The Case of 13 Containers Stuck at Customs for Four Months

One of the most difficult cases I’ve handled involved 13 forty-foot containers stuck at customs for a shocking four months. This wasn’t just about delays; it was about navigating a complex web of regulations and, unfortunately, some unreasonable roadblocks.

A former client faced this issue in Hamburg, with containers filled with EU-compliant hardware from China. Despite their best efforts, working closely with customs agents and following every step for clearance, they hit a wall. The problem? The customs agent simply didn’t want the goods to enter Germany—even though they were fully compliant and regularly imported into the country.

Solving the Problem: A Bold Move

When the case came to me, the solution became clear. We decided to shift the entire operation. Within a week, the cargo was moved from Hamburg to Belgium for clearance into Luxembourg, allowing the goods to finally enter the European Union. It was a strategic move that bypassed unnecessary delays and saved the client from ongoing headaches.

How the Client Reduced Demurrage and Detention Costs

The silver lining in this complex case? The client had moved their containers to a bonded warehouse based on my early advice, which significantly reduced their demurrage and detention costs. Instead of being hit with exorbitant fees for the entire four-month delay, they were able to mitigate the financial impact.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of strategic thinking and early planning when dealing with customs and shipping. By staying proactive, this client was able to not only resolve their issue but also keep their costs under control in a situation that could have been far more expensive.

More cases like this highlight just how crucial it is to have the right tools and advice when dealing with demurrage and detention challenges.