Samsung Electronics America has lodged a formal complaint with the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) against Taiwanese carrier Wan Hai Lines. The dispute centers on more than $1.2 million in detention, demurrage, and associated charges that Samsung claims were improperly levied during the peak of the pandemic.
This action follows similar complaints filed by Samsung against other ocean carriers regarding charges incurred during the unprecedented supply chain disruptions of 2020-2022. During that period, port congestion and equipment shortages led to significant delays, often resulting in shippers incurring substantial fees for containers they could not return or retrieve on time.
For freight forwarders and shippers, such legal challenges highlight the ongoing scrutiny of carrier billing practices, particularly concerning detention and demurrage. The outcome of these cases could influence future FMC guidance or regulations on what constitutes reasonable charges, potentially impacting how forwarders manage and dispute these costs on behalf of their clients. It also underscores the importance of clear contractual terms and documentation when dealing with pandemic-era surcharges.
