Why more Temperature Claims are going cold.
When that container of Chilean cherries arrives in Hong Kong showing pulp temperatures of 12°C instead of the required 2-4°C, most exporters face a harsh reality. Let's dive into what really happens behind the scenes of temperature claims, and why the system is stacked against you.
The 72-Hour Window That Makes or Breaks Claims
What many don't realize is that the first 72 hours after discovering damage are crucial. Here's why:
Survey reports must be arranged immediately
Photographic evidence needs specific documentation protocols
Temperature records from multiple parties must be gathered
Your insurance policy likely has strict notification requirements
But here's what actually happens in most cases: Teams scramble to contact multiple parties while watching their product deteriorate further. The shipping line might take 48 hours just to respond to your data request. By then, crucial evidence is already lost.
The Data Gap That Kills Claims
Here's an insider secret: Most rejected claims fail not because damage didn't occur, but because of gaps in the evidence chain. Common scenarios include:
Missing transfer point temperatures
No proof of container pre-cooling
Incomplete pulp temperature readings
Lack of continuous monitoring during critical phases
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Beyond the obvious product loss:
Surveyors cost $800-1,500 per inspection
Legal consultation averages $5,000 per complex claim
Team members spend 15-20 hours per claim gathering evidence
Relationship damage with buyers often exceeds the claim value
Where AI Is Actually Making a Difference
Forget the hype about AI - here's where it's genuinely changing the game:
Predictive alerts identify potential claims before product quality suffers
Automated evidence collection captures every temperature spike with timestamp and location
Pattern recognition helps identify problematic routes or handlers
Digital documentation meets specific insurance requirements automatically
What You Can Do Right Now
Document your pre-cooling procedures meticulously
Maintain detailed handover records at every transfer point
Invest in continuous monitoring rather than spot checks
Build relationships with surveyors before you need them
Understand your insurance policy's specific evidence requirements
The Future of Claims
The industry is shifting. Insurance companies are starting to prefer automated, continuous monitoring over traditional documentation. Why? Because it removes the human element from evidence collection and provides an unbroken chain of custody for temperature data.
