment
• Number of pieces missing
• Weight of the shipment
• Delivery Date
• Complete description of the missing pieces, including size, shape, color, etc...
• Any part number on the goods
• Any other information that you think would be helpful in indentifying the containers or contents

If the containers, bundles, or material show visible signs of damage, open them immediately to check the contents for damage. Ask the driver to inspect the contents with you. Write a precise description of the damage on both your copy and the freight carrier's copy of the freight bill prior to signing for the receipt of goods.

After the delivery, contact the Damage Department at your local terminal to help you determine if an inspection and formal written report will be required. Occasionally, the freight carrier may not have an inspector examine the damaged freight. Instead, the carrier may request that you do the inspection yourself and keep a written description should you decide to file a claim. Please note that an inspection report is not a claim, nor is just noting damage or shortage on the freight receipt. All claims for visible damage that are signed on both delivery receipts must be filed within nine months of the damage. The consignee should retain damaged freight until a possible claim is completely settled. Failure to keep damaged freight will void any freight claim with the carrier.

For Concealed Shortage or Damage:

As soon as possible after delivery, unpack and inspect your shipment. Should you discover a concealed shortage or damage, report it to the carrier immediately and request an inspection. All claims for concealed shortage or damage must be made to the carrier withhin fifteen days of the delivery date. While you wait for the inspection, you must make every attemptto leave the containers and packing materials as they were when you first discovered the shortage or damage.

What is a Claim?:

A claim is a written demand for payment by the owner of the shipment to the carrier for loss or damage occuring during transit. A Vinyl Fence and Deck Wholesaler ships materials F.O.B Origin; therefore, the dealer is responsible for filing a claim with the carrier for shortage or damage.

How to File a Claim:

A claim and its supporting documentation are required to be filed within nine months of delivery, or in cases of non-delivery, within nine months after a reasonable time for delivery has elapsed. Carriers will not pay a claim unless it is filed, in writing, within the allotted nine months period. Remember that concealed shortage or damage must be reported to the carrier within 15 days of delivery or no claim can later be filed.

Determine the dollar amount that accurately represents your shortage or damage. Note that the carrier states that you, as the owner of the goods, has a legal obligation to minimize the amount of a claim whenever possible. The carrier will recommend that you make the efforts to repair, discount, or salvage the damaged goods.

Collect the following documents to support your claim:

• A standard claim form or a letter identifying the shipment and the claim amount
• A copy of your invoice showing the amount paid for the material
• A copy of the packing slip
• A copy of the freight bill
• A copy of the bill of lading

Remember that you must retain all damaged material until the claim is completely resolved. In some cases, the carrier will notify you that they intend to pick up the damaged material. If you are not able to provide the material for the carrier, then the claim is denied.