In recent months, the phenomenon of large-scale “Off Load / Over Flow” has frequently occurred due to the continuous Blank Sailing / Vessel Rotation to reduce loading capacity by shipping alliances. Although such situations are impact an international shipping, most people try to avoid them. Now, let’s take a look at what exactly “Off Load / Over Flow”is and how we can avoid it.
it means: The container after export customs clearance and is ready to be loaded, However, when the ship is fully and/over booked beyond the concerned port allotments, the shipping line will inform shipper the concerned container is off load or over flow to the next available voyage. Shipper Line takes NO responsibility for such arrangement.
In order to avoid empty container or cargo shortage, shipping companies usually release more booking than actual when space allotment available . Once the booked volume reaches the ship's declared deadweight tonnage and/or container loading capacity, the shipping company may delay some containers at the loading port late for one or more next available voyages - this is called “Off Load / Over Flow ”. This actually caused by shipping companies / alliance pursuing maximum profits, and is the main reason for being “Off Load / Over Flow.
In the case of being Off Load / Over Flow, the shipping company's bill of lading has disclaimers, it does not constitute a breach of contract.
Therefore, in order to avoid being Off Load / Over Flow, it is recommended:
What is “Off Load / Over Flow ” ?
“Off Load / Over Flow ” is a very common term in logistics industry. "Container" refers to shipping containers, mainly including full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) for ocean shipment.it means: The container after export customs clearance and is ready to be loaded, However, when the ship is fully and/over booked beyond the concerned port allotments, the shipping line will inform shipper the concerned container is off load or over flow to the next available voyage. Shipper Line takes NO responsibility for such arrangement.
Why does “Off Load / Over Flow ” happen?
The shipping company / alliance releases insufficiency containers than actual available:In order to avoid empty container or cargo shortage, shipping companies usually release more booking than actual when space allotment available . Once the booked volume reaches the ship's declared deadweight tonnage and/or container loading capacity, the shipping company may delay some containers at the loading port late for one or more next available voyages - this is called “Off Load / Over Flow ”. This actually caused by shipping companies / alliance pursuing maximum profits, and is the main reason for being “Off Load / Over Flow.
How to deal with “Off Load / Over Flow”?
1. Apply for short shipment
When the cargo / container is Off Load / Over Flow by carrier / shipping lines, there is not necessary to apply short shipment or register for 2nd customs clearance unless the concerned Off Load/ Over Flow caused by customer directly. If so, the first thing to do is apply for short shipment with the shipping Lines. Since the cargo has entered the port and cleared customs, there is no need to clear customs and inspection again when being Off Load / Over Flow.2. Cancel customs clearance and re-apply
If short shipment cannot be applied with the shipping company, or customs do not agree with short shipment for other reasons, please contact relevant operation to manage the shipment transfer to other available schedule and documentation process. According to the shipping company’s new vessel/voyage number, the shipper should process customs clearance cancellation with Customs. We have to entrust the trucking company to handle container in according to the shipping agent/shipping company instruction, and pay relevant fees (reallocation fees and operation fees). Shipment Reallocation requires deletion of the original bill and re-reporting to the Customs.In the case of being Off Load / Over Flow, the shipping company's bill of lading has disclaimers, it does not constitute a breach of contract.
Therefore, in order to avoid being Off Load / Over Flow, it is recommended:
- Book container earlier and make shipping plans earlier, try to avoid peak seasons to overbooking.
- Choose logistics companies with strength and reputation, and to minimize risks like Off Load / Over Flow.
- Complete related operations before various “deadlines”.
- Pay close attention to cargo status before loading and exact vessel schedule & etc.
PGS CBEL is a professional logistics team, based on PGS Group's over 200 years of global shipping experience and strong logistics network resources, deeply cooperates with multiple shipowners and carriers through long-term contracts and allotments. We can customize the optimal logistics solutions according to customer needs, provide FBA inbound transportation, transit warehousing, final mile delivery, and complete customs clearance procedures to accomplish the entire logistics supply chain. We will escort your cargo all the way!
