IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DESTINATION CHARGES FOR FCL CARGOES

Some of the Liners (Steamer Agents) in Chennai collect exorbitant destination (delivery order) charges under dubious headings like “port congestion charges, container imbalance charges” & etc.,(even when there is no congestion at all,) by which the cost of importation increases dramatically. Their normal DO charges per 20’ standard container should not exceed Rs.15,000, for clearance of cargo within free-days.

However some of the Liners charge around Rs.30,000. Hence importers are advised to identify the “Right Steamer Agents” who will carry their FCL cargo at the market prevailing freight rates and collect market driven destination (delivery order) charges.

DESTINATION CHARGES FOR LCL CARGOES

Similarly, the LCL cargo handlers in Chennai known as the CONSOL Agents who represent the foreign freight forwarders (especially from China), collect 200% to 300% more than the applicable charges (for issuance of delivery order ) under various irrelevant headings about which the importers community should be very cautious.

Subject to a minimum of Rs.7,500, the normal applicable DO charges should not exceed Rs.2000 / cbm. However, it’s quite unfortunate that some of the CONSOL Agents are charging as high as Rs. 6,000 to Rs.10,000 / per cbm.

FOLLOWING ARE THE IRRELEVANT HEADINGS UNDER WHICH A CONSOL AGENT CAN EXPLOIT AN IMPORTER

De CONSOL charges, interim CAF charges, RDS charges, MDO charges, SBC charges, KKC charges, CIC charges, devanning charges, THC charges, Customs registration fees, lift off- Lift on charges & etc.,. This is just to enlighten the importers community.

Hence it is absolutely essential for the importers to check with their foreign suppliers / shippers about the destination DO charges before they finalize their importation.

On request, Masterstroke can assist you to identify Liners / CONSOL Agents whose destination DO charges are expected to be reasonable.