Too many empties require attention before being used again, says Saflink
CLEAN THAT container before returning it to the shipping line, otherwise you, the consignee, may be footing a service bill in this respect.
The warning comes from Saflink, who are concerned at the number of empty containers which are being returned in a condition requiring attention before being used again.
We find that around 80% of containers bringing goods into this country have to be cleaned after unpacking, and many of them come back to us in a state where the shipping line is involved in costs in this respect, says Garth Brewis, container logistics manager for Saflink.
In future the costs are going to have to be borne by the consignee. The bill of lading conditions are clear in this respect. The consignee is responsible for the state of the container after it has been unpacked.
Shipping lines have been bearing the costs, and these are mounting to the extent where action is becoming necessary.
I want to make it clear. This is not a vendetta against consignees or their agents. What we want is to save all parties money, and the way to do it is to have the container cleaned correctly before it is returned.
Brewis points out that clients often clean out containers but have done this in a manner in which there is still considerable substance left in them, necessitating further attention by the shipping line.
The nature of the cargo imported must be taken into consideration, he says. The problem is often related to the contamination of the container. Powders, chemicals and substances like cement are carried regularly. Merely to swill out the container after unpacking isn't sufficient to claim it is clean. It calls for closer attention than that.
Then we get containers returned in a damaged condition. This is particularly noticeable in the case of the open top type, where the tilts are torn and damaged, and roof bows are often missing or broken.
If these items are replaced properly after unpacking, they will come back unscathed. But if they are not fitted properly you can expect them to be damaged.
Safcor has also pointed out in a recent message to its customers that it is the responsibility of the consignee to have containers fully cleaned.
Shipping lines do hold recipients liable for damage to containers in their possession, says Safcor. They reserve the right to recover these costs from the last party to have had possession of the container - the importer.
By Leonard Neill
