Effective Strategies to Mitigate the Impact of Cargo Shipment Abandonment

Business leaders in multiple U.S. exporters refuse to pay freight charges and abandon their cargo shipments, leaving shipping business leaders with monetary losses. Some small and medium-sized U.S.-based shippers lack effective strategies to address the risk of cargo shipment abandonments. Grounded in the theory of constraints, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry study was to explore the effective strategies used by small and medium-sized U.S.-based shippers to successfully mitigate the risk of cargo shipment abandonment. The participants included three U.S. shipping industry leaders from non-vessel-operating common carriers and three from vessel-operating common carriers, all with an average of 25 years of experience and a demonstrated ability to effectively mitigate cargo shipment abandonment risks. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews and publicly accessible information. Through thematic analysis, eight key themes emerged: relationship management, disruptions, financial management, risk management and recovery, service quality, technology, unclaimed and abandoned cargo, and service category. A key recommendation is for U.S.-based shippers to employ effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders. The implications for positive social change include the potential for U.S.-based shippers to effectively manage maritime supply chain disruptions. This capability reduces cargo shipment abandonment and operational costs, leading to lower local and international commodity prices. Ultimately, it enhances community sustainability, creates new job opportunities, and ensures tax revenues that can bolster local financial stability.