Supply Management

Nonmail Freight Shipment Refusals and Damage

Handbook AS-701, Material Management, states that trained “designated receiving personnel” are required to not refuse delivery of a freight shipment if it has arrived at the correct consignee address. For complete guidance, please reference sections 243.1, General Responsibilities, and 244.5, Basic Validation and Processing Procedures. Compliance with this procedure is required without excep­tion. Any destination that does not comply will not only pay the inbound freight charge, but also a reshipment charge to the facility’s finance number.

Even if damaged, the shipment must be accepted and held for claims processing. Handbook AS-701 includes comprehensive guidance for documenting, reporting, and remedying damaged or discrepant freight shipments, as outlined in section 244.92. Within this section, receiving a shipment that is short or has visible damage is discussed in 244.921. Describing damage or loss on a receiving document is covered within 244.922. When possible, photographs of a damaged shipment should be taken and used to support a claim, as recommended in 244.923.

— Supplies Material Management,
Supply Management, 3-13-08