A claim is a written request for payment by the owner of a shipment to the carrier for loss or damage occurring during transit.

A claim is filed by the owner of the lost or damaged shipment as identified in the terms of sale. Terms of sale are normally determined by who owns the goods in transit. When the terms of sale are FOB (Free on Board) destination, the shipper owns the goods until the consignee receives them. When terms of sale are FOB origin, the consignee owns the goods once the carrier makes the pick-up.