The Dangers of Cargo Contamination in Transit
Can Ocean Carrier Charge Demurrage Fees to Shippers Indefinitely?
June 16, 2023
Who is Responsible for Damaged Cargo in a Warehouse?
June 16, 2023
Cargo contamination is a serious problem that can have a significant impact on businesses and consumers. When cargo is contaminated, it can become unsafe or unfit for its intended purpose, authorities can forbid contaminated cargo to enter the country and exorbitant local charges such as demurrage can be generated. There are a number of ways that cargo can become contaminated. Some common causes include:
- Odor contamination from the previous cargo loaded in the same container.
- Vermints, weevil contamination from previous cargo loaded in container or contaminated vessel holds.
- Liquid contamination from the leaking cargo loading adjacent to your container.
If you believe that your cargo has been contaminated, it is important to take action immediately. You should contact the carrier or shipper of the cargo and file a claim. You should also take steps to protect yourself and your customers from the contaminated cargo.
How to recover a Cargo Contamination Claim
The process of filing a cargo contamination claim can vary depending on the carrier or shipper. However, there are some general steps that you can follow:
- Put on notice carrier: The first step is to contact the carrier and invite to attend a joint survey. Involve special lab to issue report supporting the fact that cargo was contaminated in transit.
- Provide documentation: This includes fumigation certificate issued at origin, loading reports, photographs, and contamination evidence.
- Describe the contamination: You will need to describe the contamination in detail.
- Salvage sell or destroy cargo and submit the priced claim for recovery: remember to follow up with the carrier regularly.
Contamination claims are difficult to prove, due to lack of the damage evidence preserved by the importer. Above steps will help you collect organize claim documentation better and recover your claim faster from the liable carrier.
Recoupex is a hub of transport lawyers – experts in cargo claims. We assess your case quickly. We have successfully recovered claims from Maersk, Sealand, Hapag-Lloyd, Mediterranean Shipping Company – MSC, CMA CGM, and other carriers.
