Maersk introduces ?out of service charge?

Maersk introduces æout of service chargeÆ    Maersk Line said it will introduce on May 1 an “out of service” (OOS) charge of $150 per dry container and $350 per reefer container to cover additional costs incurred when a container is damaged.
   The Danish line said this will include transport, lifting, replacement and administration costs, “which Maersk Line has previously had to cover ourselves.”
   Maersk said the new OOS charge does not include repair costs.
   “In practice, this means that for damage cases where the repair itself costs up to $50, the party liable for the damage will pay $200 per dry container and $400 per reefer container,” the company explained.
   “We sincerely believe the OOS charge is the fairest way to cover the costs of damaged containers — as it means that only parties who are responsible for damage will have to shoulder the costs,” the carrier said.
   Maersk said the amounts of the charge are based on a “carefully calculated estimate of the actual costs associated with repairs. And in publishing these estimates up front, we can offer you the certainty of knowing you will not be liable for any additional costs in excess of the OOS charge and repair costs if you are ever responsible for container damage.”
   Maersk said it expects the new policy will result in improved service in terms of equipment availability and reliability. It said the terms and timing of implementation of the new charge may vary in a few countries in reflection of local charge structures already in place.