I have not been able to find an authoritative and clear-cut definition of "Liner terms". Variations such as "Liner Out", "Full Liner Terms", etc. are used.
To my limited knowledge, "Liner Terms" means shipper and receiver does not have to pay for loading / discharging the cargo. Their responsibilities are limited to bringing the cargo alongside (shipper) and taking delivery from alongside (receiver).
Some receivers claim that shore handling and wharfage is also part of the "Liner terms".
How far is such a claim tenable?
Shall appreciate an answer.
Best regards / Vijay M. Lal
"Liner Terms"
"Liner Terms"
Dear VijayLal, your interpretation or understanding of "liner terms" is not wrong but it is incomplete.
LLOYD'S INTERPRETATION OF LINER TERMS
In fact, liner term is also called "berth term". According to the Lloyd's interpretation from our private library, it means that the freight charges include payment of stevedore and winchmen by the carrier or the shipowners in the loading and discharge operations.
CUSTOMS OF THE PORT RULE
These terms are often used in charter party shipments. If one asks for an official interpretation of these terms, that means he does not know too much about maritime transport practices.
Why? Because for different seaports, there are different "customs of the port" which may have different demarkation of liabilities of the parties for using the same shipping term, such as "berth term" and to confuse you more, how about "liner in and free out".
There is no control. Parties may use whatever terms they like. The trouble is that there are different interpretations in different "customs of the port".
That is why in a charter party arbitration, we have to find out what the customs of the port say before we determine who is right and who is wrong.
THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE MORE YOU DON'T KNOW
If we go further, "berth terms" may not be exactly the same as "liner terms" according to some authorities but this is well beyond the scope of the DC Pro Discussion Forum level, which is mainly meant for the bankers. So we have to stop right here.
The more you know, the more you don't know. But it is still better than that you do not know you don't know or you think that you know everything.
DISCLAIMERS:
The opinions, comments and/or advices expressed here are solely for discussion or debating purposes. They may change with time, for example, when new perspectives are taken or after new developments or changes in trade customs and practices are seen in the respective fields. You should not rely on or act accordingly to such opinions, comments and/or advices and should seek professional opinions from your own lawyers, experts and/or consultants. We do not assume any liability or responsibility for any damages, losses or consequences of whatever nature, whether directly or indirectly related to or caused by our opinions, comments and/or advices.
http://www.tolee.com
[edited 12/27/01 5:47:07 PM]
LLOYD'S INTERPRETATION OF LINER TERMS
In fact, liner term is also called "berth term". According to the Lloyd's interpretation from our private library, it means that the freight charges include payment of stevedore and winchmen by the carrier or the shipowners in the loading and discharge operations.
CUSTOMS OF THE PORT RULE
These terms are often used in charter party shipments. If one asks for an official interpretation of these terms, that means he does not know too much about maritime transport practices.
Why? Because for different seaports, there are different "customs of the port" which may have different demarkation of liabilities of the parties for using the same shipping term, such as "berth term" and to confuse you more, how about "liner in and free out".
There is no control. Parties may use whatever terms they like. The trouble is that there are different interpretations in different "customs of the port".
That is why in a charter party arbitration, we have to find out what the customs of the port say before we determine who is right and who is wrong.
THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE MORE YOU DON'T KNOW
If we go further, "berth terms" may not be exactly the same as "liner terms" according to some authorities but this is well beyond the scope of the DC Pro Discussion Forum level, which is mainly meant for the bankers. So we have to stop right here.
The more you know, the more you don't know. But it is still better than that you do not know you don't know or you think that you know everything.
DISCLAIMERS:
The opinions, comments and/or advices expressed here are solely for discussion or debating purposes. They may change with time, for example, when new perspectives are taken or after new developments or changes in trade customs and practices are seen in the respective fields. You should not rely on or act accordingly to such opinions, comments and/or advices and should seek professional opinions from your own lawyers, experts and/or consultants. We do not assume any liability or responsibility for any damages, losses or consequences of whatever nature, whether directly or indirectly related to or caused by our opinions, comments and/or advices.
http://www.tolee.com
[edited 12/27/01 5:47:07 PM]