With the rapid development in containerize sea transport, the NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) legal system separates from freight forwarding industry.
Inland river freight costs are historically high for a tight supply of barges, increased operating costs, and higher demand moving commodities upbound on the major rivers.
The words "freight prepayable" or "freight to be prepaid" or words of similar effect, if appearing on transport documents, will not be accepted as constituting evidence of the payment of freight.