Cross-delivery

A Danish liner agent  booked four reefer containers of margarine from the same manufacturer, destined for two different consignees in different towns in Russia.  Two of the containers held margarine in 500 gm packs ready for the supermarket shelves, whereas the margarine in the other two containers was packed in 20 kg. blocks.

Unfortunately the consignments were cross-delivered and the party who received his margarine in 500 gm. instead of 20 kg. packs immediately sold them. The other buyer refused to accept the 20 kg. blocks and due to over-supply the market for margarine collapsed.  The buyer refused to pay the shipper and the shipper claimed US$ 62,000 from the agent.