Overage

Overage is cargo found at discharge in excess of the quantity stated on the bill of lading, the opposite of shortage. It arises from miscounting at loading, said-to-weigh or said-to-contain clauses that the carrier never verified, or cargo loaded against the wrong bill. The carrier records overlanded cargo on the outturn and tally, and must account for it rather than treat it as a windfall, since title rests with the true owner. Overage and shortage together feed the cargo reconciliation that supports or defends a cargo claim, and persistent discrepancy points to a tally or stowage error.