Georgia Food Importer Sues Crowley After $30K in Damaged Plantain Cargo Shipped from Guatemala to Florida
Dekalb Farmers Market, Inc., a Georgia-based food distributor, has filed a federal maritime cargo damage lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Crowley Latin America Services, LLC. The case, filed on November 26, 2025, under Case No. 0:25-cv-62426-AHS, alleges breach of contract under both the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) and a written service agreement. The lawsuit stems from a failed refrigerated shipment of plantains transported by Crowley’s vessel M/V Storm from San Marcos, Guatemala, to Palmetto, Florida.
Crowley Accused of Breaching Cargo Delivery Contract After Refrigeration Failure Damages Plantain Shipment
According to the complaint, Crowley accepted a shipment of 1,080 boxes of fresh plantains into refrigerated container TRIU8699047 on November 22, 2024. The container was reportedly set to maintain a constant temperature of 49°F to preserve the perishable produce. However, within 26.5 hours of loading, the refrigeration unit allegedly malfunctioned, causing the container’s internal temperature to spike to approximately 70°F for 19 hours. As a result, the plantains were allegedly heat-damaged and rendered unsellable upon delivery.
Dekalb claims Crowley issued a clean bill of lading and failed to notify the shipper of any issues during transit. When the cargo arrived in Florida on December 2, 2024, it was in “damaged condition” and no longer marketable. The plaintiff alleges the malfunction made the container unseaworthy and that Crowley’s failure to maintain proper refrigeration during transit violated its obligations as a common carrier and party to the service agreement.
Federal Complaint Invokes COGSA and Maritime Contract Law to Recover Over $30K in Cargo Damage Losses
The lawsuit brings two counts: breach of contract under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA, 46 U.S.C. § 30701 et seq.) and breach of maritime service agreement. Dekalb seeks damages of $30,992.00, plus pre-judgment interest, attorney’s fees, and litigation costs.
Dekalb alleges the cargo was in good order at the time of loading in Guatemala and that the reefer container was documented as operating at the correct temperature in the hours immediately following. However, the system allegedly failed during ocean transit aboard the M/V Storm, a Crowley-operated vessel flagged under Antigua and Barbuda. Plaintiff contends this failure falls squarely under the responsibility of Crowley under the shipping contract and federal maritime law.
Lawsuit Highlights Risk of Temperature-Sensitive Cargo Loss in Maritime Logistics Chain
This case underscores the high risks food importers face when shipping perishable goods under time-sensitive, temperature-controlled conditions. In its filing, Dekalb argues the damage arose from a “faulty refrigeration unit” and claims Crowley failed to deliver the cargo in the same good order and condition in which it was received.
Crowley’s service agreement with Dekalb includes a forum selection clause requiring any litigation to be filed in Miami, Florida, and incorporates COGSA provisions. The container malfunction, as alleged, led to a cargo loss that rendered the plantains unusable for resale, resulting in direct financial damages to Dekalb Farmers Market.
Contact a Florida Maritime Cargo Damage Attorney if Your Shipment Was Ruined During Transit
Cargo owners who suffer losses due to mishandled or damaged goods in ocean transit—especially involving reefer containers, spoiled food products, or failure of carrier equipment—may have rights under federal maritime law. The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act and similar international agreements provide legal remedies for shippers harmed by unseaworthy conditions or contract breaches. If your cargo arrived damaged or spoiled due to a carrier’s negligence, contact our team to explore your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a maritime cargo damage attorney in Florida.
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.
