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 […]
Author: James Wilson
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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.
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.
Essential Maritime Laws Every Shipowner Should Know
As a shipowner running a family business, knowing the law keeps your company safe. Below are the main maritime laws every shipowner in America should know. I keep this simple, clear, and direct.