Commandant
2100 Second Street, S.W.
United States Coast Guard
Washington, DC 20593-0001
Staff Symbol: G-SLP
Phone: (202) 267-0640
COMDTINST 4610.6
DEC 01 1998
COMMANDANT INSTRUCTION 4610.6
Subj: U.S. COAST GUARD FREIGHT LOSS AND DAMAGE CLAIM SYSTEM
1.
PURPOSE. This instruction provides current policies, procedures, and requirements for
developing factual evidence to support freight loss and damage claims. Claims are against
commercial carriers for in-transit loss or damage to United States Coast Guard property.
Intended users are Transportation Officers, Traffic Managers, Storekeepers, shipping and
receiving personnel, and others requiring freight transportation services.
2.
ACTION. Area and district commanders, commanders of maintenance and logistics
commands, commanding officers of headquarters units, assistant commandants for
directorates, Chief Counsel, and special staff offices at Headquarters shall ensure compliance.
3.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED. COMDTINST M4610.5, Transportation of Freight, is changed to
reflect new procedures for the processing of freight loss and damage claims.
4.
DISCUSSION.
a.
49 U.S.C. 11706 (rail) and 14706 (motor) provides that a shipper who suffers damage to
property in transportation in interstate commerce shall be compensated for "... the actual
loss, damage, or injury to such property caused by ... the common carrier." The OFA
(Office of Final Action) is responsible for filing claims against the carrier. Chapter 17 of
Transportation of Freight,
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