OS&D (over, short and damaged)
Also: Overage, shortage and damage · Delivery exceptions · Claims
OS&D stands for over, short and damaged: the exceptions a receiver records at delivery when the shipment has more pieces than the paperwork, fewer, or damaged ones; the notation on the proof of delivery starts the claim, and the carrier's liability turns on whether the exception was noted at the time of delivery.
Three words, three problems.
Over. More freight arrived than the bill of lading lists: an extra pallet, a carton that belongs to another order. The receiver notes it, and the shipper decides whether to take it back or invoice it.
Short. Fewer pieces than listed. Whether the shortage happened at loading, in transit or at unloading is the question, and the seal number, the piece count the driver signed for at pickup, and the receiver’s count at delivery are the evidence.
Damaged. Freight arrived but cannot be used. The notation on the POD, photographs at the dock, and whether the carrier’s driver witnessed the inspection decide the claim.
The rule that governs all three is simple and unforgiving: exceptions noted on the proof of delivery at the time of delivery are the carrier’s problem to explain; exceptions discovered later are the receiver’s problem to prove. The claim itself is a package of documents (BOL, POD with the exception, packing list, invoice showing value, photos, repair or salvage estimates) filed with the carrier within the time limit, nine months for most truckload freight under federal rules. Brokers do not carry cargo liability, but they assemble that package for the shipper, and the ones that do it fast keep the customer.
Guides that use this term
Updated September 11, 2026 · All terms