ok, just updating this mess.

I have been of course issued a denial letter from the actual shipper R+L (randl).

I've submitted the information requested and sent it back. I called today asking about the status and I was informed that another letter was sent to me. Also the content of the letter was unknown (even from the person handling the claim - but rest assured no check is in there). She was unable to speak with me about the matter because "she did not know who I was."

Talk about a run-around. I'm going to bug them until they get it right or sick my lawyer on them if I have to. They'll deny this probably to the length of term where it is too late to pay out claims based on their own internal stature.

Do not ship ever with R and L freight.