The risk of abandoned containers overseas
Bifa, the trade association for UK freight forwarding and logistics companies, is warning its members about the cost of containers abandoned overseas for which they may be liable.
The association says that often its member company has closed the file with the goods shipped and the carriage paid, and is then surprised to receive a demand for storage and quay charges from the shipping line.
Often, says Bifa, the member states that it is "only an agent”, or that its name "is not on the bill of lading”. Another issue highlighted by the trade body is where goods are sitting overseas and neither the shipper nor the consignee can be contacted, and the forwarder cannot simply abandon the cargo.
Bifa's advice is that if its members have any concerns regarding the standing of their customer, they implement office procedures to close files or keep a log of when goods have been discharged overseas. (kd)