Feature, Freight News, Sea

Hapag-Lloyd Implements BCF for Exports

[ June 19, 2024   //   Gary G Burrows ]

Shipping line Hapag-Lloyd said it will begin to apply a booking cancellation fee, or BCF, for North American exports, starting July 1.
The carrier will charge a US$25 fee per container if customers cancel, reduce or roll bookings three calendar days or less prior to the port cutoff as shown on the booking confirmation.
Bookings are also subject to BCF and automatic cancellation/rolling/reduction in case any cutoff is not met including port cutoff, rail cutoff or documentation cutoff. The fee will be capped at a maximum of 10 containers per roll, reduction, or cancellation event for a booking.
To avoid this fee, changes or cancellations need to be made at least four days prior to port cutoff on the carrier’s website, https://www.hapag-lloyd.com, and following the provided instructions.
Hapag-Lloyd will send reminder notices for shipments missing full container(s) on dock up to five days before the port cutoff, to provide an opportunity to make necessary adjustments to your booking without incurring penalties.
“We view this change as a collaborative effort and, with your support, we can achieve a more dependable and efficient shipping experience,” the company said in release. To give customers time to adjust, the carrier is offering a one-month grace period; though July the BCF will be in effect but won’t be invoiced for these charges. Hapag-Lloyd will begin invoicing the contract holder or booking party for BCF fees on Aug. 1.

Tags: Hapag-Lloyd