Forwarders complain about high shipping charges

SHIPPING    COMPLAINT

Philippines - Hapag-Lloyd and Orient Overseas Container Line were among the list of international shipping lines mentioned in a letter of complaint for their high shipping charges.

Top cargo forwarders have requested trade groups such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to look into rates charges by international shipping lines because of its impact on the competitiveness of the country's exports.

The "unmitigated and unwarranted" charges of shipping lines to shippers have detrimental effect not only to the forwarders but also to exporters in general, said Nelson Mendoza, president of Philippine International Seafreight Forwarders (Pisfa).

Mendoza, in a letter to Port Users Confederation (PUC), a member organisation of PCCI said they are elevating their concerns to the trade groups, as these charges are increasing the costs of forwarders, which will have to be shouldered by their customers.

"Pisfa members have raised concerns on the increasing costs and its immediate impact on the competitiveness of our exports to other countries," he was quoted as saying in the Business Mirror.

Some of the dozen of additional charges Pisfa listed in the letter include container imbalance charges applicable to all import shipments, and P150 container seal fee implemented by Zim Integrated Shipping Services, GSL Shipping Line and Korea Marine Transport.

There are also fees for detention charges on cancelled booking, container cleaning and washing charges, seaway bill fee, import cleaning charge, demurrage and detention fee for those cargoes coming from Asia, United States, Canada and Latin America.

Shipping lines mentioned in the forwarder's letter also include Mariana Express Lines, Evergreen Marine and Wan Hai Lines.

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