Different scenarios you might encounter as a shipper in Maersk Spot: FAQs

1. Self-amending shipping instructions (SIs)

Maersk allows you to make amendments to your SI via the platform easily. However, depending on your shipment journey, there may be certain cases where certain types of amendments may not be possible:

• Container gate-out

  Once your container has begun gating out of the origin facility, you won’t be able to make online amendments to specific details such as place of receipt, origin, service mode, container count, commodities, etc. You’d need to contact our customer service team directly for these changes.

• Container gate-in/loaded

  After your container has been gated in at the origin port or loaded aboard the vessel, you cannot change any details about the origin, container, or destination through self-service amendments. However, we offer a ‘Change of Destination’ request option at this stage of the journey.

2. How do I track the changes in ETA once the vessel departs?

There’s an ‘ETA Changes’ tab in Maersk Hub’s Export Overview section. This dedicated space lets you quickly see any new estimated time of arrival (ETA) details for cargo that may be experiencing delays or arriving ahead of schedule.

3. When can I see the new timeline after amending my departure date?

You can view the updated timelines on the shipping amendment page as well as booking confirmation.

4. Can I use any language to submit my shipment details?

For international shipments, we require that all shipping instructions (SIs) be submitted in English. This helps ensure clear communication across our global operations.

5. As the buyer, can I fill out the shipping instructions myself?

The supplier must submit the shipping instructions directly through our online platform. As the buyer, you won’t be able to enter those details yourself. But don’t worry, we’ll share copies of the instructions, so that you can review them. Also, note that the ‘Booked by’ party has the power to assign the ‘Transport Document Receiver’ as well.

6. When submitting my shipping instructions, can I split, part, or combine bill of landings (B/Ls)?

Yes, as part of the initial SI submissions, the header section of the shipping instructions page will include options to split, partload, or combine bills of lading for that particular spot shipment.

7. How do I get a B/L from Maersk without the charges mentioned?

When making changes to your shipping instructions, you’ll notice an option under the ‘Payees’ tab that lets you control how charges are displayed on the bill of lading (B/L). From this section, you can easily specify whether you want the B/L to list all the various charges and fees or omit them on the B/L copy.

8. Can I amend B/Ls with several commodities?

Yes, you can perform B/L amendments for multi-cargo shipments.

9. Can I submit one B/L with multiple containers with different cargo descriptions each?

When filling out the shipping instruction form, look for the "Cargo & VGM" section. Here, you can assign unique descriptions to any containers you want to add.

10. Can I arrange an electronic cargo release?

Yes, with Maersk Spot, you don’t need to physically transfer paperwork to release your cargo. Simply go to the shipment details page and use the Electronic Cargo Release option. Learn more about the cargo release process here.

11. When we combine two B/Ls, does it have to be the same shipper, consignee, and same details?

Yes, if you combine two bills of lading, they must have the exact same details of the consignee and consignor, including the name and address. Otherwise, we won’t be able to combine the bills of lading.

12. When do I start paying demurrage and detention (D&D) charges?

Maersk provides a handy D&D calculator that can help you determine your shipment’s expected demurrage and detention (D&D) charges. Here’s how you can access it:

• After you’ve logged into your Maersk account, you’ll land on the Maersk Hub.
• Go to the ‘Import Demurrage & Detention’ widget and input your shipment number.
• Then click on ‘View D&D Details’.
• Depending on when you would be able to return the container, select the container return date. Based on this, we’ll calculate D&D for the chargeable days.

13. Can I extend my freetime even after booking confirmation?

Absolutely! You can purchase freetime extensions during the shipping instructions submission process. For some destination countries, you can buy freetime from the Shipment Details, Demurrage & Detention calculator, or Delivery Order instructions tools — within 15 days from final discharge of the vessel.

14. Can I cover my cargo against physical damage while in transit?

Yes, Maersk’s Value Protect provides a simple yet comprehensive add-on solution to protect your cargo. Applicable across all commodities, it extends far beyond the standard liability coverage—giving you extra peace of mind.

With Value Protect, you’re covered for a wide range of situations that standard terms may not fully account for, including:

• Fire and smoke damage
• Navigational errors or mismanagement
• Heavy weather or other dangerous sea conditions
• Theft (excluding high-risk scenarios like armed robbery)
• Efforts to save life or property at sea
• Cargo delays causing damage
• General average contributions

15. Can I get compensated for commercial damages and financial losses when purchasing ‘Value Protect’ with my Maersk Spot booking?

No, Value Protect only covers physical damage to your goods. Maersk’s liability doesn’t extend to commercial damages or any loss of income (such as loss due to unintentional delays).

16. Can I get Maersk’s Value Protect add-on service with my existing insurance coverage?

Our Value Protect is designed to seamlessly complement your current cargo insurance. It is a simple, streamlined product that you can purchase while booking your Maersk Spot freight online as a value-added service.

Value Protect payouts won’t impact your official insurance loss record or raise any red flags with your providers. It provides that extra level of protection in an efficient, low-friction way.

Of course, you’ll still want to be mindful of any notification requirements under your maritime cargo insurance policy. Properly notifying your insurance providers maintains your full coverage options in case you need to file a claim through those traditional channels.

17. Are container damage or cleaning disputes covered under Maersk’s Value Protect?

No, that particular exposure is handled through a separate Maersk offering called Container Protect. This solution is designed to alleviate the burden of disputes and excessive paperwork. It provides transparent coverage for container cleaning and repairs necessitated by third-party damage, such as handling or maintenance.

18. How can I remove someone who has left the company from the Maersk account?

Head to the ‘Company Permissions’ tab in your profile settings. This will show you the complete list of people who can access the Maersk account on your company’s behalf. To remove a person, simply reach out to our live chat support team. They’ll be happy to update the permissions and remove a former employee's access from your account.

We’re still working on adding a “revoke” button to make this process even smoother.

19. How can I update a company or customer code in my Maersk account?

You can update company/customer-related codes and permissions via the Registration team, which is available on Maersk’s live chat.

20. Can I combine my customer codes into one?

No, you cannot combine different customer codes into one. However, you can have access to multiple codes. But, you’ll still need to switch back and forth between multiple customer codes depending on who is the party in the shipment you are trying to access.

21. Why can’t my colleagues see the spot rates when I am able to view them?

There can be a couple of potential reasons for that:

• You may be looking at booking rates tied to a specific customer ID where your co-worker isn’t listed as the designated ‘price owner’. Only the specified price owners will be able to view rates for bookings under that customer ID.
• If they are in the list of specified price owners, it is possible that your co-worker’s user profile has the rate permission unchecked on their profile, even if they are a price owner on that customer ID.

22. Can I add, change, or delete the ‘inland/store-door’ in my Maersk Spot booking?

Yes, you can add, modify, or delete ‘inland/store-door’ in your Maersk Spot booking. The modification is classified as a “booking amendment”. You can view the detailed process here. Also, you can add a ‘SD delivery’ to your existing ‘CY booking’ in the SSDO tool by submitting a Delivery Order (DO).

23. Which land transport modes are available on Maersk Spot?

Maersk Spot booking supports different modes of transport across multiple delivery locations. We also offer ocean and inland (intermodal) together under one booking. Here’s how you can book your inland freight with Maersk Spot.

24. How can I get my Maersk Spot contract revised?

Each Maersk Spot booking is a contract in itself. The rates change on a daily basis and thus, cannot be amended. However, you can amend your Spot booking online and get instant confirmation on the changes.