Dangerous Goods and Hazardous Materials

Customer Alert: Clean Container Campaign

June 28, 2013

Container Debris and Cargo Remnants

In today’s shipping environment with heightened concern about security and safety, the various global Customs regulatory agencies are highly sensitive to any matter which is shipped in a container that isn’t declared on the manifest. This includes everything from leftover cargo, empty cartons, pallets and cargo securing materials, to substances as small as powder, dirt or liquid spills.

This is a reminder that it is the Consignee or "Merchant", as defined in the "K" Line Bill of Lading, responsibility to ensure empty containers are cleaned out and the floor swept after unloading and prior to the return to our depots or terminals.

Examples of Unacceptable Container Remnants and Debris

>>>>Please distribute to the appropriate parties in your company to ensure containers are completely emptied and cleaned upon unloading, or contract motor carriers who are willing to perform these services on your behalf.

Costs associated with remaining debris is increased due to more aggressive regulatory action including increased fines and certain countries sending units back to the US/Canada. "K" Line does pass these costs back to the Consignee/Merchant responsible per applicable tariff rules and the terms and conditions of the "K" Line Bill of Lading.

Removal of Placards & Markings - PRIOR to the Return of the Empty Container

As per government regulations, once DG cargo has been completely removed from the shipping container, the placards/marks must be completely removed from all sides. Failure to remove the placards/marks from the container prior to subsequent transport is a direct violation of:

Responsible Party:

Based upon regulations and in conjunction with the "K" Line Bill of Lading Terms and Conditions, consignees are obligated to completely remove the placards and marks before the empty container return to our depots or terminals.

The consignee’s facility should be prepared to handle the removal process or have an established agreement /contract with a trucking company who is willing to perform the service at time of unloading. "K" Line will not be responsible for any costs which may arise due to lack of arrangements. Any costs accrued due to failure will be collected as per:

Quote"27. (Regulations relating to Goods) Merchant shall comply with all regulations or requirements of Customs, port and other authorities, and shall bear and pay all duties, taxes, fines, imposts, expenses or losses incurred or suffered by reason thereof or by reason of any illegal, incorrect or insufficient marking, numbering or addressing of Goods, and indemnify the Carrier in respect thereof." End Quote
To view the complete BL Terms and Conditions: /BL-Terms/BL-Terms-Clauses-Listing.html

Important Note:

KL Policy does not accept partially removed placards or painting over placards. The below examples are not acceptable, the placards/marks must be completely removed.

Placard Removal

Thank you for your attention to these important matters.

KAM Damage Prevention Team