Freight News, Sea

Global Shippers’ Alliance publishes Bill of Cargo Rights

[ October 11, 2022   //   Chris Lewis ]

The Global Shippers’ Alliance has published a Bill of Cargo Rights calling for minimum service levels for major container routes.

The manifesto says that contract terms should be fair and balanced between carrier and shipper and be respected by both parties.

It also says that sharing data on forecasts of carrier’s capacity and shipper’s demand in a transparent way should be implemented.

Any deviation in service calls should be accurately and swiftly reported to the shipper.

It also says that the consequences to carriers of no shows by shipper and consequences to shipper of roll-overs by carriers, beyond agreed tolerances, should be considered and proportionately compensated.

Carrier surcharges should be limited to unforeseeable temporary external events beyond carriers’ control. Duplication of surcharge billing by carriers, that is charging to shippers costs either already included in rates or also invoiced to third parties, should be prohibited.

Detention and demurrage should be appropriately evidenced by carrier and, in particular, should not be applied when sailing out of schedule.

The quality of empty containers delivered by carriers should meet standards and shippers’ requirements.

Trustable carbon footprint information and digital documentation should be provided as far as possible by carriers.

Tags: Sea