Your cargo arrives damaged. Maybe it’s a few wet boxes, maybe it’s a whole container of ruined goods. The carrier shrugs. The insurer says “prove it.” You’re left holding the bag. This is where most small shippers give up and eat the loss. Don’t. The law is on your side if you follow the steps […]
Insurance Necessities for Family-Run Shipping Companies
Running a family shipping company is not like running a corporate fleet. You don’t have a legal department, a risk management team, or a bottomless bank account. You have one ship, maybe two, and if something goes wrong, it comes straight out of your pocket. I’ve seen too many family owners learn the hard way: […]
Crew Employment Laws: What Owners Must Keep in Mind
Your crew is not just a line item in your budget. They are the people who keep your ship floating, your cargo safe, and your business alive. Treat them wrong, and you’re not just a bad boss – you’re a target for fines, detentions, and lawsuits that can shut you down. Maritime labour law has […]
Vessel Arrest in Practice: Updated 2025-2026 Procedures
Vessel arrest is the sharpest weapon a maritime creditor has. You are not just sending letters and chasing invoices. You are stopping the ship from sailing, blocking the owner’s cash flow, and forcing them to deal with you. Used right, arrest is fast, brutal, and effective. Used wrong, it backfires as wrongful arrest and damages. […]
How to Write a Strong Shipping Contract
A weak shipping contract is an open door: unpaid freight, damaged cargo, delays, and no clear way to make the other side pay. A strong one shuts that door before trouble starts. This is a straight, practical guide to writing a shipping contract that actually protects you – whether you own ships, book cargo, or […]
Sue Shipping Company for Cargo Damage: Break COGSA Limits & Win Full Recovery
Carriers think they’re untouchable. They wreck your cargo, deny the claim, and hide behind $500 COGSA limits. I’ve sued them. Won. Here’s exactly how you sue shipping company for cargo damage and get every penny back. Don’t let them cheat you. The law lets you punch through their defenses if you know where to hit.
USCG Documentation vs. State Registration: The $26 Difference Protecting Your Boat
In my practice, I often handle the sale of vessels. The first question I ask a seller is, “Is the boat Documented?” If the answer is “No, it just has a Florida title,” the transaction immediately becomes more dangerous for the buyer. Why? because state titles are notoriously easy to forge or “wash” of liens. […]
Understanding Bills of Lading: Basics for Small Operators
If you run a small shipping business, the bill of lading is one document you can’t ignore. It’s more than a receipt – it’s the backbone of cargo handling. Here’s a clear look at what you need to know.
Importing a Sailboat to the USA: The Legal Traps
Executive Summary: Buying a sailboat in the Caribbean or Mediterranean often looks like a bargain—until you try to bring it home. While most buyers obsess over the 1.5% import duty, the real legal risks lie in EPA engine compliance and Jones Act trade restrictions. Failing these checks can turn an asset into a liability you […]
Competitor Unfair Practices in Shipping: Legal Remedies & How to Protect Your Business
They tried to cheat me. A competitor. Someone I’d known for years in the shipping trade. When they thought I wasn’t looking, they started spreading lies about my services, undercutting my rates to steal my clients, and telling my suppliers I was going out of business. I watched good customers slip away because of dirty […]