Boatnerd Discussion Forum

30 years ago -- As the shipper, we would call the companies direct and get the rate from fleets. Once a rate was agreed upon, a production schedule would be put in place and tentative ship dates would be decided upon. At that point - it would be up to the fleets to have a freighter close to pick up the cargo...... all dates are tentative and dates would be moved in either direction. As we all know the ships are delayed often by previous loads, weather , repairs etc........... if you were in the same week -- you were on time ! LOL

I understand that many, if not all of the shipping fleets, have cargo carriage contracts with certain customers. However, how are loads allocated in situations in which the cargo is not part of a previously signed contract? Does the seller arrange shipping quotes for the customer or does the customer have to arrange for delivery?

How did this work when fleets like Oglebay Norton, Cleveland Cliffs, Hanna Mining operated lake vessel fleets? Was delivery calculated in with the sale of the raw materials (taconite, aggregates, etc.?)?