Trade and Service Issues Bulletin 02/09

CONTAINER DEMURRAGE PROFIT

 

Did you hear the one about ...

 

... the international freight forwarder who:

  1. Was at the end of a chain of forwarders with free hand cargo in an FAK container;
  1. Demanded container release agreements be signed before delivery orders were exchanged for Express Bills;
  1. Raised invoices on the company who exchanged the Express Bills for the delivery orders for more than 400% of the international freight forwarder's liability to the shipping company;  and
  1. Sued the company who exchanged Express Bills for the delivery orders, for the amount of the international forwarder's demurrage invoices, plus interest, plus costs.

Our suggestion:

 

Contact us if your staff or your runner or your interstate agent sign a container release or similar agreement to pay container demurrage charges to an international freight forwarder, whether or not you have been sued.

 

It is important to address this style of situation immediately to protect your immediate and future commercial interests.

 

Merely paying these invoices may prejudice your future rights and cause you significant expense.

 

We will be pleased to discuss your options if you find yourself in this situation.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions?

 

 

With best regards,

 

John Law

Solicitor and Director; Licensed Customs Broker

 

The Down Under Trade Group, for Justice, Trade & Customs

 

"Our Industry Experience, makes the difference"

 

Phone:

(02) 9873 1447 (International: 61 2 9873 1447)

Fax:

(02) 9873 1264 (International: 61 2 9873 1264)

Mobile:

0414 409 098 (International: 61 414 409 098)

Web:

 

 

Down Under Trade Consultants Pty Ltd
Down Under Legal Services Pty Ltd trading as Down Under Legal and Bennelong Legal
John V. Law & Co - Consultants for Customs House, International Trade & Government Initiatives & Solutions
mediating LATERAL Solutions - Dispute Resolution without Litigation
 

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