Smooth Move Logistics

Horrible experience during international shipping through this company. Signed contract means nothing to them! Barbie and rest of team are very unhelpful. Other reviewers have faced similar issue as mine (non-payment of charges at destination) so please be aware. I am forced to come to the conclusion that many of the 5-star reviews here are fake. Upon contacting FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), I was told this company has license to ship only within the state of Florida.

My issue arose due to a charge at the destination port: "Container Movement Charge" that Smooth Move Logistics has refused to pay.

As per the agreement:

Smooth Move Logistics' responsibility: Door to door services, includes packing personal belonging, drayage to export terminal, preparation of export documents, broker fees at origin, ocean freight and transportation through port terminal, customs clearance, and complete delivery service of personal belonging at residence including unpacking.

Customer responsibility: Terminal Handling, port fees, customs inspection demurrages and or storage.

Based on this agreement, it is very clear that "transportation through port terminal" is the said charge in question: I.e., "Container Movement Charge". This is responsibility of the Smooth Move Logistics. However, Smooth Move calls it a "Port Charge" and refuses to pay.

Definition of each charge was explained by the destination agent which is as follows, and shows "Container Movement Charge" is NOT "Port Charge", but a separate charge in itself:

Terminal Handling Charge – Charge levied by the Shipping Line at destination. This charge comprises of the delivery order fees, terminal handling & other miscellaneous charges.

Container Movement Charge – Is charged by the levied by the port authorities for moving the container with in the port terminal. Unless the container is not moved to the container yard where it is de-stuffed, the customs officer will not inspect the shipment. In short, the import clearance process will not move ahead. So this is a mandatory charge that has to be paid to the authorities to get the import clearance process started.

Port Charge – This is a charge levied by port authorities for keeping shipment in their vicinity from the day it arrives till the day is cleared from port.

Customs Duty – Duty & taxes applicable on shipment.

Smooth Move Logistics refuses to acknowledge their contractual responsibilities and pay this charge.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $6800