“The Nomination Twist: A Shipper’s FOB Lesson Every Exporter Should Know”
Sometimes in export–import, the real learning does not come from books or training. It comes from those unexpected moments during a shipment — the ones that test your patience, your awareness, and your understanding of terms like FOB, risk, and responsibility. This is the story of one such shipment, and how a simple email from a nominated freight forwarder almost changed everything.
The story begins with an exporter who had worked hard to secure an order. The buyer sounded genuine, communication was smooth, and production was already underway. The shipment was on FOB terms, which usually means the exporter handles the cargo only till loading at the Indian port, and after that, the responsibility shifts to the buyer. Everything looked fine — until one day, an email arrived from the buyer-nominated freight forwarder.
The email looked polite, professional, and routine at first glance. But hidden inside the lines were conditions that could easily trap any exporter who confirms without reading carefully. The message said:
“This is a nomination shipment. Only HBL will be released. BL will be issued after local port charges are paid.
If any storage charges, roll-over, detention, or demurrage are applicable, they will be on your account.
Payment should be released within five days, otherwise late document charges will apply.”
On paper, it sounded like standard terms. But when read slowly, it became clear — these lines had shifted silent risk onto the exporter. Under FOB, risks should normally end after loading on the vessel. Yet here, even issues like roll-over, storage, and demurrage — which can arise due to the shipping line or destination delays — were being placed on the exporter’s shoulders.
This moment became the turning point of the story. Instead of rushing to agree, the exporter paused. He remembered one simple rule of trade: clarify first, confirm later.
With calm thinking, he decided to respond professionally — not with anger, not with doubt, but with clarity. The reply email was short, respectful, and solution-oriented. It sounded like this:
“Thank you for your email and nomination confirmation.
Before we proceed, kindly share the complete breakup of all origin/local charges at the load port, including documentation, port and handling charges.
Also, please clarify that any storage, roll-over, detention, or demurrage arising due to shipping line issues, space constraints, or consignee delay will not be on the exporter’s account. Under FOB terms, our responsibility ends once cargo is safely loaded on the vessel.
Kindly also share a sample draft of the HBL that will be issued for this shipment.”
No arguments. No assumptions. Just clarity.
This simple and polite approach changed the tone of the conversation. The forwarder replied again, more carefully this time. The unclear areas were suddenly open for discussion. The buyer was also looped in, and responsibility was realigned as per proper FOB understanding. The exporter did not lose control — instead, he gained respect by asking the right questions.
The real beauty of this story lies not in the challenge, but in the approach. Many exporters, especially new ones, get excited after receiving an order, and in that excitement, they sometimes sign whatever terms are sent to them. But a shipment is not only about documents and containers. It is about awareness, risk protection, and keeping control over the process.
In situations like these, a simple four-step approach can save an exporter from trouble:
First, never confirm blindly — read every term twice. Second, ask for a clear breakup of local charges, because hidden charges can appear later. Third, seek written clarity on risk-related clauses like demurrage, detention, or roll-over. And finally, keep communication transparent with the buyer, because a nominated forwarder still operates from their side.
This story is not about fear — it is about learning. It reminds every exporter that words in a shipping email may look small, but their impact can be big. FOB is not just a trade term, it is a boundary of responsibility. And when boundaries are shifted silently, an exporter must be alert enough to bring them back to the right place.
In export–import, real wisdom comes not from avoiding challenges, but from handling them with clarity, confidence, and calm communication. And if someday a similar situation arises for another exporter, may this story whisper a gentle reminder — pause, read, clarify, and then move forward.
Barai Overseas carefully understood the full situation from both sides. Rather than blaming anyone, our team helped the buyer draft a clear, professional, and respectful message to the supplier. The message was focused on understanding the issue and finding a solution, not on arguments.
Once the message was sent, the supplier also responded in a positive and cooperative manner. Both sides discussed the matter calmly. With proper communication — exactly as guided by Barai Overseas — the issue was resolved smoothly, and the business relationship became even stronger.
This situation proved an important lesson:
In export–import, problems will come — but the right communication and guidance can turn a problem into a solution.
Barai Overseas always supports buyers and exporters in such moments — helping them handle disputes professionally, maintain trust, and continue business without damage.
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