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.
Month: January 2026
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 […]
Financial Planning After Your Spouse’s Maritime Injury: Insurance, Benefits & Lawsuits
The call came at the worst possible time. Your husband was injured on the rig. Maybe it was a fall. Maybe a piece of equipment malfunctioned. Maybe something went terribly wrong during a routine task. Now you’re facing questions you never expected to have to answer. How will you pay the bills next month? What […]
Maintenance and Cure: Why Your $40/Day Check Is Illegal
Immediate Action: If you are receiving $30 or $40 a day for “maintenance,” you are likely being underpaid. Do not sign any agreement stating this rate is final. If you are a seaman injured on the job, you are entitled to “Maintenance and Cure.” This is the most basic, ancient right in maritime law. Yet, […]
The Unseaworthiness Doctrine in Maritime Law: How It Increases Settlements
Executive Summary: Most injured workers focus on “negligence”—proving their boss made a mistake. But maritime law offers a more powerful weapon: the Unseaworthiness Doctrine. This rule makes vessel owners strictly liable for unsafe conditions, regardless of fault. Understanding this can double the value of your claim. When I review a new case, I don’t just […]
Offshore Wrongful Death Settlements: Real Cases and What Families Received
You’re searching for answers. Your family has suffered an unthinkable loss. An offshore worker—your husband, your father, your son—was killed while working on a rig, vessel, or platform. The grief is overwhelming. But in the middle of that pain, you need to know one thing: what will happen to your family now? What kind of […]
How to Prevent Cargo Claims: A Shipowner’s Guide for 2026
Cargo claims are a major headache for any shipping business. In 2026, stakes are higher than ever—laws are strict, and reputations are everything. Here’s a tough, step-by-step guide for shipowners to prevent cargo claims and keep your operation running smooth.
P&I Insurance Coverage: Complete Maritime Protection & Indemnity Guide
P&I (Protection & Indemnity) insurance provides third-party liability coverage for vessel owners, protecting against claims from other vessels, cargo owners, crew members, and environmental damage. This comprehensive guide explains P&I coverage types, the P&I club mutual insurance system, cost allocation mechanisms, and how P&I differs from H&M insurance in maritime operations.
Tips for Avoiding Lawsuits in the Shipping Business
Lawsuits are a headache. As a tough shipowner, I do my best to steer clear of court. Here are simple tips to help you avoid legal trouble and keep your business strong.