When you receive a load and there is a problem, let the shipper know right away about the problem and make a decision within a reasonable timeframe as to whether you are going to accept or reject the load.
According to DRC trading standards, a receiver must advise the shipper in writing that the load is rejected. Within 8 working hours (excludes Sundays and Holidays) after receipt of notice of arrival of the shipment the receiver must apply for inspection and, within 3 hours after receiving a written or oral report of the result of the inspection, advise the shipper in writing that the load is being rejected.
Reasonable time for fresh fruits and vegetables can vary depending on the mode of transportation. According to DRC trading standards, reasonable time means:
Rail shipments: not to exceed 24 hours after notice of arrival and the car has been placed in a location where the produce is made accessible for inspection.
Truck shipments: not to exceed 8 hours after the receiver or a responsible representative is given notice of arrival and the produce is made accessible for inspection.
Boat shipments: not to exceed 24 hours after the receiver or a responsible representative is given notice of arrival and the produce is unloaded and made accessible for inspection.
It is important to note that unloading the truck for any purpose other than making the product accessible for an inspection is deemed acceptance and rejection is no longer an option.
Providing written notice in a reasonable time is critical. All too often a party will do the right thing but fail to recover damages because they failed to notify their trading partner of their intention.
For more information please call or email the DRC Help Desk at:
DRC Help Desk | 613-234-0982 | [email protected]
