Illustrative scenario: not a real case
Example 4: Released rates on a US truck shipment
The scenario
A shipper sends two pallets of networking equipment (800 kg / about 1,764 lb, value US$40,000) by LTL carrier from Chicago to Dallas. The truck is in an accident and the freight is destroyed. We compare two bills of lading: one with no limitation, and one where the carrier's tariff limits liability to a released value of US$1.00 per pound (an illustrative figure; actual tariffs vary).
The numbers
| Scenario | Regime | Limit (SDR) | Limit (USD) | Cargo value | Uninsured gap | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No released rate: actual loss | Carmack Amendment (US domestic truck) | 29,488.52 | 40,000.00 | 40,000.00 | 0.00 | Open prefilled |
| Released rate US$1.00 per lb | Carmack Amendment (US domestic truck) | 1,300.22 | 1,763.70 | 40,000.00 | 38,236.30 | Open prefilled |
SDR rate used: 1 SDR = US$1.35646 (2026-10-16), €1.20542, C$1.92214 (IMF, build 2026-10-16). The calculator links use the latest daily rate, so figures may differ slightly.
Step by step
No released rate: actual loss
Regime: Carmack Amendment (US domestic truck). Regime fixed by the scenario (calculator link pre-selects it).
- No released rate entered: carrier liable for full actual loss (§ 14706(a)(1)), subject to carrier defences.
- Limit = 29,488.52 SDR = US$40,000.00 / C$56,681.07 / €35,546.05
- Cargo value USD 40,000.00 − limit USD 40,000.00 = gap USD 0.00 (100.0% covered)
Released rate US$1.00 per lb
Regime: Carmack Amendment (US domestic truck). Regime fixed by the scenario (calculator link pre-selects it).
- 800 kg = 1,763.70 lb
- Released rate US$1/lb × 1,763.70 lb = US$1,763.70
- Limit = 1,300.22 SDR = US$1,763.70 / C$2,499.21 / €1,567.31
- Cargo value USD 40,000.00 − limit USD 1,763.70 = gap USD 38,236.30 (4.4% covered)
What it means
Without a valid limitation, the carrier is liable for the actual loss (49 U.S.C. § 14706(a)(1)): up to US$40,000, subject to proof and the carrier's limited defences. Under the released rate, the limit is 1,763.70 lb × US$1.00 = US$1,764, and the gap is US$38,236, which is 95.6% of the value.
Deadlines: file a written claim within the period in the bill of lading, which cannot be less than 9 months (§ 14706(e)(1)). If the carrier disallows the claim in writing, you have at least 2 years from that notice to sue.
Takeaways
- Read the bill of lading and tariff before tender; most LTL freight moves on released rates.
- If the goods are worth more than the released value, buy excess value coverage or cargo insurance.
- Keep the written claim within 9 months and make sure it states a specific amount.
Background: Carmack and released rates in US trucking.
Try it with your own shipment
Run the numbers in the free calculator: applicable convention, carrier limit in USD/CAD/EUR, uninsured gap and deadlines.
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Prototype: this form is not connected yet and stores nothing.This is a fictional, simplified scenario for education. Real outcomes depend on the contract, the facts, the court and the evidence. General information only, not legal or insurance advice. Limits depend on the contract, the documents issued, declared values, national law and the facts of each case. Check the primary sources and consult a qualified professional before relying on any figure.