What should be done to properly handle the situation when a freight forwarder for foreign trade exports loses the goods?
Solved#Freight forwarding#
I am engaged in foreign trade exports. Recently, the freight forwarder I'm collaborating with actually lost the goods. What should I do? The value of this batch of goods is quite high, and it has a great impact on the company's business. When communicating with the freight forwarder, their attitude is equivocal, and it seems they don't want to take responsibility. What measures should I take now to recover the losses? Are there any relevant legal bases or industry regulations that I can rely on? I hope everyone can give me some suggestions.
Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
First of all, stay calm and collect and organize relevant evidence, such as the freight forwarding contract, goods list, transport documents, records of communication with the freight forwarder, etc. These evidences are the key to subsequent rights protection.
Then, communicate seriously with the freight forwarder again, clearly pointing out that they should take responsibility for losing the goods, and asking them to give solutions and compensation plans. It's best to record the whole communication process.
If the communication doesn't work, you can file a complaint with local industry organizations such as the Freight Forwarders Association, asking them to mediate. Industry organizations usually handle such disputes according to industry norms.
If it still can't be solved, you can choose arbitration or file a lawsuit with the court according to the dispute resolution clause in the freight forwarding contract, and protect your own rights and interests through legal means. Note that legal litigation needs to follow legal procedures and sufficient materials need to be prepared.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
Check the contract signed with the freight forwarder to see the clauses about the definition of liability for goods loss and compensation, and demand compensation according to the contract agreement. If the contract doesn't clearly state it, refer to industry practices.
William YangYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
You can consult a professional foreign trade lawyer. The lawyer can provide accurate suggestions and plans for rights protection based on the actual situation and legal regulations. Although it may be necessary to pay a certain amount of lawyer fees, it can protect your legal rights and interests.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Investigate the cause of the goods loss, whether it is due to the negligence of the freight forwarder or factors such as force majeure during transportation. If it is their negligence, the liability is clearly on them, and the compensation is more justified.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
When communicating with the freight forwarder, try to record the conversation. In case it goes to the arbitration or litigation stage later, these recordings may also become powerful evidence.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Collect the experiences of peers in handling similar events to see how others have successfully solved the problem and obtained compensation, and learn from their methods.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Report the case to your own insurance company to see if you can obtain partial compensation through the insured goods transportation insurance, and at the same time ask the insurance company to assist in recovering the liability of the freight forwarder.
Amanda YangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Expose this matter on social media and industry forums to give the freight forwarder certain public opinion pressure, but pay attention to the truthfulness and legality of the remarks and don't violate the rights and interests of others.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Organize the proof materials of the value of the goods, such as purchase invoices, evaluation reports, etc. This is very important for determining the compensation amount.