August 25, 2026. Freight Rating Discrepancy & Cargo Re-Measurement dispute. An independent physical joint survey conducted under the supervision of the NPERA Complaints Team established that a six-package LCL Consignment at the centre of a Freight-Billing Dispute measured 0.75 cubic metres (CBM), contesting the 1.10 CBM applied by 3 Brothers Cargo (a China-based consolidator) to calculate total freight charges.
The investigation follows a formal complaint filed online on July 20, 2026, by the importer (Import with Martha) regarding alleged volumetric overcharges on her shipment, which carried a commercial value exceeding ₦800,000.
The Complainant disputed the billed volume, noting that the shipper’s original packing list stated an estimated volume of 0.55 CBM, whereas 3 Brothers Cargo subsequently rated the cargo at 1.10 CBM. To resolve the discrepancy, the Complainant requested NPERA’s regulatory intervention to perform an independent physical verification at the port of discharge (POD).
During initial case management, the Case Handler, Mr. Vincent Ikechukwu (Principal Operations Officer), confirmed that 3 Brothers Cargo applied a freight rate of ₦542,000 per CBM. To mitigate demurrage risks and prevent supply chain disruption, he advised the Complainant to settle the outstanding invoice under protest to secure immediate cargo release, allowing the physical re-measurement to proceed post-delivery under NPERA observation. The Complainant complied, remitted the payment, and took physical delivery of the consignment pending formal resolution.
On Friday, August 14, 2026, acting on behalf of the Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, the Head of the NPERA Complaints Unit, Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli O. Saka, dispatched a delegation comprising Mr. Vincent Ikechukwu (POO), Mr. Onumah Kevin (SOO), and Mr. Demilade Arulogun (Intern).
The delegation accompanied the Complainant to the designated cargo release facility at No. 20A Lateef Salami Street, opposite Rollace Hotel, Ajao Estate, Lagos, where an independent cargo surveyor, Miss Firdausi Jannah Muhammed, executed the physical re-measurement of all six packages.
Prior to the inspection, the Case Handler instructed Mr. Demilade Arulogun to serve a formal notification to 3 Brothers Cargo, informing the company of the complaint and inviting its representative to engage with NPERA. Mr. Arulogun proceeded to the supplied address at Lateef Salami Street, Ajao Estate (opposite Rollace Hotel). However, local inquiries revealed no business operating under the name 3 Brothers Cargo at that location. This development was documented by the Complaints Team, presenting an immediate challenge to securing the company’s direct participation in the resolution process.Subsequent investigations revealed that 3 Brothers Cargo is based in China and lacks a physical business establishment at the Nigerian address provided.
The investigation identified Emma-Blessed I.K Cargo Logistics as the receiving agent (Consignee) handling inbound shipments in Nigeria on behalf of 3 Brothers Cargo. However, the precise commercial, operational, or corporate relationship between the two entities could not be conclusively established during the investigation. NPERA noted that this inter-agency relationship requires further clarification and verification from both Principal Parties.
• Six outer packages independently measured
During the joint cargo survey, each of the six outer packages comprising the shipment was individually measured by Miss Firdausi Jannah Muhammed in the presence of the Complainant, her clearing agent, and NPERA representatives.
The recorded Package dimensions were:
• Package 1 (Box 1): 120 cm (L) × 34 cm (W) × 22 cm (H)
• Package 2 (Box 2): 83 cm (L) × 56 cm (W) × 60 cm (H)
• Package 3 (Box 3): 67 cm (L) × 46 cm (W) × 34 cm (H)
• Package 4 (Box 4): 50 cm (L) × 24 cm (W) × 50 cm (H)
• Package 5 (Box 5): 109 cm (L) × 38 cm (W) × 40 cm (H)
• Package 6 (Box 6): 182 cm (L) × 64 cm (W) × 5 cm (H)
The survey was conducted to independently verify the physical dimensions of the cargo following a discrepancy between the shipper’s declared volume of approximately 0.55 CBM and the 1.10 CBM assessed by 3 Brothers Cargo. Upon joint re-measurement, NPERA established the actual cubic volume at 0.75 CBM. Applying the applicable freight rate of ₦542,000/CBM:
• Actual Volumetric Charge: ₦406,500 (based on 0.75 CBM)
• Billed Volumetric Charge: ₦596,200 (based on 1.10 CBM)
• Freight Discrepancy: 0.35 CBM, representing an overcharge of ₦189,700
While the physical survey provides a documented basis for comparing actual cargo volume against the billed volume, it did not determine the underlying rating methodology or contractual terms used by 3 Brothers Cargo to calculate the 1.10 CBM chargeable volume. These aspects require further clarification from the Principal Parties.
To prevent further operational delays and avoid accrued demurrage or storage charges, the NPERA Complaints Team facilitated the immediate release of the Consignment to the Consignee.
The Consignee alleged that 3 Brothers Cargo had issued a notice of intent to auction the shipment failing immediate payment, while withholding the designated Port Of Discharge (POD) pick-up address. NPERA’s intervention secured the physical release of the cargo without prejudice to the ongoing dispute regarding freight overcharges and agency representation.
This matter highlights several critical standards in cross-border freight forwarding:
• Accurate volumetric assessment and transparent freight-rating methodologies.
• Full disclosure of applicable surcharges and designated local handling agents.
• The necessity for importers (Consignees) to retain commercial invoices, packing lists, house bills of lading (HBOL), and physical survey reports to substantiate billing disputes.
NPERA will engage further with the involved freight forwarders to reconcile the billing discrepancy and clarify the operational and legal relationship between 3 Brothers Cargo and Emma-Blessed I.K Cargo Logistics.
