Regardless of the mode of transport chosen (road, railway, sea, river or air), goods are exposed to multiple risks, including deterioration, missing items or loss of weight, as a result.
If the recipient of the goods wishes to submit a complaint, they are not obliged to prove that the carrier is at fault: the latter is automatically presumed to be responsible if it is clear that loss or damage has occurred during transport. There are, however, cases where carriers are exempt from liability, in both domestic and international transport. In addition, their liability is limited: except in the case of gross or inexcusable negligence, they are entitled to reimburse only a proportion of the actual value of the damaged goods.
The various risks that could affect the goods are:
- specific damage;
- general damage;
- war and similar risks.