Welcome to our new readers and hello to our old! Below please find summaries of articles of interest published to www.Forwarderlaw.com during October 2011:

The Pennsylvania Rule: Violation of a Safety Regulation creates Presumption of Fault

It stands to reason that if a vessel operates in violation of a safety regulation, and an accident results from that violation, then those harmed by the accident have a pretty easy case establishing the vessel operator’s civil liability. But what if it’s not so clear whether disregard of a law actually caused the mishap? US Editor Steve Block contributes this review of the Pennsylvania Rule from his Legal Lookout:
http://www.forwarderlaw.com/library/view.php?article_id=788

Alarm over Exploding Reefers

At least 900 refrigerated containers ('reefers') have been identified and quarantined at locations around the world after a series of mysterious explosions, thought to be caused by contaminated or improper coolant introduced into the units during maintenance in Vietnam earlier in 2011. Carrier Transicold, the world’s biggest reefer container machinery manufacturer, sent an urgent safety bulletin to service centres: customers are advised to quarantine any units that were serviced in Vietnam in 2011 and not to attempt top service such units as serious injury or death could result from apparently spontaneous combustion.
http://www.forwarderlaw.com/library/view.php?article_id=791

Qantas Grounded, Flies Again

After a weekend lockout that stranded passengers and cargo, Qantas has been ordered back to work by Fair Work Australia, the national industrial relations tribunal. Full service is expected to resume by Tuesday, November 1st 2011. The stoppage was the result of a management lockout, and accordingly shippers and forwarders of Air Cargo delayed by the Qantas action may wish to consider Art 19 of the Montreal Convention and consult counsel, according to General Editor Gavin Magrath:
http://www.forwarderlaw.com/library/view.php?article_id=790

FIATA World Congress Cairo 2011

The 2011 FIATA World Congress concluded today in Cairo, with compliments to the organizers from all quarters. In spite of the 25 January revolution and subsequent events, well over 400 delegates from all over the world attended the full program of events. The 2012 Congress will be held in Los Angeles, USA.
http://www.forwarderlaw.com/library/view.php?article_id=789

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