A simple solution to weight misdeclaration

I refer to the article headlined “Weight mideclaration remains a thorny issue for carriers” (FTW May 29, 2009). This is a universal problem rather than a purely Safmarine phenomenon. Penalising ocean transport users for differentials between the cargo weight declared at the time of booking and on the shipping instruction (for bill of lading purposes) is simply another form of unjust enrichment on the part of ocean carriers. Moreover, it gives rise to considerable resentment and does not deal with the problem in any meaningful way. In fact it simply makes a bad situation worse by encouraging declarations tailored to avoid the penalties. Accepting that it is a real problem for ocean carriers, surely the logical solution is to straddleweigh containers in the terminal. The current generation of straddles is reportedly fitted with weighing devices, enabling the all-up weights (container and contents) to be established. The problem is to get Transnet Port Terminals to activate/use the facility for the benefit of all concerned. Collectively shipping lines should bring the necessary pressure to bear to accomplish this relatively simple solution. Anonymous