Containers – “Should Terminals Weigh or Not Weigh”

(Mondaq – Linda Jacques, Lester Aldriddge LLP)

Container collapses can occur at sea as a result of a number of factors such as inadequate, deficient or improper securing, improper stowage configuration, excessive stability, the failure of the vessel to assess storm movement or to take action in deteriorating weather. This list is not comprehensive.

A secondary factor which is sometimes added to the melting pot as an issue is the declared weights of the containers by shippers which are loaded on board. […]

The debate over the obligations of carriers and terminal operators to weigh containers before loading and therefore to check the weights declared by shippers is to come under the spotlight in future at a conference taking place in London. Under the Rotterdam Rules it is intended that there be a strict and unlimited liability imposed on a shipper for any inaccurate information given, which results in the issuance of transport documents including information on the weight of goods, which are later found to be incorrect. This has no doubt encouraged a re-visit to some of the issues surrounding the weights declared by shippers. Read more here.