---
title: Why can't I file my claim yet?
description: Learn why you need to wait until your shipment is Completed to file a freight claim, what happens while you wait, and how you’ll know when you can submit.
---

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# Why can't I file my claim yet?

**Why can't I submit a claim yet?**

We ask you to wait until a shipment's status is **Completed** before you submit a freight claim on it. This isn't a delay for its own sake — it means the paperwork, inspection, or search your claim depends on is finished, so it goes in with everything the carrier needs to review it the first time.

**Why do we wait until the shipment is Completed?**

There are a few reasons, depending on your claim:

- **The carrier's paperwork isn't final until the shipment is Completed.** This includes the proof of delivery, which needs to be marked with the claimed damage once the shipment is Completed. Filing after this point gives your claim the best chance of success.
- **If your shipment is rejected, we wait for the freight to be returned and inspected.** Filing after the final inspection means your claim has the most accurate, up-to-date details, and it helps avoid amendments that can slow the claim down with the carrier or insurer.
- **We work with the carrier to search for lost freight.** Once it's confirmed, you can file your claim with confirmed details instead of an early guess.

**What happens while I wait?**

You don't need to do anything while you wait. If a shipment shows a shortage, we ask you for a few more details about the freight and search for it with the carrier, including checking terminals along its route. If it isn't located within 5 days, we confirm it as lost and move the shipment to Completed, so you can file. We keep the shipment's status updated the whole time, so you always know where things stand from your dashboard.

**When can I file my claim?**

You can file your claim as soon as the shipment moves to **Completed** status. When that happens:

- The user who booked the shipment gets an email letting them know the shipment is Completed.
- The shipment's status changes to **Completed** on your dashboard.

Once you see either of these, you're clear to file.

#### **A few more questions**

**What if I try to submit before the shipment is Completed?** The claim form will let you know the shipment isn't ready yet. Nothing is lost by waiting — you can submit as soon as it reaches Completed status.

**Does waiting make my overall claim slower?** Usually the opposite. Filing with complete, final information helps avoid amendments, which are one of the most common things that stretch out a claim's timeline.

Related: [How to file a claim](https://help.mothership.com/how-to-file-a-claim?hsLang=en), [What does the "shipment status" mean?](https://help.mothership.com/what-does-the-shipment-status-mean?hsLang=en)

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