Econocaribe Consolidators of Miami has filed a complaint against another ocean transportation intermediary, Amoy International of City of Industry, Calif., at the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission, asking for reparations of about $192,811, plus interest and attorneys fees.
The non-vessel-operating common carrier claimed Amoy violated the Shipping Act and other laws by misdeclaring goods.
According to Econocaribe’s complaint, Amoy contracted with it to transport four containers of new auto parts from Oakland, Calif., to Xingang, China.
When Chinese customs officers inspected the containers, they were found not to contain new auto parts, but used, baled truck tires, which are prohibited for entry into China. Chinese customs seized the four containers from the carrier, Maersk Line.
The consignee, Victory China, denied interest in the cargo and Amoy never nominated a shipper or consignee for the return of the cargo, the complaint said.
Econocaribe said “Amoy has steadfastly refused to provide payment for the costs incurred in China, leaving Econocaribe at risk of significant financial loss without any justification.”
FMC said the proceeding has been assigned to its Office of Administrative Law Judges and an initial decision of the presiding officer will be issued by Aug. 14, 2015.