Ocean freight involves many links and a long supply chain. From the factory to the customer's receipt, it goes through multiple stages such as trucking, customs clearance, port, ocean shipping, destination customs clearance, and delivery. Any issue in any link can lead to disputes.
We have been freight forwarders for 20 years and have handled disputes of all sizes. In summary, 80% of disputes can actually be prevented in advance.
Dispute 1: Cargo Damage – Who is responsible is unclear
When the goods arrive at the port of destination and the customer opens the container, they discover packaging damage, moisture, or even shortages. The problem is that it is difficult to trace which stage the damage occurred in.
How to Prevent It
| Preventive Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Document photos of container loading | Take 3-5 photos at each of the three stages: before loading (empty container), during loading, and after closing the doors at the end of loading. |
| Record the seal number immediately | Record the seal number on the Bill of Lading and customs declaration; verify it upon unpacking. |
| Declare fragile items in advance | Inform the freight forwarder about the nature of the goods, and the forwarder can suggest reinforcement solutions. |
| Purchase marine insurance | This is the last line of defense. It is recommended to insure all risks at 110% of the CIF value. |
Dispute 2: Schedule Delay – Not arriving on time at the port
You confidently tell the customer it will arrive in 15 days, but the ship ends up waiting 5 days at the transshipment port before loading the second-leg vessel.
Most Common Reasons for Delay
| Reason | Probability | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
| Weather (Typhoon/Fog) | 🟡 Moderate | Force Majeure |
| Port Congestion | 🟡 Moderate | Terminal/Shipping Line |
| Shipping line skipping port or rolling cargo | 🟡 Moderate | Shipping Line |
| Awaiting second-leg vessel at transshipment port | 🟢 Common | Shipping Line Scheduling |
| Customs Inspection | 🟢 Common | Random likelihood |
How to Prevent It
Dispute 3: Cost Dispute – The agreed price changes
Quoting a low price and then raising it under various pretexts after shipment. This is the dispute that hurts trust the most.
How to Prevent It
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Request ALL-IN flat rates | Don't just look at sea freight; request that all fees be clearly specified. |
| Obtain written confirmation | All cost confirmations must have email or WeChat chat records. |
| Confirm destination port charges in advance | Ask for specifics on fees like THC and customs clearance costs at the destination port before dispatching the goods. |
| Choose a forwarder with transparent pricing | What truly makes things worry-free is transparent quotes, not cheap initial quotes that get marked up later. |
Dispute 4: Bill of Lading & Document Issues – Unable to collect the cargo
The goods arrive at port but the Bill of Lading hasn't arrived, or the contents of the B/L are incorrect, preventing cargo collection.
How to Prevent It
Dispute 5: Customs Inspection – Unplanned delays and costs
Reasons for inspection: random checks (3%-5%), sensitive product names, incorrect HS Code classification, unusual declared value.
How to Prevent It
Summary: What a Good Freight Forwarder Helps You With
| Stage | Average Freight Forwarder | Professional Freight Forwarder |
|---|---|---|
| Quotation | Quote ocean freight, then add surcharges | Provide All-inclusive prices, locked in as a one-price firm quote |
| Booking | Book any available space, regardless of on-time reliability | Proactively inform you of route risks |
| Loading Container | Reply only when asked by the customer | Remind you in advance about photos, seals, and reinforcement |
| Customs Declaration | Submit documents and wait for results. | Double-check HS Codes with a two-person verification |
| During Ocean Transit | Does not proactively contact | Proactively updates schedule information |
| When Problems Occur | Shifts blame | Provides solutions immediately |
Contact us: 13075678958 | info@zhbfwl.com
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