Florida Coffee Importer Sued by Crowley Shipping Lines Over Unpaid Maritime Freight and Logistics Invoices
Crowley Latin America Services and Crowley Logistics have filed a federal maritime lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Castellon Coffee, a Florida limited liability company. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-24469-BB, alleges that the Miami-Dade County business failed to pay for ocean transport, customs clearance, and warehouse storage services involving cold brew cargo shipped from Honduras to Port Everglades.
Crowley Logistics and Shipping Lines Seek Damages for Unpaid Coffee Cargo Transportation Bills
According to the complaint, the dispute stems from a maritime credit agreement executed in June 2024. Castellon Coffee, which imports cold brew coffee and beverages from Latin America, secured a credit line of up to $240,000.00 with the Crowley companies. Under the terms of the contract, the importer was required to pay all freight invoices and shipping charges within a thirty-day window. In September 2024, Crowley vessels transported the beverage cargo on a freight collect basis from Puerto Cortes, Honduras, to Port Everglades, Florida. Although Crowley completed the ocean voyage and safely delivered the cargo, the coffee importer allegedly breached the agreement by failing to compensate the shipping lines for the services rendered.
Maritime Contract Lawsuit Accuses Florida Business of Breaching Ocean Bills of Lading Agreement
The legal action highlights a significant breach of the conditions outlined in the ocean bills of lading. Crowley asserts that Castellon Coffee is explicitly listed as the consignee on the shipping documents, legally binding them to the terms and definitions of the transport agreement. Under maritime regulations and the contract provisions, the consignee bears the direct responsibility for paying the earned ocean freight fees. Crowley claims that the importer failed to provide the necessary compensation for the voyage, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in outstanding transport debts. Because of this contract violation, the shipping line is also seeking to recover the legal fees and collection costs incurred while attempting to secure the unpaid ocean freight charges.
Cargo Logistics Provider Files Unjust Enrichment Claim Over Unpaid Customs Clearance and Warehouse Storage Fees
Beyond the ocean voyage itself, the lawsuit details extensive cargo handling, customs clearance, and logistics support provided on land. Upon the arrival of the cold brew coffee shipment at Port Everglades, Crowley Logistics managed the customs clearance procedures and arranged for the goods to be transferred to a specialized commercial warehouse facility in Medley, Florida. Crowley states that it performed all warehousing, storage, and eventual disposal operations at the express request of the importer. The complaint contains an unjust enrichment count, arguing that the Florida business knowingly accepted and benefited from these essential logistics and port operations but inequitably withheld payment for the actual value of the storage and customs work.
Shipping Lines Demand Liquidated Damages and Outstanding Contract Fees in Florida Federal Court
The plaintiffs are seeking a total financial judgment that combines unpaid service invoices, contract interest, and contractual liquidated damages. The complaint outlines that the total outstanding debt for the shipping and logistics operations sits at $132,965.38. Furthermore, because the account became delinquent, Crowley is invoking a specific contract provision that triggers a twenty-five percent liquidated damages penalty on the unpaid freight invoices, adding an extra $18,032.04 to the legal demand. The shipping providers ask the federal court to hold the importer fully liable for the combined damages, along with pre-judgment interest and all applicable court costs associated with the filing.
Contact a Maritime Commercial Shipping and Freight Dispute Lawyer Today for Cargo Contract Litigation
Commercial shipping operations and maritime cargo transport require strict adherence to credit agreements, bills of lading, and port logistics contracts. When importers or suppliers fail to pay freight charges, customs clearance fees, or warehouse storage invoices, ocean carriers and logistics providers have strong legal remedies under federal admiralty law. If your business is dealing with a breach of maritime contract, unpaid ocean freight bills, or a cargo delivery dispute in Florida waters, contacting an experienced maritime attorney can help protect your financial interests. Our team is dedicated to helping logistics providers, vessel operators, and international traders navigate complex contract enforcement and maritime debt recovery.
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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.
