Glossary term
Carrier’s Lien
A carrier’s right to retain goods until freight and related charges are paid.
The right of a carrier to hold cargo until what it is owed is paid. Its scope depends on the contract and the governing law: some liens cover only charges on that shipment, others extend to a customer’s outstanding balance generally.
Goods held under lien continue to accrue storage and demurrage, so a lien dispute becomes more expensive the longer it runs.