Introduction
Prevention of Overcharge Claims
ABF's Responsibility
Customer's Responsibility

Overcharge Claims - General Information
What is an overcharge claim
Customer Responsibility

Filing an Overcharge Claims
You Must File a Claim
Forms
Time Limits
Who May File
Who To File Claim With
Documents Required
ABF's Claims Response
Step by Step Guide
Common Questions

Introduction 
ABF® began as early as 1986 to educate and instill in their employees the principles taught by quality expert Philip Crosby. All ABF employees, from the President to the driver, dock and office personnel at terminals and in the general office, have had extensive formal classroom instruction in implementing and maintaining the quality process in their work place. We concentrate individually to "do it right the first time."

ABF is widely recognized for the most accurate billing and rating in motor carrier industry, resulting in an extremely low overcharge claim ratio. Our ultimate goal is Zero Claims and we are constantly striving for that perfection. But we realize that on very rare occasions, errors occur. These are not acceptable to us as a company or as individuals.

The following information is designed to assist you in your contact with us should the need arise in regard to overcharge disputes.  We appreciate your business and will strive to resolve your claim on a timely and fair basis.

Prevention of Overcharge Claims

ABF's Responsibility 
ABF's attitude is zero claims. Our goal is to accurately rate and price a shipment based on current NMFC classification and published rate and discount tariffs.  We strive to correct any errors prior to billing.  When an error is discovered after billing, we correct the bill as well as take appropriate action to eliminate the problem before it causes additional errors.

Customer's Responsibility 
The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC), in item 360 Sec 2(c), instructs the customer in the proper execution of bills of lading to insure the assessment of correct freight charges and avoid infractions of federal and state laws.

Overcharge Claims - General Information

What is an overcharge claim 
A claim is a request in writing for a refund of a specified amount of money from a paid freight bill. An overcharge claim must be filed before any overcharge refund will be considered.

Customer's Responsibility 
Customers should acquaint themselves with the proper noun description, packaging requirements, and carton or pallet dimensions of articles they ship.  In addition to the proper noun description a reference to the NMFC item and sub number would be helpful in properly classifying the article.

Customers should familiarize themselves with their account specific rating, discount or exception pricing published in ABF tariffs and its proper application for their account.

Filing Overcharge Claims

In spite of our efforts to prevent errors, the occasional overcharge will occur.  When it does, we want to assist in resolving the matter as quickly as possible.

You Must File a Claim 
An Overcharge claim must be filed before any overcharge refund will be considered.

Forms 
Please use an ABF Overcharge claim submissions form.

Time Limits 
An overcharge claim must be filed within 180 days of the bill date.

Who May File 
Only the payer of the freight charges can file an Overcharge Claim.

Who To File Claim With 
A successful completion of the ABF Internet Overcharge Claim form will result in a filed Overcharge claim with ABF.  If you wish you may print the form and mail a completed copy to:

ABF Freight System, Inc.
Attn: Overcharge Department
P.O. Box 10048
Fort Smith, AR 72917-0048

Documents Required  
 ABF maintains copies of the original invoice (freight bill), any corrected versions of the original invoice, bills of lading, corrected bills of lading (if any) and delivery receipts.  These documents need not be presented with your claim.  However, if you have other items you feel would support your position, you may either email them as attachments to overcharge@abf.com or fax to ABF Overcharge Department at 479-785-6019.

When your overcharge claim disputes the classification or weight billed, supporting documents should include brochures, catalog pages, or copies of packing slips relating to the shipment. 

ABF's Claims Response 
If the claim is in order and no additional documents are required, a check will be mailed within 8 to 10 days of receipt. If the claim is not in order a written response will be sent to the claimant within the same time frame.  Should you not hear from us, please feel free to contact your local ABF terminal or the General Office, either by written correspondence, phone, or FAX.