Shipping Industry Decodes Key Charter Contract Terms for Trade
This article interprets shipping terminology within charter contracts to assist maritime operators in understanding loading and unloading requirements and associated risks.
This article interprets shipping terminology within charter contracts to assist maritime operators in understanding loading and unloading requirements and associated risks.
This article analyzes the meanings and practical applications of commonly used terms in charter party contracts: PWWD, SSHINC, and CQD. PWWD refers to 'Per Working Weather Day' and relates to the measurement of loading and unloading time; SSHINC specifies that Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are included; while CQD represents the customary discharge speed at the port, with associated risks. These terms are crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of voyage charter agreements.
The Atlas Fee is closely related to customs clearance fees for imports into Germany, while the Atlas Computer Fee is associated with the cost of transmitting cargo invoices through the Atlas Computer System. This method is cost-effective and assists carriers in smoothly navigating the customs clearance process in Germany.
In the competitive transportation market, freight forwarders need to pay attention to the risks of prepaid freight clauses, the rights of bill of lading holders, and the identity of the actual freight payers when collecting freight charges. By establishing reasonable contractual agreements and selecting reputable charterers, freight forwarders can effectively protect their interests, ensure timely collection of freight, and reduce economic risks.
Maritime cargo transportation faces various risks, including natural disasters and accidents. Natural threats like severe weather, lightning, tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions are unpredictable. Accidents such as grounding, collisions, fires, and crew negligence can also lead to cargo loss. Therefore, understanding these risks and obtaining appropriate insurance is crucial.
A backdated insurance policy refers to an agreement where the insurer, at the request of the insured, retroactively sets the policy's inception date to before the shipment of goods, requiring mutual consent. This practice carries a fraud risk by potentially concealing the true date of the insurance contract. Insurers typically demand a guaranty letter to mitigate potential liabilities, ensuring that coverage is limited to risks occurring after the actual policy inception date.
In air cargo transportation, changes primarily fall into two categories: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary changes originate from the shipper, such as returning goods before shipment or modifying the destination. In contrast, involuntary changes arise from the carrier or force majeure factors, including alterations in routes, flights, and transport methods. Understanding these change dynamics helps optimize the cargo transport process and reduce potential risks.
Changes in air cargo transportation can be classified into voluntary and involuntary changes. Voluntary changes are usually initiated by the shipper and involve actions such as pre-departure returns, mid-journey stops, and changes of destination. Involuntary changes occur due to the carrier or external factors, with common reasons including flight adjustments and force majeure events.
This article analyzes the meaning of "On Demurrage" in voyage charters and its relationship with demurrage charges. Demurrage fees are costs incurred by the charterer for exceeding the loading and unloading period specified in the contract, usually calculated on a daily basis. The contract outlines the conditions for entering a state of demurrage, which varies in terminology across different countries. Additionally, it explores the distinctions between demurrage in voyage charters and container transport.
This article discusses special cargo in air freight, particularly the definitions and transportation challenges of oversized and overweight goods. Oversized cargo typically requires multiple air pallets, while overweight cargo refers to single items exceeding 150 kilograms. When transporting these goods, consideration must be given to the necessary equipment and safety measures, as well as fuel disposal within vehicles, to ensure safe and efficient transportation.