British International Freight Association -

Marcus explains: “Misdeclared coolant. Class 9, but agent logged it as Class 3. Panama won’t release. Ship sails in 14 hours.”

Marcus updates his email signature: Marcus Thorne – BIFA Certified Freight Professional.

“Three steps, Marcus. One: Do you have the original SDS from Siemens? Good. Two: I’m calling the BIFA liaison at – they have a direct line to the Canal’s compliance desk. Three: You need a Bill of Lading addendum stating the error is clerical, not safety-related. Use BIFA’s standard clause 14(C) – it’s on the member portal under ‘Documents.’” british international freight association

“But the Chilean agent won’t sign an addendum,” Marcus says.

He also buys a better frame for the beige certificate. Marcus explains: “Misdeclared coolant

Priya doesn’t offer sympathy. She offers process .

A £2.3 million shipment of MRI scanners is stuck at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. The shipping agent in Valparaíso, Chile, has “misdeclared” the cargo’s IMDG code (hazardous class) for the coolant. The ship’s captain has locked the containers. The client, a Manchester hospital trust, is threatening legal action. Marcus’s boss is shouting about “liquidated damages.” Ship sails in 14 hours

Priya answers on the second ring. No automated menu. Just a tired, efficient voice.