Shipping Containers

[A1]

Hi Guys
Need some advice.

Monday we recieved a container, we open the doors and some of the packaging slightly wet, the ones at the top of the container. As we unload the more wet the stock, again mainly from the top. We import beds so open one of them up and slats have got mould on them etc. We therefore stop unloading and contact the supplier and under his instructions refuse the container as there seems to be major problem. Now the shipping liner has since inspected and claim there are no leaks but reason its wet is because of condensation. They inspected the outer area of the container and opened the doors and thats it. They did not check internally. They are ofcourse denying any liability.

Now when i mean wet, some of the boxes looked like the been in a shower. Now for the life of me i cant believe that condensation can do this, we have photo evidence.

Anyone experienced anything similair? any advice?

[Davel]

Containers can sweat but it could depend on how long the beds were in the container for and where they were shipped from.

Presumably you have taken photographs etc and instructed your insurers about this.

Were the beds inspected as they were loaded?

I don't know the value of the cargo nor the likely demeurage costs but did you buy on a delivered price into your works/warehouse?

If you did, then it's the supplier's problem.

They may ask you to take the beds off the container and place them in a bonded area for inspection/ assessment to reduce ongoing costs but that is of course up to you.

Is this a first order on an ongoing arrangement?

[A1]

This is 10th container from them, previously have been perfect no problem.

Delivery has been paid to felixstowe, we then transported it form there to our warehouse. He also has photos of loading and looks perfect.

[Davel]

So you opened the container at Felixstowe and spotted the damage?

Still the supplier's responsibility, if they sold the beds to you and ownership transferred on arrival at the port.

It should be up to them to argue with the shipping line.

If you didn't open the container at Felixstowe and paid for onward delivery to your site, it is still most likely that the damage happened at sea.

If you do unload the container, have a good look for leaks or damage to the container.

It's easier to spot from inside!

Edited by Davel on Thursday 2nd April 21:57

[A1]

Hi
We inspected the items when unloading so it was done at our warehouse.

Now we have inspection report from shipping liner who ONLY inspected the outside and from that they believe its condensation. They did open the door to have a quick look inside but did not remove anything.

Resolving the issue with supplier

Thanks for the replies

[lenientism]

To avoid container sweats there will need layer such as 5 mm plywood or anything similar to avoid direct contact between goods shipped to the wall of container, it helps absorbing heat and conditioning temperature inside of the container.

Secondly, try to leave some space on the top of container empty, this will help circulating air inside of container in order not to give disadvantage damaging the goods.

This might decrease capacity of the container, try as much as possible experiment to calibrate the optimum loads while the best compromise to keep the goods safe during the transport is properly addressed, perhaps...

[thisislife]

This has happened to me before. We used to import teak from Indonesia had many containers that were fine but received one where a lot of the stock was wet/damp.

We concluded that it was condensation from where the container had been sweating. As someone else mentioned on the forum, the supplier should really lay the container floor with ply wood to help reduce condensation. The supplier should also hang up the bags that dehumidify the container. One of our suppliers also used to line the sides of the container in corrugated card. Must of taken them ages but it did help protect the stock.

With regards to working out whose fault it is, I would just forget it. You won’t get anywhere.

If your suppliers are decent and you have a good relationship with them, you should negotiate a discount on the next container or some free replacement goods. Just try and make the best of what you have received and clear it at cost price if possible.

The one time it happened to me, it ruined a whole 40ft container of garden seats. I sold them as "damaged wood, which could be brought back to life with a little TLC”. I sold the lot and didn’t end up loosing a penny. Your storey might be different?

Unfortunately this is one of the unlikely but possible risks when importing goods (especially wooden products).

[A1]

Thanks for the replies.

Like i said a inspection report has concluded that its condensation. We have very good relationship with the suppliers and they have agreed to take back the whole container and send it back repaired/replaced. I will pay the costs of sending it back and bringing it back, 1000GBP at the most.

In this situation its the best we could get. With us buying near enough 70-80 containers this year from them and they have been very helpful, as they should be.

But with amount of wetness on the boxes i just cant believe condensation can do this. I have some pics so will put something up soon.

The supplier gets insurnce with each shipment but they have refused to pay out. I am beefing up my own insurance with my current insurers but with something like condensation, will insurers pay up?