---
title: "Prepare a written notice of cargo loss or damage"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport/draft-a-cargo-claim-notice/united-states"
type: "task_jurisdiction_version"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A37-B7-5-US"
practice_area: "Maritime, Shipping & Transport"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
jurisdictions: ["US"]
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Prepare a written notice of cargo loss or damage

> From the delivery papers, list the date of delivery, whether the loss was apparent, the general nature of the loss as the survey states it, and the carrier and agent named on the bill. Draft no notice.

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport/draft-a-cargo-claim-notice/united-states  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Maritime, Shipping & Transport](https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | From the delivery papers, list the date of delivery, whether the loss was apparent, the general nature of the loss as the survey states it, and the carrier and agent named on the bill. Draft no notice. |
| What the lawyer must review | Under the COGSA note to 46 USC section 30701, unless written notice of loss or damage and its general nature is given to the carrier or agent at the port of discharge before or at removal of the goods, that removal is prima facie evidence of delivery as described in the bill. If the loss is not apparent, the notice must be given within three days of delivery. The notice may be endorsed on the receipt. Failure to give notice does not prejudice the right to sue within one year after delivery or the date the goods should have been delivered. You write and send the notice. The one-year suit time is separate and is not extended by a late notice. Opinion 512 and Model Rule 1.6. |
| Written for | United States |
| Applies to | [Draft a cargo claim notice](https://ailawframework.com/practice/maritime-shipping-and-transport/draft-a-cargo-claim-notice.md) |

## Checking plan

- What the AI does: From the delivery papers, list the date of delivery, whether the loss was apparent, the general nature of the loss as the survey states it, and the carrier and agent named on the bill. Draft no notice.
- Basis: Checked against the linked sources on 22 October 2026. Confirm the current instrument before reliance.

## Notes

- Notice protects against the prima facie delivery point. It is not the suit deadline.
- Confirm the bill is a COGSA bill before you use these dates.

## Sources

- [46 USC section 30701 and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act note](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/46/30701) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [28 USC section 1333 (admiralty, maritime and prize cases)](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/28/1333) (checked 2026-10-22)
- [ABA Formal Opinion 512, Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools (29 July 2024)](https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/professional_responsibility/ethics-opinions/aba-formal-opinion-512.pdf) (checked 2026-10-22)

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*