# Investigation procedure

*Last updated: 2026-06-18*

> Freight forwarders, shipping lines, and airlines open an investigation procedure when a shipment has not arrived at its destination after a defined waiting period or its whereabouts remain unclear.

Freight forwarders, shipping lines, and airlines open an investigation procedure when a shipment has not arrived at its destination after a defined waiting period or its whereabouts remain unclear. The process involves systematic inquiries with every link in the transport chain – carriers, cargo terminals, customs authorities – combined with a review of tracking data, bills of lading, and air waybills. It is a legally documentable process: a complete paper trail is a prerequisite for asserting liability claims against carriers and initiating an insurance settlement. Not to be confused with the customs transit search procedure, which is ordered by authorities – an investigation procedure is a private-law initiative taken by the parties involved in the shipment.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigation)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Investigation procedure |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 116 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-18 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Investigation |

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