What if a Chinese Freight Forwarder Threatens to Charge More After Receiving the Goods?

Complain and then sue.

We have heard many complaints from our clients about Chinese freight forwarders.

The most common scenario is that a buyer purchases goods from China on an FOB basis. Then, the buyer finds a Chinese freight forwarder on the Internet. Once the forwarder gets the goods for the buyer from the Chinese supplier, the buyer is forced to pay more shipping costs, or the forwarder will not ship the goods.

We will hear such a story at least once every month or two.

If you choose to sue the freight forwarder, the shipment will not start until the the lawsuit is resolved, unless the freight forwarder agrees.

So, what are the best ways to achieve the purchaser’s goal?

First of all, you might consider filing a complaint with China’s Ministry of Transport.

If you have any transportation complaints, you can call them at 12348, the Service & Complaints Hotline of China’s Ministry of Transport.

Secondly, you may file a complaint against the industry association.

You can check which industry associations the forwarder has joined, including both international and local ones. We have solved problems in this way before.

Finally, you can file a lawsuit in a Chinese court.

If you file a lawsuit, you can not only claim for the termination of the freight forwarding contract and the refund of your prepaid freight, but also claim compensation from the freight forwarder for the loss of your goods.

Many freight forwarders will not be willing to pay for the loss of goods just for a small increase in freight. Therefore, such a lawsuit can prompt them to negotiate with you and agree to your demands.