When Unexpected Bills Strike: How to Avoid Hidden Costs in Cross-Border Shipping

I. Dispute Overview: “Non-Stackable Fee” Emerges Mid-Air, Post-Notice Sparks Dispute

On April 24, 2025, the JCtrans Risk Control Department received an online dispute complaint: the consignor, Company A, accused its overseas agent—Company B in the UK—of unilaterally adding a “Non-Stackable Fee” of EUR 1540.0 (approximately USD 1780.0) without prior communication, and refusing to revise the invoice, which disrupted A’s internal payment procedures.

The shipment, consisting of ceramic products, was transported from LHR (London) to PVG (Shanghai). According to A, the actual shipper and consignee had clearly stated before shipment that the goods were stackable. B also quoted the rate based on this premise. However, B only informed A after the flight had departed that the airline deemed the cargo “non-stackable” and had added the related fee to the invoice—without providing any written documentation to justify the charge.

A therefore refused to accept the charge and submitted a claim via the platform, requesting assistance with mediation.

II. Platform Findings: Quote Did Not Include non-stackable fee; “Post-Invoice Charge” Lacks Grounds

The initial quote from B did not include a non-stackable fee and was confirmed based on the cargo being stackable.

The Bill of Lading listed the goods as “ceramic products.”

The shipper and consignee submitted actual photos of the cargo upon delivery to the London warehouse, showing neat and structurally sound packaging.

The only “evidence” B provided to justify the non-stackable designation was a screenshot of an email, submitted only after platform intervention and never communicated with A during shipment.

These findings indicate that B failed to communicate with the client before shipment and did not obtain confirmation for the additional fee from Company A.

III. Platform’s View: Communication Must Be Compliant; All Extra Fees Require Advance Confirmation

The core issue in this case is not the fee amount, but the lack of proper communication and confirmation mechanism.

As the carrier’s agent, B should have obtained written confirmation from both the consignor and the paying party before applying any additional charges beyond the original quote.

Changing the cargo’s stacking condition from “stackable” to “non-stackable” without notice—especially when the airline's claim lacked formal documentation—constitutes a procedural lapse.

Under pressure from the platform, B eventually agreed to revise the invoice and remove the non-stackable fee. Company A completed the remaining payment, and the dispute was formally resolved.

IV. What Are the Criteria for Classifying Ceramic Products as “Stackable” in Air Freight?

Strong and Compressible External Packaging

Use reinforced cartons (5-ply or above) or wooden crates, with pallets at the base; all cartons must have flat tops without bulging or collapse to allow stacking.

Complete Internal Cushioning

Each ceramic item should be individually wrapped with protective material, and all voids within the carton filled to prevent damage from vibrations.

No Clear “Fragile” or “Do Not Stack” Labels on Outer Cartons

If “Fragile” labels are present, provide structural reinforcement or notify prior to booking. Otherwise, airlines may default to “non-stackable.”

Stable Center of Gravity and Proper Pallet Height

Pallet height should ideally be controlled within 1.2 meters; cargo should be stable and evenly distributed for safe stacking.

V. Risk Alert: How to Avoid Similar Disputes

1. Confirm Air Freight Packaging in Advance

Photograph the cargo and retain proof of packaging (including internal cushioning).

Clearly indicate “Stackable Cargo” in booking instructions and shipping orders.

Require that any change to stacking designation by the airline or agent must be supported by written documentation or email notice.

For cargo marked “Fragile” but structurally stackable, provide engineering drawings or third-party compression certification.

2. Extra Charges Must Be Confirmed by Both Parties

Any last-minute surcharges imposed by the airline must be documented and communicated to the client before shipment to avoid disputes and liability disputes.

JCtrans will continue to record and publish similar cases to help members strengthen their Risk Mitigation capabilities.

If you encounter similar disputes in your operations, please contact your Risk Control Specialist immediately. We are here to support you.