Importers urged to keep forwarders notified

YOUR FORWARDING agent could have a problem unless he is listed as a “notify” party on the bill of lading for a shipment he is due to handle. The problem is that shipping lines will only advise consignees and these “notify” parties of the pending arrival of cargo - especially if the carrier (like P&O Nedlloyd) now only issues electronic notifications. The forwarder is not copied in unless the company is reflected on the bill of lading as being a notify party - and this only happens if the importer issues such an instruction to the cargo supplier. It’s up to importers to ensure that all arrival notifications received are sent promptly to their forwarders.