Samsung seeks $186m from CMA CGM over pandemic delivery

Samsung Electronics America (SEA) is seeking at least $186 million from French container shipping giant CMA CGM. The complaint, filed with the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), accuses the world's third-largest carrier of widespread violations of the US Shipping Act between 2020 and 2023.

According to the filing, the claim stems from unjust and unreasonable practices related to inland transportation, demurrage, detention billing, and cargo release policies. Samsung states the "staggering costs" of these charges were unsustainable and threatened its ability to supply products to US consumers.

Breakdown of the $186 million claim

The financial claim is broken down into three major components, as detailed in the complaint to the FMC.

The core dispute over 'store door' delivery

At the heart of the legal action is the execution of "store door" deliveries. In this arrangement, an ocean carrier like CMA CGM is contractually obligated to arrange and pay for moving a container via rail or truck from the discharge port to an inland warehouse.

Samsung's complaint explains that the carrier issues a through bill of lading naming both the discharge port and the final inland destination. However, Samsung alleges that beginning around 2020, CMA CGM repeatedly failed to perform these inland transportation duties properly.

The carrier cited severe port congestion and shortages of rail chassis. Despite this, Samsung contends CMA CGM systematically shifted the financial burden of these service failures onto the shipper.

Alleged coercive tactics and mounting fees

Samsung asserts it was hit with over 121,000 separate demurrage, detention, and rail storage fees for delays outside its control. One specific example from 2021 involved multiple containers at an inland rail ramp. There, CMA CGM's alleged failure to fulfill its transportation obligations led to over $3.7 million in accrued rail storage charges.

The electronics giant also claims CMA CGM used coercive tactics. It alleges the carrier enforced "finance holds" and account suspensions on unrelated, unimpeded import shipments to force payment of the disputed demurrage invoices.

Samsung notes it attempted to resolve the dispute through in-person meetings in 2025 and 2026. The complaint states, "CMA CGM has refused to engage meaningfully in efforts to address SEA’s claims."

Broader context and next steps

The filing references several other FMC complaints against CMA CGM brought by major retailers challenging its detention and demurrage practices. In 2024, the carrier paid $1.98 million to settle allegations it improperly demanded payment from a third party who should not have been billed.

Samsung has requested a formal hearing on the matter at the FMC headquarters in Washington, D.C.