Mr. Beam, resident of the State of AR, USA, used an international carrier's web site to order shipping services for two international shipments. At the completion of the ordering process menus, (during which he purchased loss/damage insurance of $250 per shipment) he was sent shipping labels via e-mail, and directed to affix these to his respective packages and drop them off at the carrier's local package pick-up station, which he did. Upon tendering the so labeled packages he was issued a receipt bearing the respective tracking numbers for each package.

Each shipment reached its respective country, but was thereafter lost or abandoned by the local consignee carrier. The USA international carrier has ignored his claims for shipping charges and loss of property.

The question of at which location (local or foreign) was the "obligation incurred"? has arisen in determining proper venue for filing a suit for recovery of shipping and insurance

payment. What do you advise?"