Shippers Target DB Schenker and Wallenius Wilhelmsen in New FMC Complaints

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  August 21st, 2025|Written by
Tim Jay

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The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has received fresh complaints from shippers, with DB Schenker USA and Wallenius Wilhelmsen (WW) facing allegations of documentation errors and mishandled cargo.

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Although the combined damages of just under $400,000 fall far below the record claims recently filed against Ocean Network Express ($18.1m) and Yang Ming ($14.7m), these cases stand out as they involve post-pandemic shipping disputes.

Worldwide Nexus vs. Wallenius Wilhelmsen

Worldwide Nexus Logistics is seeking $240,900 in reparations after ro-ro cargo shipped from the US to Chile, via Peru, was seized by Peruvian authorities in late 2023. The company claims WW failed to submit required in-transit documentation, including a Peruvian cargo manifest, causing the seizure.

Worldwide Nexus alleges WW initially admitted fault and offered compensation before abruptly withdrawing the settlement offer “without justification.” The cargo remains detained in Peru, and the claimant argues WW acted in bad faith by refusing to honor its earlier commitment.

International Wood Group vs. DB Schenker USA

International Wood Group (IWG) is pursuing more than $168,000 in damages, citing repeated documentation errors on five shipments between 2024 and 2025. The company says DB Schenker issued inaccurate bills of lading, certificates of origin, and commercial invoices despite receiving corrected details, and in one case used incorrect gross weight figures.

IWG has asked the FMC not only for financial compensation but also for a mandate requiring DB Schenker to strengthen internal controls over document handling, customer communication, and regulatory compliance.

These filings add to a summer of heavy casework for the FMC, which continues to see shippers challenge carriers and forwarders over service and documentation practices in the wake of the pandemic’s supply chain disruptions.