How do LTL carriers find lost freight?

Understanding the Dock Search: What Happens When Freight is Missing?

If you discover a complete or partial shortage on your delivery, the carrier immediately initiates a dock search. This specialized recovery process is managed by the OS&D (Overages, Shortages, and Damages) department at the destination terminal.

The OS&D Search Process

To locate missing freight, an OS&D specialist follows a standardized protocol:

1. Terminal Inventory: They contact every terminal that handled the shipment during transit.
2. Network-Wide "BOLO": If the cargo isn't found locally, the carrier issues a "BOLO" (Be On the Lookout) alert to every terminal in their national network.
3. Targeted Outreach: Specialists focus on the hubs where the freight was most likely to have been misdirected.

How to Help Carriers Find Your Cargo

The more detail you provide, the faster the recovery. High-quality shipment photos, clear cargo descriptions, and visible company logos or markings are the most effective tools for an OS&D specialist during a search.

Timeline & Next Steps

• Standard Recovery: Carriers typically locate missing freight within 7–10 business days.
• Escalation: If the shipment is not recovered after two full rounds of network contact and BOLOs, the search is deemed exhausted. At this point, it is time to formally file a freight claim.