Our logistics team is always available, anywhere across the world. This is because each of our 18 international offices across three continents services logistics clients. Having an office in Guildford, between Heathrow and Gatwick, adds to this accessibility. We are legal advisers to BIFA, the largest UK trade association which amounts to over 7,000 logistics companies across the UK. They and many freight forwarders choose us for high-value, complex work. At any one time we may be working on some 200 cases with a value of over £60 million.
The ability to deal with clients using our industry knowledge is vital in this sector. Our response is speedy and the leading directories recommend our four leading individuals for more than just their “vast knowledge” and technical excellence. Clients value our ability to “explain it all in layman’s language” and to listen to their needs and “translate this listening into action without delay.” Above all, our international network sets us apart from competitors in this market.
Underpinned by our core insurance expertise, the practice advises many cargo underwriters and liability insurers including:
- One of the largest transport insurers in the world
- The largest insurance company in the world
- All the major Japanese cargo insurers
Freight forwarders comprise another significant slice of our client base.
“Pushing the boundaries” of this growth area, the logistics practice deals with matters arising from the movement of goods worldwide, including disputes encountered by freight forwarders, ranging from the theft of £500,000 of computer goods in a single crate from its warehouse/storage centre to a claim for £17.5 million of excise duty on alcohol stolen in transit.
We also:
- Advise on bonds and duties
- Handle customs investigations involving imports and exports
- Deal with regulatory and criminal investigations
- Draft standard terms and conditions
- Arrange recoveries and handle insolvencies
- Impose liens
CMR claims require special attention to jurisdiction issues and liability limits. With our top dispute resolution practice we are fully equipped to handle large-scale multi-jurisdictional cases.