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An import container can become an extremely expensive problem when cargo is left sitting at a New Zealand port and responsibility for the shipment is unclear.

Cusmode Customs has recently dealt with two unusual cases that show why importers, exporters, overseas suppliers and other parties should act quickly when a container is uncollected or appears to have been abandoned.

A recent case: around $18,000 in storage reduced to about $5,000

Last month, Cusmode became involved in a difficult container matter even though we were not the notified party named on the Bill of Lading.

By communicating with the relevant parties and escalating the matter through multiple levels of the organisations involved, including Auckland port stakeholders, the storage position was reviewed. Charges of approximately NZ$18,000 were ultimately reduced to around NZ$5,000.

The client and shipment details are deliberately not identified here. The important lesson is that once storage and demurrage have accumulated, simply waiting rarely makes the problem disappear. Someone needs to establish the facts, identify the responsible parties, obtain the relevant shipping documents and start communicating with the organisations holding or controlling the cargo.

Another container has now been sitting at port for more than 280 days

Cusmode is now dealing with another extraordinary matter involving a container that, as at the time of writing, has remained at port for more than 280 days.

A container remaining at a port for that length of time can create complicated questions around the importer, consignee, notify party, shipping line, cargo ownership, Customs status, port storage, container detention and the eventual disposal or collection of the goods.

Why storage charges need immediate attention

New Zealand Customs advises importers to act quickly when goods require clearance. Customs notes that goods are held in storage facilities operated by freight and postal companies until clearance is completed, and that many locations provide only a short complimentary storage period before additional charges apply. Customs also states that it is not responsible for storage or demurrage charges caused by delayed clearance.

Ports of Auckland’s published tariff illustrates how quickly costs can become serious. Its current published rate for full import containers remaining 15 days or more is NZ$354 per TEU per day, subject to the port’s applicable tariff rules and circumstances. Actual charges in any particular shipment can differ, and shipping-line detention and other costs may also apply separately.

What should you do if a container has been left at port?

If you become aware of an uncollected container, do not assume that another party is dealing with it. First establish the Bill of Lading details, consignee and notify party, arrival date, shipping line, container number and current Customs/MPI status. It is also important to establish who currently has authority over the cargo and exactly which storage, demurrage, detention or other charges are accumulating.

Where the matter has already become complicated, early communication with the relevant port, shipping line, Customs/MPI authorities where applicable, cargo owner and other parties can be critical.

Not the consignee or notify party? The problem may still be solvable

The first Cusmode case above is a good example. We were not the notified party on the Bill of Lading, but that did not prevent us from helping the parties understand the position and working through the issue.

Every abandoned or long-dwelling container is different, and no reduction of storage or other charges can be guaranteed. However, a container that has already accumulated substantial charges deserves active investigation rather than being allowed to continue sitting at the port.

Need help with a long-staying or abandoned container in New Zealand?

Cusmode Customs provides New Zealand Customs clearance and practical assistance with difficult import shipments, including containers affected by clearance delays, MPI requirements, documentation problems and significant storage or demurrage issues.

If you have a container sitting at an Auckland or New Zealand port, contact Cusmode as early as possible. Send us the Bill of Lading, container number, arrival details and any notices or invoices you have received so we can first understand the position.

This article provides general information only. Port, terminal and shipping-line charges vary by shipment and tariff, and outcomes in previous cases do not guarantee a reduction or waiver in another case.