Optimization of Freight Claims

Effective Pursuit of Cargo Compensation

At Gdynia Maritime Dialogue, we know that facts count at the port, not promises. In 2023, we handled 43 cases regarding container damage at terminals in Gdynia and Gdansk. Most problems start with an incorrect entry in the bill of lading or a lack of photographic documentation during unloading. We analyze every document for hard charter terms. We do not handle cases that have no chance of winning – we present the first assessment of claim validity within 3 business days.

Why Do Processes Take So Long?

The standard procedure with a maritime insurer usually lasts from 180 to 210 days. This is the time when your funds are frozen. We shorten this period to about 58 days. We do this through direct contact with adjusters at shipping lines, bypassing general helplines. In the last quarter, we recovered 127,400 PLN for a local exporter whom the shipowner had refused to pay for over 7 months. The key was demonstrating leaks in the container seals, which our surveyor confirmed during a quayside inspection.

Our Approach to Settlement Negotiations

We avoid courts whenever possible. Quayside practice teaches that a quick settlement for 84% of the claim amount is often better than a two-year dispute over the whole. In October 2024, we closed 4 such agreements in cases involving water damage to cargo. Every negotiation is based on specifics: surveyor reports, temperature logger logs, and port CCTV footage. If the fault lies with the port or the carrier, we will find proof in the operational documentation.

Practical Loss Verification

• We check the correctness of cargo lashing certificates for 14 different types of goods.
• We verify letters of protest filed by ship captains within 24 hours of the incident.
• We analyze Cargo policies for liability exclusions that often go unnoticed when signing contracts.
• We prepare final payment demands containing loss calculations based on current freight rates from the date the damage occurred.

Sometimes a client comes to us with a claim that is already time-barred. In maritime law, deadlines are short and ruthless. That's why we act fast. If your goods arrived damaged within the last 11 days, this is the last moment to secure evidence. Our team, consisting of 6 people with experience in forwarding and maritime law, will check your papers without unnecessary talk. P.S. It's best to scan documents right at the ramp – phone photos are often the only evidence that cannot be challenged.