Zim Charged Unreasonable Detention, Motor Carrier Says
Zim Integrated Shipping Services charged unfair detention and unfair chassis, storage, stop-off and redelivery fees for containers that couldn't be returned due to lack of appointments or terminal closures out of its control, Access One Transport said in a complaint filed with the Federal Maritime Commission on April 16.
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In May 2022, Access One pulled five containers from Zim designated terminals, the motor carrier said. In its normal course of business, the customers would unload the cargo from Access One and then the motor carrier would return the containers to the terminal.
Access One discovered that there were no available appointments to return the goods through a third-party service app. The motor carrier also contacted the terminals directly but was unable to return the empty containers despite "its best efforts."
Since Access One had to hold onto empty containers and the "corresponding chassis" for days, it incurred storage and chassis charges, and because the motor carrier couldn't usually return the containers to Zim directly, it incurred stop-off and redelivery charges as well.
"Zim would still charge daily detention per container even if the empty container, in reality, could not be returned through the actions of Zim or its designated terminals and also miscalculated the detention amounts by charging for non-business days," Access One said.
Access One returned the containers at the earliest opportunity but was still charged with detention. The motor carrier claims a minimum of $4,820 in damages from detention charges, $1,280 in chassis charges, $1,440 for storage costs, $375 in stop-off charges, and $240 in redelivery charges, the motor carrier said.
The company asked the FMC to order Zim to stop its current conduct and put in place "lawful and reasonable" practices to avoid continued violations, order reparations for the damages and attorneys' fees, and any other payment or relief the Commission deems appropriate.
Zim didn't respond to our request for comment.