When your freight arrives damaged or goes missing, the claims process determines whether you recover your losses or absorb them. However, most shippers do not consider claims handling capability when assessing their LTL carriers. This is because they only care about costs, delivery time, and service area.

However, this oversight can be costly. LTL freight travels through complicated hub and spoke networks whereby the freight is consolidated, shifted,  and then consolidated again before it reaches its final destination. During these transfers, handling increases the risk of freight damage.

CorePiper’s 2026 State of Freight Claims Report found that incomplete or missing documentation drives 35-40% of all claim denials, with freight claims collectively costing U.S. shippers more than $50 billion a year. Before signing with a carrier, it’s worth asking how they handle the paperwork side of a claim, not just the quote – exactly the kind of due diligence igtfreight.com encourages shippers to do upfront.

What Makes LTL Freight Different

Full truckload involves a single load/unload cycle, while LTL freight passes through multiple handling points. Your cargo is transferred to different terminals where it gets organized and sorted along with other parcels that go in the same direction.

The Hidden Cost of Frequent Handling

The benefit of LTL freight is clear. You don’t pay for capacity you don’t need. But your freight may be handled up to five times more than in a full truckload shipment. More handling means more damage opportunities, more documentation touchpoints, and more claim complexity. This is where claims data becomes essential.

Carriers with high claims denial rates often have underlying issues. They may not train staff properly on documentation requirements. They may lack systems to track freight through each touchpoint. CorePiper’s report confirms that incomplete documentation drives more than a third of all claim denials.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

When evaluating LTL freight carriers, ask these questions:

  • What is your average claim processing time?
  • What percentage of claims are denied and why?
  • What documentation do you require when filing?
  • How do you handle concealed damage discovered after delivery?

The results will show you how much friction there will be when problems arise. It is easier to deal with a carrier with a smooth claims process.

Making Smarter Carrier Decisions

LTL freight remains one of the most cost-effective ways to ship smaller loads. The savings can be significant. But those savings diminish when damaged freight goes uncompensated. Vet carriers on claims performance, not just rates. Ask hard questions about documentation and claim procedures. 

Carriers that answer clearly are worth partnering with. Those that deflect signal how they’ll treat you when a claim is needed. A good LTL freight provider protects your freight as much as they move it. Claims data helps separate providers who truly deliver that protection from those who just promise it.