Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia: Helping a Client Solve a Cargo Issue

Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia: Helping a Client Solve a Cargo Issue

Omar, a client from Saudi Arabia, faced a potential $10,000 fine from Saudi Customs because his supplier in China mistakenly loaded 725 boxes instead of the declared 723 boxes. As a trusted freight forwarder China to Saudi Arabia, I stepped in to help him resolve this issue.

The Problem
Sunny Worldwide Logistics specializes in freight forwarding from China to Saudi Arabia. Omar is one of our loyal clients. This time, he had a shipment of rubber accelerators heading to Jeddah Port.

183. Booking Details:
     • Date: May 18
     • Carrier: ONE
     • Container: 40GP
     • Route: From Shenzhen to Jeddah
     • Departure: May 29
     • ETA: June 19

Three days before the shipment's arrival, on June 16, I submitted a telex release request. The next day, the shipping line confirmed it. During a routine call with the factory, however, I learned they had loaded 725 boxes. The bill of lading (B/L) showed only 723 boxes, which meant the paperwork didn't match the actual cargo. It turned out the factory workers had miscounted during loading.

Potential Risks
With over 26 years of experience in international freight forwarding, especially from China to Saudi Arabia, I knew this discrepancy could lead to customs inspections. Even though the two extra boxes weren't of high value, mismatched quantities on the B/L could result in fines or other complications.

When I informed Omar, he initially wanted to take a chance and see if the customs broker in Saudi Arabia could clear the shipment without raising the issue.

Request for Help
On June 18, the customs broker contacted me by email. They echoed my concerns and insisted on clearing the shipment with accurate data. Otherwise, if Saudi Customs detected the discrepancy, Omar would face a $10,000 fine. They asked if I could assist with correcting the B/L or the shipping manifest.

I immediately reached out to ONE to inquire about changes after the telex release. Unfortunately, the shipping line confirmed that it was no longer possible to amend the B/L or manifest.

Under FOB terms, my responsibility ends with arranging the sea freight. Issues related to loading mistakes or destination customs clearance typically fall outside my scope. However, as a frequent freight forwarder China to Saudi Arabia, I am familiar with Saudi Customs procedures and knew I could provide additional support.

How We Solved It

Clarifying the Issue

2. • I contacted the factory to gather details about the loading error.
   • I drafted an explanation letter, clearly outlining the mismatch between the declared and actual quantities, the reason for the mistake, and the shipping line's inability to amend the documents.

Proactive Notification

4. • I advised Omar's customs broker to notify Saudi Customs proactively instead of waiting for inspections. Saudi Customs values transparency, and providing a clear explanation upfront could mitigate penalties.

Collaborative Efforts

6. • With the explanation letter in hand, the customs broker presented the case to Saudi Customs. This proactive approach avoided penalties and protected the broker's record.

The Outcome
Thanks to our teamwork, the shipment cleared customs without any fines or delays. Omar received his cargo smoothly, and his customs broker avoided any penalty points. Omar was thrilled and praised us as an experienced freight forwarder China to Saudi Arabia who goes the extra mile to solve problems.

Why Choose Sunny Worldwide Logistics?
If you need reliable logistics services from China to Saudi Arabia or anywhere else, we're here for you. With 26 years of experience, we take pride in solving challenges and ensuring smooth shipping for our clients.

Feel free to contact us anytime for professional and personalized logistics support!

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