Shipping company holding goods due to floods, storage charges increasing. What now?

Dear Questioner,

You can take several legal measures against the shipping company, in addition to your right to demand compensation from the company for all damages that occurred to you.

If anything else is required, don’t hesitate to contact us via email or call our offices in Dubai or Sharjah.

Jasim Al Haddad Law Firm

Legal Counsel and Consultations

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for reaching out to me regarding your dispute with the shipping company. I understand the urgency of your situation and I'm here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to resolve this matter efficiently.

Based on the information provided, it seems that the shipping company's refusal to deliver your goods due to the Dubai floods has resulted in significant storage charges accumulating each day.

To address this issue effectively, I recommend taking the following steps:

- Review Contract Terms:

Begin by reviewing the terms and conditions outlined in your contract with the shipping company. Pay close attention to any clauses related to force majeure events or delays in delivery due to unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters.

- Communication with the Shipping Company:

Initiate communication with the shipping company to understand their stance on the matter and to negotiate a resolution. Clearly outline your concerns regarding the accumulating storage charges and express your desire to reach a mutually beneficial solution.

- Legal Evaluation:

Given the complexity of the situation, it may be prudent to seek a legal evaluation of your rights and options. As your attorney, I can provide you with a thorough analysis of the contract terms, assess the strength of your position, and advise you on the most effective course of action.

- Alternative Dispute Resolution:

Depending on the circumstances and the willingness of the shipping company to cooperate, alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration may offer a quicker and more cost-effective way to resolve the dispute.

- Legal Action:

If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, legal action may be necessary to protect your interests and recover your goods. In such cases, I will represent you diligently and pursue all available legal remedies to achieve a favorable resolution.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me via WhatsApp or phone to discuss your situation in more detail and to schedule a consultation.

I'm committed to helping you navigate through this challenging time and find a resolution that meets your needs.

Hello dear questioner,

The floods lasted for one day and ended. You should not bear any fees because the floods are the result of force majeure, unless the contract stipulates otherwise.

As for what you must do, send an email to the shipping company stating that they must deliver your goods. If they refuse, proceed with this action.

We are taking all legal measures by filing a lawsuit against the company.

If you need further clarification, please provide your WhatsApp number.

Hi,

It is important to act quickly as storage charges can add up quickly.

You may also consider filing a complaint with the relevant government agency, such as the Dubai Maritime City Authority if the shipping company is not cooperating.

You can easily contact us via phone or email.

Thanks!

Dear Questioner,

Thanks for your inquiry!

Regarding the above, we would like to inform you that it is recommended that you seek our assistance as a lawyer who specializes in law in the UAE.

We will be able to advise you on the specific laws and regulations that apply to your situation and help you negotiate with the shipping company to resolve the dispute.

It may also be helpful to gather any evidence or documentation that supports your claim, such as proof of payment for the goods and communication with the shipping company.

It is important to act quickly as storage charges can add up quickly.

Kindly do not hesitate to contact us via email or phone.

Greetings,

Dear Questioner,

We recommend that you set up a meeting with the shipping company to find a resolution to the problem at hand.

Should an amicable resolution not be possible, we can proceed to issue a legal notice demanding the release of the goods (provided no regulatory complications are preventing its release).

If the shipping company disregards its obligation to release the goods within the notice period, we can proceed to initiate legal action for the recovery.

In this regard, we will need to review the documentation related to the matter at hand to provide you with the best-suited legal strategy.

Kindly contact us via email along with a case summary and related documentation. Once we review the documentation, we can schedule a meeting to discuss your legal options.

Dear Questioner,

It is recommended that you seek the assistance of a lawyer who specializes in commercial and shipping law in the UAE.

They will be able to review your contract with the shipping company and advise you on the best course of action. It is important to act quickly as storage charges can add up quickly.

Your lawyer may suggest sending a formal demand letter to the shipping company, requesting the release of your goods and compensation for any damages or losses incurred due to the delay.

If the shipping company does not respond or refuses to release your goods, your lawyer may advise filing a complaint with the relevant authorities or taking legal action through the courts.

It is important to gather all relevant documents and evidence to support your case.

Dear Questioner,

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), disputes involving the shipping industry and cargo handling are typically governed by various laws and regulations, including the UAE Maritime Commercial Law and the relevant free zone regulations (if applicable).

You can carefully review the contract or terms and conditions you agreed upon with the shipping company.

Look for any clauses or provisions that address situations like natural disasters, force majeure events, or delivery delays.

Collect all relevant evidence and documentation related to the shipment, including bills of lading, invoices, correspondence with the shipping company, and any evidence of the Dubai floods and their impact on the company's operations.

You can also send a formal notice or demand letter to the shipping company, outlining the issue, the damages or losses incurred (including the increasing storage charges), and your demand for the release of your goods or compensation.

Provide a reasonable deadline for their response.

I advise you on the strength of your legal position, and guide you through the appropriate legal channels, which may include:

a. Filing a claim with the relevant court or tribunal (e.g., file a formal complaint with the appropriate consumer protection or trade authority in the UAE or consider legal action to recover losses.).

b. Initiating arbitration proceedings, if your contract includes an arbitration clause.

c. Seeking interim relief or injunctions to prevent further damages or losses.

We can assist you with this case.

Kindly contact us for further legal assistance!

Regards,

Dear Questioner,

I'm sorry to hear about the situation you're facing with the shipping company. Here are some steps you can consider taking to address the dispute and resolve the issue:

1. Review the Contract:

Start by reviewing the contract or agreement you have with the shipping company. Look for any clauses related to delivery delays, force majeure events (such as natural disasters like floods), and storage charges. Understanding the terms of the contract will help you determine your rights and obligations.

2. Communicate with the Shipping Company:

Reach out to the shipping company to discuss the situation and express your concerns. Try to resolve the issue amicably through negotiation and communication. Provide any relevant documentation or evidence to support your case, such as proof of payment, correspondence with the company, and details about the goods being held.

3. Seek Legal Advice:

If you're unable to reach a resolution with the shipping company or if you believe they are not fulfilling their obligations under the contract, consider seeking legal advice. Consult with a lawyer who specializes in contract law or shipping disputes. They can review the terms of the contract, assess your legal options, and provide you with guidance on how to proceed.

4. Document Everything:

Keep detailed records of all communications, transactions, and interactions with the shipping company. This includes emails, letters, phone calls, invoices, receipts, and any other relevant documentation. Documentation will be crucial if you need to pursue legal action or escalate the dispute.

5. Consider Mediation or Arbitration:

Depending on the terms of your contract, you may be required to engage in mediation or arbitration to resolve the dispute. These alternative dispute resolution methods can be faster and more cost-effective than litigation and may help you reach a mutually acceptable resolution.

6. Take Legal Action:

If all other attempts to resolve the dispute fail, you may need to consider taking legal action against the shipping company. Your lawyer can advise you on the appropriate legal remedies available to you, such as filing a lawsuit for breach of contract or seeking an injunction to release your goods.

It's important to act promptly to address the dispute, especially since storage charges are increasing each day. By seeking legal advice, communicating with the shipping company, and exploring your options for resolution, you can work towards resolving the dispute and securing the release of your goods.