Material Shortage & Freight Damage Policies

Effective date: January 2026

Material Shortage Policy

HMF Express takes care to ensure every shipment is complete and accurate. In the event that you receive a shipment with missing items:

  1. Inspect immediately upon delivery. Count all pieces against your packing list before the carrier leaves.
  2. Report within 5 business days. Material shortages must be reported to your HMF Express regional sales representative within five (5) business days of the delivery date.
  3. Provide documentation. Include your order number, the item(s) missing, and the quantity short. A copy of the signed delivery receipt is required.
  4. Resolution. Confirmed shortages will be shipped as a replacement order at no additional charge. Replacement lead times are subject to current production schedules.

Claims submitted after five (5) business days may not be eligible for replacement without charge. HMF Express reserves the right to investigate all shortage claims before issuing replacement product.

Freight Damage Policy

Title to goods passes to the buyer upon delivery to the carrier. However, HMF Express will assist in resolving freight damage claims where possible.

  1. Inspect before signing. Inspect all packages and product for visible damage before signing the delivery receipt. Note any visible damage on the delivery receipt in the presence of the driver.
  2. Photograph the damage. Take photographs of the packaging and the damaged product before removing any items from the shipment. Retain all original packaging materials until the claim is resolved.
  3. Report within 48 hours. Report freight damage to your HMF Express regional sales representative within forty-eight (48) hours of delivery. Late reports may limit your ability to file a claim with the carrier.
  4. File a carrier claim. Freight damage claims must be filed with the delivering carrier. HMF Express will provide the original Bill of Lading and other shipping documentation to support your claim.

Concealed Damage

If damage is discovered after unpacking (concealed damage), report it immediately to the carrier and to your HMF Express representative. The carrier must be notified within fifteen (15) days of delivery for concealed damage claims to be considered. Retain all packaging.

Contact

To report a shortage or freight damage, contact your regional HMF Express sales representative immediately. You can also reach us through our Contact Us page.