Shipper, carriers in scrape over scrap shipment

A plastic scrap shipper has filed a complaint with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission against the Mediterranean Shipping Co. and non-vessel-operating common carrier Shipco Transport in a dispute that involves documentation and demurrage charges.

The complaint, filed by Nathan Freeman, said he hired Shipco to carry two containers of plastic scrap from Jacksonville, Fla., to Cotonou, Benin, in 2006. The cargo was carried by MSC, but after the shipment arrived in Benin, he said the companies refused to issue him the original bill of lading for the cargo. He said that as a result, Port of Cotonou officials refused to release the shipment and eventually confiscated and seized his cargo. He also said the companies wrongfully sought demurrage.

Freeman is asking for $80,000 as value of the shipment and seeking $21,367 as reimbursement of ocean freight, other shipment charges, and cost of the property as well as attorney's fees and punitive damages.