This must be reported immediately. If the consignee has signed for the shipment indicating there was no damage noted at the time of receipt, the consignee would then have to take up their claim with the freight carrier if concealed damage becomes apparent after receipt. Many people order products in advance of need and wait until it is installed to finally check the product’s condition (sometimes weeks or even months have passed); in these situations, it is the consignee's sole responsibility to contact the freight carrier and pursue a claim.