Protecting Your Cargo Claims from FFW/NVOCC Negligence

Dealing with damaged cargo during transit can be a frustrating experience for exporters. Unfortunately, some Freight Forwarders (FFW) and Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers (NVOCC) employ deceptive tactics to delay or even sink your claim. In this blog post, we will expose the outrageous trick used by certain FFW/NVOCCs and provide you with a legal hack to avoid falling victim to their tactics. Get ready to protect your cargo claims and ensure fair compensation for your losses.

The Outrageous Trick: Delay Tactics

1. FFW/NVOCC Allegedly Forwards Complaints to the Carrier

When you submit a claim for damaged cargo to the FFW/NVOCC, which issued the House Bill of Lading (HBL) for your shipment, they often “allegedly” forward your complaint to the actual carrier responsible for the transportation. This creates a perception that they are taking action on your behalf.

2. Endless Investigation Delays

After six months or longer, the FFW/NVOCC continues to inform you that the carrier is still investigating your claim. They use this tactic to buy time and prolong the resolution process, hoping that you will eventually give up.

3. Time-Barred Claims

The scenario keeps repeating itself until your claim becomes time barred. By deliberately extending the process, the FFW/NVOCC ensures that you cannot pursue your claim any further, leaving you without proper compensation for your damaged cargo.

The Legal Hack: Settle Claims with FFW/NVOCC First

To avoid falling victim to these delay tactics, here’s a legal hack to protect your cargo claims:

1. Ask FFW/NVOCC to Settle Claims First

When you encounter damaged cargo and need to file a claim, request that the FFW/NVOCC settle your claim first before approaching the carrier. Emphasize that they have a legal obligation to pay out your cargo claim promptly.

2. Secure Settlement from FFW/NVOCC

Once the FFW/NVOCC settles your cargo claim, they assume responsibility for any negligence on their part. This legal hack shifts the burden of liability from the carrier to the FFW/NVOCC, safeguarding your interests and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

3. Spread the Knowledge

Share this legal hack with your fellow exporters and friends in the industry. By raising awareness and empowering others with this knowledge, we can collectively protect ourselves against unscrupulous practices and promote fair treatment in cargo claim resolutions.

Don’t let deceptive delay tactics sink your cargo claim. By understanding the tricks used by some FFW/NVOCCs and employing the legal hack of settling claims with them first, you can ensure that your damaged cargo claims are resolved fairly and efficiently. Spread the word, share this legal hack, and empower exporters to stand up for their rights and recover cargo losses from the liable carriers.