The International Transport Intermediaries Club has warned transport agents to be vigilant due to an increase in attempts to obtain cargo using forged documents.
The club said although millions of consignments were delivered each year without incident, this was the trend it had seen recently.
An analysis of claims showed that delivery of cargo without bills of lading was the single largest cause of insurance claims against both liner and port agents.
In its latest newsletter Claims Review , the club advised shippers to always obtain the original bill of lading and the correct bill of lading to avoid potential trouble.
If a letter of indemnity was obtained, it should include the principal's written authority to release and agree on the wording and security.
Checks also should be made to ensure the cargo owner has authorised, in writing, release of the cargo and that the letter of indemnity is counter-signed by a first-class bank.