Freight Damage Inspection Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: June 12, 2026
This Freight Damage Inspection Policy governs the inspection, acceptance, reporting, and handling of freight shipments delivered by or on behalf of Gear Haven Auto Parts LLC ("Gear Haven," "Company," "we," "our," or "us").
This policy applies to all shipments, including used engines, used transmissions, and related automotive components delivered through freight carriers, logistics providers, terminals, repair facilities, commercial locations, or residential addresses.
1. Customer Inspection Requirement
Customers are required to inspect all shipments immediately upon delivery and before signing any delivery receipt, freight receipt, proof of delivery, or Bill of Lading (BOL).
The inspection requirement applies to:
- Residential Deliveries
- Commercial Deliveries
- Repair Shop Deliveries
- Freight Terminal Pickups
- Third-Party Receiving Locations
2. Items That Must Be Inspected
Before accepting delivery, Customers should inspect:
- Crates and pallets
- Packaging materials
- Visible product condition
- Broken or missing components
- Signs of impact damage
- Fluid leaks
- Bent, cracked, or damaged parts
- Shipment accuracy
If visible damage exists, do not assume it occurred before shipment. Proper documentation is required.
3. Visible Freight Damage
If visible damage is discovered during delivery, Customers must:
- Photograph the damage immediately
- Photograph the packaging and pallet
- Photograph all shipping labels
- Document the damage on the Bill of Lading
- Notify Gear Haven within forty-eight (48) hours
The delivery driver should be informed of the damage before the shipment is accepted.
4. Required Bill of Lading Notation
If damage is visible, Customers must clearly note the damage on the Bill of Lading (BOL) before signing.
Examples include:
- "Crate damaged upon delivery"
- "Visible impact damage observed"
- "Fluid leakage noted"
- "Shipment received with damage"
A clean signature without damage notation may significantly affect the ability to pursue freight damage claims.
5. Concealed Damage
Concealed damage refers to damage that is not reasonably visible during delivery but is discovered after unpacking.
If concealed damage is discovered:
- Stop handling the product
- Take photographs immediately
- Retain all packaging materials
- Retain pallets and crates
- Notify Gear Haven within forty-eight (48) hours
Failure to preserve packaging materials may impact claim investigations.
6. Notification Procedure
All freight damage reports must be submitted to:
support@gearhavenautoparts.com
Customers should provide:
- Order number
- Customer name
- Delivery address
- Photographs of damage
- Photographs of packaging
- Copy of delivery receipt if available
- Description of the damage
7. Failure to Report Damage
Failure to report freight damage within forty-eight (48) hours may result in:
- Claim denial
- Reduced claim eligibility
- Inability to recover damages from carriers
Timely reporting is essential because freight carriers often impose strict reporting deadlines.
8. Refusal of Shipment
Customers should not refuse shipments without first contacting Gear Haven Auto Parts LLC unless the shipment is clearly and substantially damaged.
Unauthorized refusal of shipment may result in:
- Additional freight charges
- Storage fees
- Return freight costs
- Restocking fees
Customers should contact Gear Haven for instructions whenever possible before refusing a shipment.
9. Freight Terminal Pickups
Customers picking up shipments from a freight terminal are responsible for inspecting the shipment before leaving the terminal.
Any visible damage should be documented immediately with terminal personnel and reported to Gear Haven.
Claims reported after the shipment leaves the terminal may be more difficult to investigate and process.
10. Repair Shop Deliveries
If shipment is delivered directly to a repair facility, mechanic, installer, or automotive shop, the receiving party is considered the Customer's authorized representative for inspection purposes.
Inspection responsibilities remain applicable regardless of who accepts delivery.
11. Carrier Independence
Freight carriers, transportation providers, logistics companies, and delivery contractors are independent third parties.
Gear Haven Auto Parts LLC does not control:
- Carrier operations
- Loading procedures
- Transportation methods
- Delivery practices
- Carrier scheduling
Carrier actions may affect shipment condition and delivery timing.
12. Investigation Rights
Gear Haven reserves the right to investigate all freight damage claims.
Customers may be asked to provide:
- Additional photographs
- Videos
- Inspection reports
- Carrier documentation
- Packaging materials
- Product access for inspection
13. Fraud Prevention
Gear Haven reserves the right to deny claims where:
- Fraud is suspected
- Evidence is insufficient
- Damage cannot be verified
- Required documentation is not provided
- Policy requirements are not followed
14. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Gear Haven Auto Parts LLC shall not be liable for:
- Labor expenses
- Towing costs
- Rental vehicle costs
- Storage charges
- Loss of use
- Lost profits
- Business interruption losses
- Indirect damages
- Incidental damages
- Consequential damages
The Company's maximum liability shall not exceed the amount paid for the affected product.
15. Related Policies
This Freight Damage Inspection Policy should be read together with:
- Terms & Conditions
- Shipping Policy
- Return & Refund Policy
- Warranty Policy
- Fitment Verification Policy
- Core Charge Policy
16. Contact Information
Gear Haven Auto Parts LLC
848 Brickell Avenue
Suite PH5-K15
Miami, FL 33131, United States.
Customer Support:
support@gearhavenautoparts.com
Returns:
returns@gearhavenautoparts.com
Warranty Claims:
warranty@gearhavenautoparts.com
By accepting delivery of any shipment from Gear Haven Auto Parts LLC, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Freight Damage Inspection Policy.
