The Editor,
I am writing to express my deep frustration and concern about the way shipping agencies operate, and my sincere belief that this sector urgently needs regulation. The shipping fees being charged, in my experience, are inconsistent and increasingly unreasonable, especially for those of us trying to serve our communities.
On November 11, I shipped one crate and six barrels to Jamaica. As I do every year, these items were intended both as a treat for loved ones and as supplies for hurricane relief efforts. I arrived in Jamaica on November 16 and even extended my stay by an additional week before returning to Tennessee.
I was informed by the secretary of the charity/foundation I started, that the shipment was scheduled to be stripped by that weekend. Based on this information, I flew back to Jamaica on the Friday of that week on a one-week ticket. Unfortunately, when I arrived, the shipment had still not been stripped, and I was forced to leave without resolving the matter.
As a result, I am now facing the need to return to the island for a third time, incurring yet another significant expense. To make matters worse, the shipping fee alone is $103,000. I wish to point out that in August I paid $67,000 to ship one crate and five barrels. This current crate is actually a few inches smaller than the previous one. The only difference is the addition of one barrel, yet the cost has increased by more than $30,000.
We feel completely powerless in situations like this. There appears to be no clear avenue for appeal, no oversight, and no authority to which ordinary citizens can turn when these charges seem unjustified. I have enclosed the correspondence sent by the shipping company for reference.
Please see breakdown of charges for shipment of 1 crate and 6 barrels- 211 cft.
6 Barrels: flat rate for:- handling, wharfage, Stripping,
$39,000.00
Crate-: 127 cft
For: Handling, wharfage, stripping, agency fee:-$63,500.00
DOC. $700.00
TOTAL:$103,200.00
At my query for clarification, I got this message: “Can’t make a reference but the charges submitted now, are what is payable at this time.”
Trying to do good—trying to help, give back, and support relief efforts—is becoming harder and harder under these conditions. It should not be this difficult or this costly to serve others.
I hope that by bringing this matter to public attention, meaningful discussion and action can begin toward fairness and accountability in the shipping industry.
Sincerely,
Emanuel Azan