Hyundai to assess scrap metal container repair fee

   The liner carrier Hyundai Merchant Marine said Thursday it will assess a $65 per container maintenance surcharge on scrap metal shipments from North America to Asia.
   The surcharge, which takes effect Oct. 1, is intended to make container damage repair costs predictable for both the line and its customers, Hyundai said.
   “The surcharge will be added to all bills of lading on a per unit basis regardless of the container condition at destination,” the line said. “The quantum is intended to compensate the carrier for the aggregated cost of container repairs widely associated with the carriage of metal scrap.”
   Hyundai said the surcharge is also aimed at avoiding conflicts between the buying and selling parties over who is responsible for any damage caused to a container.
   “For the buyer and seller, the new surcharge will take the guess work and uncertainty out of dealing with equipment repair invoices issued in Asia when a container is returned to the carrier in a damaged condition,” the line said. “Depending on the terms of the sale, the shipper or consignee can now incorporate the surcharge into their proforma cost for completely accurate calculation of landed cost.”