How to Handle Lost Shipment Claim: A Guide for Courier Service in Southeast Asia
The Operational Context
Courier Service businesses frequently receive calls when a lost shipment claim request. This scenario requires staff to initiate trace with carrier, start lost shipment claim, which is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. In Southeast Asian markets, these calls often occur across multiple languages and may involve mobile-first communication channels like WhatsApp Business.
This SOP addresses a common scenario for Courier Service businesses operating in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei. According to Erzy Inc.'s analysis of SEA SMEs, this type of call occurs regularly throughout the day and requires excellent communication skills and product knowledge to handle effectively.
As of January 2026, Malaysian and Thai courier markets are experiencing consolidation driven by price competition and e-commerce growth, with Flash Express disrupting Thailand's traditional hierarchy while Malaysia maintains fragmented competition among multiple carriers. Phone-based claim handling remains essential infrastructure for SME logistics operations, yet most services operate with reactive rather than proactive call management systems.
The integration of artificial intelligence voice solutions presents emerging opportunities for improving first contact resolution rates and claim processing speed across all four markets. Customer expectations for claim resolution have intensified significantly, with Southeast Asian businesses increasingly demanding same-day trace initiation and transparent phone-based communication throughout the claims lifecycle.
The Malaysian courier and express parcel market, valued at USD 1.68 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 1.78 billion in 2026, operates through a complex ecosystem where phone-based lost shipment claim procedures remain highly variable across carriers. FedEx Malaysia's claim procedures require customers to report losses within twenty-one calendar days of delivery and file supporting documentation within nine months, establishing a defined window that shapes phone call urgency and communication patterns.
Responsible Role: Claims Officer. This call type is typically handled by Claims Officer who must have access to dispatch system, tracking database, driver management platform and knowledge of Transportation & Logistics industry standards, customer service protocols, delivery routes, traffic conditions.
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP-TL-006)
Step 1: Call Reception & Verification
When the call is received, the Claims Officer should:
- Answer promptly with a professional greeting
- Identify the caller's need by listening actively
- Verify any required information (customer ID, order number, etc.)
- Access relevant systems (CRM, inventory, booking system)
Step 2: The Resolution Script (SOP Simulation)
Staff: "Good morning, thank you for calling. This is Claims Officer speaking. How may I help you today?"
Customer: "Hello, I need help with shipment not arrived."
Staff: "Absolutely, I'd be happy to help you with your lost shipment claim. Let me pull up the details right away."
Customer: "Yes, that would be great. Thank you."
Staff: "You're welcome. Is there anything else I can help you with today?"
Localization Notes: Use appropriate greeting based on time of day and customer preference. In Malaysia/Singapore: Mix of Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, or Tamil. In Thailand: Thai primary, English secondary. Reference local services when relevant (Grab, Foodpanda, DuitNow, WhatsApp).
Step 3: Documentation & Next Steps
After resolving the call:
- Log the interaction in CRM or call tracking system
- Document any commitments made to the customer
- Set follow-up reminders if needed
- Update relevant systems (inventory, booking calendar, etc.)
- Escalate if required to manager or specialist
Key Documentation Fields: Caller name and contact information, Nature of inquiry/request, Resolution provided, Follow-up actions required, Date and time of call.
Automating this SOP with Erzy
This specific workflow has a Low automation potential (40% automatable). The primary manual bottleneck in this SOP is manually initiate trace with carrier, start lost shipment claim. This typically requires 6 minutes of staff time per call and can create delays during peak hours.
Erzy's trucktalk.io platform can automatically handle a lost shipment claim request calls. The AI voice system can verify delivery details, check shipment status, and coordinate with drivers in real-time. For logistics businesses in Malaysia and Singapore, this eliminates the need for manual dispatcher intervention for routine inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Related Operations
Within Transportation & Logistics:
Damaged Goods Claim - Customer reports goods arrived damaged
Shipment Booking - Customer needs to ship parcel
Delivery Scheduling - Retail Trade
Delivery Time Complaint - Food & Beverage
Back to Pillar Page:
Ultimate Guide to Transportation & Logistics Phone Operations - View all 30 SOPs for Transportation & Logistics



