Before cargo can be released we require submission of a duly endorsed Original Bill of Lading (or a proof of identity if a Sea Waybill) and payment of outstanding charges.
Customers are reminded it is their duty to arrange import customs clearance. If requested, our logistics division can organise this on customers' behalf, and will need commodity code(s), gross and net cargo weights, CIF value, a commercial invoice and/or packing list, and any other appropriate paperwork e.g. import licences and veterinary health certificates. A fee is levied for this service.
Please see our import Demurrage & Detention page for details of free time and charges, and our Local Contacts page for relevant email addresses and telephone numbers.
This guide explains our standard terms for Merchant Haulage, and is provided on the explicit understanding that these are read and accepted by parties taking Merchant Release.
Customers are asked to request releases as early as possible, and provide the date & time they intend to have their haulier collect the container off the quay. Requests should be e-mailed to OUKLREL quoting a container or bill of lading number in the subject line.
Merchant haulage releases for vessels which have not yet arrived will be issued 1 working day before arrival of the ship. This ensures that the expiry date of the release is correct.
Southampton Releases are PIN only which will be four digits supplied by OOCL.
Liverpool, Thamesport, Grangemouth and Greenock releases are against haulier name and PIN provided by OOCL, or Badge Code. Please supply either haulier name or Badge Code when requesting releases from these ports.
For shipper's own containers, please check restitution point with container owner.
For all other empty import containers delivered by Merchant Haulage, please refer to the restiution guide below.
Standard restitution will be at the port of entry, however this will be connfirmed during the Pre-Exec process.
For Pre-Execs, please click HERE (opens in new tab). Failure to arrange your Pre-Exec will prevent you from completing the restitution.
Hauliers returning laden (reloaded) import containers for export should send Pre-Exec requests by email to SHAOUKEX, taking care to make clear that the unit is a reloaded import. They should also make the plan to reload the import container very clear when making the Export Booking and requesting the Import Release. Failure to follow these instructions will leave you liable to any associated costs that may result.
Standard restitution will be at the port of entry, though alternatives may be available upon email request to OUKLFLOW
The table will indicate the required restitution point, either Queen Victoria Terminal 3 or Total Cargo Services Ltd.
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20GP
|
40GP
|
40HQ
|
45HQ
|
20RF
|
40RQ
|
20HG
|
40HG
|
|
VT3
|
Open
|
Open
|
Closed
|
Open
|
Closed
|
Closed
|
Open
|
Open
|
|
TCS
|
Closed
|
Closed
|
Open
|
Closed
|
Open
|
Open
|
Closed
|
Closed
|
OOLU-prefixed containers railed to Manchester by OOCL must be restituted at Universal Container Services Ltd, Barton Moss, Manchester M30 7RT. OOLU-prefixed containers railed to Leeds by OOCL may be restituted at Freightliner Ltd, Stourton, Leeds LS10 1SD.
For non OOLU-prefixed containers, please check restitution point by emailing SHAOUKEX
Restitution points shown in this guide supersede any prior written instruction e.g. those cited on Release Notes.
Customers and/or their hauliers are responsible for checking the opening and closing times for the depots concerned. OOCL will not in any circumstances accept any costs associated with failed restitutions to closed depots.
Failure to remove the laden container(s) from the pickup location by 23.59 hrs on the PIN expiry date will result in Demurrage or Additional Demurrage being incurred.
To avoid Detention, hauliers must return the empty container(s) to the nominated depot within the specified Free Time Rules.
Any costs incurred by OOCL for subsequent repositioning of empty equipment returned to a depot other than that specified in the above tables will be passed on to the party taking release of the cargo. The same party will be liable for any damage to OOCL equipment whilst in their care.
The party taking release of the cargo shall be fully responsible for cargo losses or damage if appropriate measures are not taken to maintain and monitor the required temperature once the cargo is out-gated from the pickup location.
