Delaware Shipping Company Sues Florida Carrier After Failure to Pay Ocean Freight Charges for Cargo Moved Through PortMiami
Crowley Logistics, Inc., a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Jacksonville, Florida, has filed a maritime breach of contract lawsuit against Rapid Ocean Freight, Inc.. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida under Case No. 1:26-cv-23377-JEM, alleges that the Florida-based defendant failed to pay thousands of dollars in earned ocean freight and related transportation charges. The plaintiff is seeking to enforce its rights under maritime contracts, establishing federal subject matter jurisdiction through admiralty claims.
Maritime Cargo Transport Dispute Arises from Unpaid Less Than Container Load Shipments Departing PortMiami
According to the complaint, Crowley Logistics operates as a diversified freight forwarder and licensed Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier. Rapid Ocean Freight is also a Florida corporation operating under a Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier license issued by the Federal Maritime Commission, with its primary operations located in Broward County. The dispute stems from services rendered between March 2024 and October 2024. During this period, the plaintiff arranged for the transportation of goods aboard ocean vessels on a less than container load basis. These cargo shipments originated from PortMiami and were delivered to various international ports of discharge at the explicit request and direction of the defendant.
Carrier Accused of Material Breach of Contract Over Delinquent Freight Invoices and Account Statements
The lawsuit alleges that the defendant was identified as the shipper on every invoice and account statement generated during the multi-month shipping arrangement. The terms and conditions governing the international cargo services were standard provisions published on the plaintiff’s corporate website and incorporated by reference into the invoices delivered in the normal course of business. Under these specific terms, the definition of a shipper explicitly includes the person named on the bill of lading, the consignor, the consignee, the owner of the goods, or the person for whose account the cargo is transported. The plaintiff asserts that the defendant fits this definition perfectly but committed a material breach of the shipping agreement by failing to compensate the carrier for the services performed.
Complaint Outlines OTI Bond Restrictions and Demands Full Payment with Pre Judgment Interest
In addition to the breach of contract allegations, the complaint highlights the financial impact of the unpaid balances. The plaintiff states that it fully performed all contractual obligations and conditions precedent by successfully arranging the transportation and ensuring the delivery of the goods to the designated international consignees. To date, the defendant has reportedly failed to pay a total of sixteen thousand five hundred eighty six dollars and sixty one cents in earned ocean freight and related cargo charges. While these specific ocean transportation charges are covered by an ocean transportation intermediary bond, the surety company will not release the funds or pay the claim until a final federal judgment is formally entered against the defendant in accordance with federal maritime regulations.
Logistics Firm Seeks Damages and Recovery of Attorney Fees Resulting from International Cargo Default
The plaintiff brings a formal count of breach of contract against the Florida corporation. The legal team asserts that valid maritime contracts were formed each time the defendant requested cargo transportation and the plaintiff agreed to arrange the logistics in exchange for agreed freight charges. Because of the persistent failure to pay, the plaintiff claims significant financial damages. Under the terms and conditions governing the cargo shipments, the defendant is also allegedly liable for all legal expenses incurred during collection efforts. The shipping firm is asking the federal court to enter a judgment for the full unpaid balance, pre judgment interest, taxable costs, disbursements, and reasonable attorney fees.
Contact a Maritime Commercial Litigation Lawyer Today if You Experience Cargo Breaches or Unpaid Freight Disputes
Ocean carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers facing unpaid freight charges or broken maritime contracts are entitled to pursue full compensation under federal admiralty law. Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers have clear legal obligations to honor their transport agreements and settle accounts for cargo moved through major logistics hubs like PortMiami. If your shipping business or logistics company is dealing with a material breach of contract, international cargo default, or bond recovery issue, contact our team of experienced maritime commercial litigation lawyers today. We are here to help you navigate federal maritime regulations, protect your shipping rights, and explore your legal options to recover earned revenue.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
