Shipping Containers landed but not imported

[roddyW]

Container loads of good are offloaded and stored in such docks as Tilbury, Felixstowe etc.

They are often left there by the importers until such time as required. This avoids import duty being paid until such time as the goods are ready to be sold on.

Sometimes the importer will leave the goods there as he has no ready outlet for them and leaving avoids the further expenses of duty, transport etc.

My question?

Who, how and where are these containers disposed off? Is it the Port Authority, Customs or an auction center?

Any information will be most appreciated.

Many thanks

[boxtops]

Isn't this where things get sold off in these massive auctions, where you see Persian carpets and furniture sold off - described as excess stock or unwanted order? We see these quite often in our local paper, in big hotels etc or the local auction houses.

[roddyW]

These auctions are not connected to shipping containers but rather to individuals or company's looking to sell items purchased via conventional methods open to anyone wishing to run a business, ie. purchasing from a wholesaler or manufacturer.

I did once hear that the containers, after a period, should they not be claimed (As in dumped cars) can be auctioned off. Can anyone confirm or throw any light on this?

Many thanks

[Hawkwalk]

leaving a container at the docks leads to expensive demurrage costs so it would not be a way to avoid extra costs if you have no outllet for the product.

[roddyW]

It does happen! Containers are sometimes' walked away from'. Just as in home ownership, sometimes when it becomes unviable, people 'walk away'.

The question is, who disposes of these containers and where?

Many thanks again.

[Hawkwalk]

why dont you contact one of the freight forwarding companies as I am sure they would know.

[roddyW]

Good Point. Worth a try.

Thanks