Shipping line warns of R1000 penalty for ‘dirty’ containers

ALTHOUGH IT is still a major point of contention between importers and shipping lines, importers must remember they are still liable for the cleaning of containers before their return to the lines. One of the conditions of carriage of containerised cargo is the obligation of consignees to return containers to shipping lines empty of all packaging and dunnage materials, a leading freight forwarder told FTW, with nails and lashings removed and in clean condition. “The failure by South African importers to comply with these requirements has been chronic for many years,” he added, “to the point where, some years ago, virtually all carriers introduced container cleaning charges in their tariffs.” But, while members of the freight industry objected to shipping lines often imposing a “cleaning fee” regardless of whether containers were dirty or clean, the lines themselves counter that this problem is getting worse. They point to an increase in the number of containers being returned with used packing materials, debris and other refuse in them. The lines consider this such a problem that the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), for example, has now warned that the consignees of any containers that are returned in such a state will in future be charged R1 000 per container to cover lifts, labour and garbage disposal costs necessary to bring containers back into serviceable condition, the forwarder said. “The line has also warned that where containers are returned contaminated with unknown powders, liquids or similar substances these containers will be sealed and returned to importers at their expense for cleaning.”