Liability when goods are shipped to a freight forwarder?

[gtechrob]

We have a number of overseas customers who sell multiple brands and they often use a consolidation service to save on shipping costs.

They pay for us to deliver to said freight forwarder who then repacks our goods with other goods and then on ship to the overseas customer.

We have had a couple of instances where our courier has miss delivered the shipment and this has only been noticed as much as 3 months afterwards when the consolidated shipment arrives at the end customer.

Totally get that with regular orders to UK customers, we are liable if the courier miss delivers. But in cases such as the above, I am thinking there must be some onus on the freight forwarder to inform the overseas customer if an inbound shipment is not received.

Got our commercial lawyer running around in circles on this but wondered if anyone has a solution.

 

[James]

We have a number of overseas customers who sell multiple brands and they often use a consolidation service to save on shipping costs.

They pay for us to deliver to said freight forwarder who then repacks our goods with other goods and then on ship to the overseas customer.

We have had a couple of instances where our courier has miss delivered the shipment and this has only been noticed as much as 3 months afterwards when the consolidated shipment arrives at the end customer.

Totally get that with regular orders to UK customers, we are liable if the courier miss delivers. But in cases such as the above, I am thinking there must be some onus on the freight forwarder to inform the overseas customer if an inbound shipment is not received.

Got our commercial lawyer running around in circles on this but wondered if anyone has a solution.

Hi Rob

Few points

When you say missed delivered is this failed to deliver or cross labelling / delivering the wrong product?

Are you getting a POD for the delivery to the freight forwarder ?

I would say a good consolidation service would keep everyone informed of goods not received ect

 

[gtechrob]

The courier (DPD) have had the shipments signed for and taken pics of the goods delivered. Both times the goods were delivered to the wrong address and the shipments have completely disappeared.

 

[James]

The courier (DPD) have had the shipments signed for and taken pics of the goods delivered. Both times the goods were delivered to the wrong address and the shipments have completely disappeared.

I would speak to DPD to see if they will offer any compensation / claim. Have they offered a solution going forward as this is a repeat issue.

Can you work out where the goods have been delivered too? as they have essentially stolen the goods

Have you spoken to the freight forwarded to ensure it is not one of there staff that has signed for them. I don't often come across deliveries to Business being delivered to the wrong business.

 

[AlanJ1]

Do you not book in with the freight forwarder? IE can they not tell you that it hasn't turned up? (Will make life easier as you know sooner rathen than 3 months down the line).