NYK warns of weight misdeclaration problem in South China
The Hong Kong office of NYK Line has warned shippers that they must provide accurate measurements of net cargo weights in containers, or risk extra costs and amendments charges.
“Recently cases of weight discrepancies were found in Shenzhen container terminals that had brought risk to sea-worthiness and inconvenience to stowage, because shippers misdeclared the weight,” NYK said in a notice to customers concerning Yantian International Container Terminals.
The Japanese carrier reminded shippers that it is their obligation and responsibility to pre-declare cargo weight at the time of booking vessel space, and to declare the actual cargo weight on the terminal receipt for the full container after cargo stuffing, even when they have appointed a contractor to declare on their behalf.
NYK described cargo weight as an essential factor to safe container handling and safe stowing on board. The carrier warned that shippers who misdeclare weight may be directly accountable for any loss during the terminal operation and the sea voyage.
NYK said that it would work with the container terminals to tighten its controls concerning cargo weight. Shippers who have misdeclared the weight will be asked to amend it before their export containers are accepted, and they will be charged corresponding extra costs owing to shipment delay, the carrier said. NYK will also consider introducing amendment charges for shippers who misdeclare frequently.