Static field route #607

What do I do when equipment arrives damaged on the truck?

QA/QC, Punchlist, Documentation & TurnoverQA/QC starter — verify before calling it complete

Do not sign a clean delivery receipt for visibly damaged equipment. Stop, photograph the damage before it leaves the truck or pallet, tell the foreman, and note the damage on the delivery paperwork as directed.

Open in Field Rescue Open category

Field checklist

Keep the equipment and packaging in the as-found condition.
Take wide photos of the truck/pallet and close photos of the dent, broken crate, wet packaging, missing parts, or label.
Call/text the foreman before signing anything.
If directed to sign, note the visible damage on the receipt/BOL before signing.
Hold the equipment from install until the foreman/PM decides the next move.

Ask foreman

This equipment arrived damaged at ____. Do you want me to note it on the delivery ticket and hold the unit before anyone signs?

Do not

Do not sign a clean receipt, unwrap/install the equipment, or let the delivery leave before the foreman knows about visible damage.

Why it matters

A clean signature can make damage claims harder and can shift the argument onto the crew instead of the delivery condition.

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