Exporters Charge Hapag-Lloyd With Unfair Treatment

Two exporters filed a complaint with the Federal Maritime Commission alleging unfair treatment by Hapag-Lloyd America and two non-vessel-operating common carriers.

Yakov Kobel and Victor Berkovich said Hapag-Lloyd, Limco Logistics and International TLC violated several sections of the Shipping Act after the carriers failed to return a damaged container, and sent bills of lading to them five months after shipping the container.

The exporters allege the carriers violated portions of the law that prohibit charging rates or providing services not in accordance with published tariffs, unfair practices in loading or discharging cargo, and unreasonably refusing to negotiate complaints. They also charge Hapag-Lloyd and Limco accepted cargo from an ocean transportation intermediary that did not have a bond or insurance.

The case was assigned to the commission’s administrative law judges, who will render a decision by next year.

-- Contact R.G. Edmonson at bedmonson@joc.com.