When shipments go wrong.
WHAT COMMONLY DELAYS SHIPMENTS
Documentation errors Payment not cleared Vessel or flight changes Port congestion Inspection Classification queries Funds unavailable for duties
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DOCUMENTATION ERRORS
Check everything before shipment.
WHY
Corrections afterwards are slow, and the goods sit accruing charges.
WHAT TO TRACK
The shipment, daily, once it is moving.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Expected arrival Free time before charges What must be ready by then
WHAT TO HAVE READY BEFORE ARRIVAL
Complete documents Funds for duties and charges Your agent instructed
WHAT DEMURRAGE COSTS
More than most importers expect, accumulating daily.
WHAT TO DO IF DELAY IS UNAVOIDABLE
Establish the cause, and address it directly rather than waiting.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DAMAGED OR SHORT DELIVERY
Record it at the point of discovery Photograph everything Note it on the receipt documents Notify the carrier and insurer within the deadline
WHY THE DEADLINE MATTERS
Claims are rejected for late notification.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
The notification period, in advance.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT GOODS NOT AS ORDERED
Document, notify the supplier, and refer to the agreement.
WHAT TO AVOID
Accepting and then complaining Paying in full before inspection, where avoidable
WHAT TO RECORD ACROSS SHIPMENTS
What went wrong, and why.
WHAT THAT REVEALS
Whether the problem is a supplier, an agent, or your own process.
