Collection partner TCM Belgium has had a partnership with the Belgian transport federation Febetra for more than 10 years, and has therefore been able to build up a lot of experience in collecting unpaid invoices within the (inter)national transport sector. Similarly, a partnership was recently established with the international network Alfa Global Family. Members of these networks, like Febetra members, can entrust their unpaid invoices to TCM at advantageous rates.

The transport sector faces several challenges that complicate the collection of unpaid invoices. Different and shortened limitation periods as well as specific regulations apply, and often the debtor is abroad. Or the debtor has disappeared with the sun, and the delivery address is not linked to a traceable company. At least we don’t have to tell you. We asked Dave Beeckmans, A/R manager at CMA CGM about his experience with collection partner TCM Belgium.

END-TO-END SOLUTIONS IN 160 COUNTRIES

CMA CGM, founded in 1978, has built a global network operating in 160 countries and aims to provide end-to-end transport solutions for various goods. The shipping company is known internationally for container transport, but with its group (which since 2019 has also included Ceva Logistics) it also offers comprehensive end-to-end logistics solutions. Together with Maersk and MSC, CMA CGM is one of the top companies in the container transport sector. Dave proudly explains that the largest container ships operated by CMA CGM are the first to run on the sustainable fuel LNG (Liquefied natural gas). But Dave is equally proud that monthly team actions are organised to clean up litter in the area. This way, we also do our bit locally for a nicer environment. About 200 people work for CMA CGM in Belgium, but globally no less than 160,000 people work for the entire group.

CHALLENGING TRANSPORT

 Cargo contents are very diverse: from fruit transported in refrigerated containers to helicopters strapped onto flat racks (containers with an open structure). Cars can also be loaded via an inclined rack, leaving space underneath for extra cargo inside the container. Each transport has its own challenges, according to Dave. For example, refrigerated containers need to be connected to electricity to maintain cooling. After all, the temperature has to remain constant. So it is essential that refrigerated containers are not left on the quay for too long.

PAYMENT CONFLICTS

Experience tells Dave that those transport challenges also sometimes involve payment conflicts. In addition, disputes also regularly arise over the extra costs incurred. Global conflicts and piracy force shipping companies to opt for alternative and often therefore longer routes.

“Transport challenges bring payment conflicts”

Sometimes containers are also used as warehouses. The aim is to return the container within the agreed period. Additional ‘container rent’ is then charged for extra days. Customs fines are also not easy to collect. Among other things, these can arise because the goods listed on the bill of lading do not match the actual contents of the container. Who is responsible for the fines is then up for debate. One-off customers equally sometimes cause unpaid invoices, when extra costs are not budgeted for or they simply disappear into the sunset. The debtors themselves are usually Belgian companies, but their ‘offshoots’ may well be abroad – especially Africa. Not such an easy region to trace debtors, let alone recover funds.

TCM BELGIUM HELPS WITH SPECIAL CASES

Dave and his team work extensively on cases and collect as many unpaid invoices as possible. Close contact with the sales department, and knowledge of the sector (so they know what is in return for each billed cost) are essential in this regard. The ‘special’ cases like the one above, Dave forwards to TCM. The ‘dustbin’ in other words, as he describes it himself.

“Dave doesn’t want to see a copy paste of its own internal policies”

Both the local presence around the world, and on-site visits to debtors, add value, according to Dave. The user-friendly and transparent online platform also comes in handy, files can be consulted easily and efficiently. The no cure no fee principle obviously also interests Dave, which means there is no financial risk involved in the cooperation, commissions are only paid on amounts actually collected. Dave does not want to see a copy paste of the company’s own internal policy, that is useless and time-consuming. TCM’s added value is in the extras offered. And he is, in his words, convinced that ‘strange eyes compel’.

Would you like to know how TCM can help you? Then don’t hesitate to contact TCM Belgium via sales manager Sven Dereze or +32498 29 29 14.