Win Your Banana Claims Against Carriers with These Tips

Bananas thrive in tropical regions worldwide, with a considerable portion of global production designated for domestic consumption. Nevertheless, a notable share is earmarked for international export, with the Cavendish variety emerging as the favored choice. Typically harvested in an unripe, green state, this variety is transported to its destination market as refrigerated cargo, either within containers or on specialized reefer vessels.

Despite being renowned as the most transported and consumed fruit globally, bananas pose a unique challenge as one of the most delicate cargoes when shipped on vessels and oftentimes arrives at destination, damaged.

Establishing liability for the damages frequently diverges from the initial issue, which may stem from the pre-shipment condition or negligence on the part of the shipping line, encompassing factors such as temperature deviations, reefer malfunctions, and extended transit times.

Investigating Every Stage

To successfully address banana claims, a thorough examination is needed at various stages of the export process.  Exporter needs to have documents proving that bananas at origin were in sound condition, harvested, treated, packed, stuffed in container as per best industry practices:

1. Production: Scrutinize the conditions under which the bananas were cultivated, considering factors such as weather conditions and pre-harvest treatments.

2. Pre-shipment transport and storage: Assess the handling and storage practices leading up to shipment, ensuring that the bananas are adequately protected.

3. Cargo worthiness: Evaluate the condition of the containers used for transportation, confirming their suitability for banana shipment.

4. Temperature settings: Examine the temperature controls during transit, a critical factor in preventing issues like Under-Peel Discolouration (UPD).

5. Shipper’s voyage instructions: Verify the adherence to the shipper’s instructions, as documented compliance can serve as a defense against claims.

6. Cargo surveys: Conduct comprehensive surveys to gather evidence of temperature deviation in transit and transit time. Surveyor needs to answer the question how and to what extent these causes contributed to cargo damage.

The Role of Early Notification

Timely reporting of suspected cargo damage is important. Early notification provides carriers with the opportunity to offer proper assistance in handling cargo claims, potentially mitigating the impact and facilitating a more efficient resolution process.

Claim Follow up with Shipping Line

Engaging in proactive communication with the shipping line is essential when pursuing claims related to your bananas. Initiate a thorough follow-up to substantiate your claim, seeking clarification on any rejection and requesting evidence supporting their decision. This not only demonstrates your commitment to resolving the issue but also ensures a transparent and accountable process in addressing any disputes regarding the condition or handling of the shipped bananas.

To summarize, when bananas arrive damaged at the destination, it is quite common to push a blame on the weakest party in the transaction the grower, the exporter. While often times it is shipping lines responsibility: temperature deviation, excessive transit time. Being able to demonstrate with evidence that cargo at origin was loaded in sound condition and was damaged during carrier’s custody helps accelerate positive outcome and recover banana cargo claims.

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.

SUBMIT A CLAIM NOW!