OS&D (Over, Short, & Damaged)

OS&D is how carriers, shippers, and receivers categorize freight discrepancies discovered at delivery. Carriers are liable for the depreciated value of damaged or lost goods under Carmack Amendment rules, with limited defenses (acts of God, public enemy, inherent vice, shipper's act, public authority).

Best practice: receivers must note OS&D on the BOL/POD at the time of delivery — claims filed days later are much harder to enforce. Carriers should photograph the freight at pickup and delivery and route every claim through a single claims coordinator with a 9-month statute-of-limitation clock.

Claims ratios above 0.5% of revenue raise insurance premiums materially.