Cargo Arrived at Port? What Can Go Wrong!
Published on May 11, 2025
Title: Never Ignore Your Cargo After It Arrives at Port! Or You Could Lose Everything
The most common mistake foreign trade professionals make: shipping the goods and then doing nothing, ignoring cargo pickup at the destination port. This is a minefield! Do not step on it!
Once the container free period expires, you will be charged hundreds of dollars per day in demurrage and port storage fees.
Some say “I shipped FOB, so destination charges should be the buyer’s responsibility” — think again!
You are the shipper on the bill of lading. If the customer delays or goes silent, the shipping line will turn around and come after you for payment, and storage fees will snowball!
What’s even harsher is that the new Maritime Code that took effect on May 1 this year explicitly states: when no one claims cargo at the destination port, all fees and risks are borne directly by the shipper!
If the cargo exceeds the allowed time limit, Customs may even auction off your goods directly!
So the moment your cargo arrives at port, immediately urge your customer to pick it up, or find a reliable freight forwarder to keep an eye on it. Do not wait until the shipping line’s bill arrives — by then it will be too late to cry!
Follow me — I’m Lao Tao from international logistics, helping you avoid the pitfalls of foreign trade logistics!
In-Depth Analysis
This article provides a deeper analysis based on the video content.
Title: Never Ignore Your Cargo After It Arrives at Port! Or You Could Lose Everything
The most common mistake foreign trade professionals make: shipping the goods and then doing nothing, ignoring cargo pickup at the destination port. This is a minefield! Do not step on it!
Once the container free period expires, you will be charged hundreds of dollars per day in demurrage and port storage fees.
Some say “I shipped FOB, so destination charges should be the buyer’s responsibility” — think again!
You are the shipper on the bill of lading. If the customer delays or goes silent, the shipping line will turn around and come after you for payment, and storage fees will snowball!
What’s even harsher is that the new Maritime Code that took effect on May 1 this year explicitly states: when no one claims cargo at the destination port, all fees and risks are borne directly by the shipper!
If the cargo exceeds the allowed time limit, Customs may even auction off your goods directly!
So the moment your cargo arrives at port, immediately urge your customer to pick it up, or find a reliable freight forwarder to keep an eye on it. Do not wait until the shipping line’s bill arrives — by then it will be too late to cry!
Follow me — I’m Lao Tao from international logistics, helping you avoid the pitfalls of foreign trade logistics!
Summary
The above is a detailed introduction on why you must never ignore cargo after it arrives at port. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Votrich International Freight for consultation.