For shipments that have cleared customs and been loaded into containers but are then bumped from the vessel, the core remedial strategy is to prioritize timeliness, followed by cost control, and maintaining complete documentation throughout the process.
Weefreight will provide you with detailed answers below, hoping to be helpful.
I. Emergency Re-routing (Priority Solution, Ensuring Timeliness)
Re-routing with the same shipping company: Immediately contact your freight forwarder and apply for re-routing to the next available vessel of the same shipping company. Prioritize utilizing remaining cargo space. This process is fast and the cost of changing the booking is low, suitable for time-sensitive cargo.
Re-routing with a different shipping company: If the original shipping company has no available space, coordinate with other shipping companies for a vessel on the same route. Although this requires re-booking and re-customs clearance, it minimizes delays. However, you will need to bear the costs of changing the shipping company and amending the manifest.
Changing from direct to transshipment / transshipment to direct: If a direct shipment is bumped, it can be temporarily re-routed to a transshipment vessel, or the transshipment port can be adjusted, sacrificing some timeliness to ensure shipment and avoid cargo backlog.
II. Expedited Operations, Reducing Lead Time
Expedited customs clearance: If re-customs clearance is required, apply for expedited customs review, providing proof of being bumped from the vessel and an explanation of the situation to reduce customs clearance delays.
Expedited container handling at the terminal: Coordinate with the terminal to prioritize container exchange and return, avoiding delays in the re-routing process due to container availability issues.
Expedited manifest & bill of lading modification: Simultaneously urge the shipping company and freight forwarder to modify the manifest and bill of lading information to ensure that the cargo matches the new vessel schedule and avoid abnormal customs clearance upon arrival.
III. Cost and Risk Control
Fee negotiation: Being bumped from a vessel is often due to overbooking by the shipping company or terminal scheduling issues, which are not the responsibility of the cargo owner. You can negotiate with the freight forwarder and shipping company to reduce or waive re-routing fees and manifest fees. Some reputable shipping companies will bear part of the re-routing costs. Avoiding Additional Losses: After rescheduling, promptly notify the consignee and update the shipping schedule to avoid demurrage and storage fees at the destination port; if the goods are perishable or time-sensitive, consider air freight as an alternative.
Insurance Claims: If cargo insurance is purchased, you can apply for compensation from the insurance company for cargo damage and late delivery penalties caused by the container being rolled over, using the container rollover certificate and communication records.
IV. Alternative Contingency Plans
Cargo Splitting and Separate Shipment: For full container load (FCL) shipments that are rolled over, the cargo can be split, with some parts shipped via urgent sea freight and others via air freight, balancing timeliness and cost.
Customs Clearance and Temporary Storage: If the goods are not urgently needed, apply for customs clearance and store the goods in the port of origin’s yard until the next vessel’s schedule is stable. This will incur storage fees and is suitable for goods with low time sensitivity.
Changing the Port of Shipment: If the port of origin continues to experience tight capacity, coordinate to ship from a nearby port (e.g., Shanghai to Ningbo). Although this increases inland transportation costs, it can quickly resolve the container rollover problem.
(Note: The above information regarding timeliness and costs is for reference only. Please refer to the actual situation at the time of shipment for specific details. Thank you!)
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