Pre-Shipment Survey Can Rescue Your Cargo Claims

Picture this: your eagerly awaited cargo shipment arrives at its destination, but to your dismay, it’s damaged! Shipping line always asks: “prove it to me you loaded cargo in sound condition at origin”.

A pre-shipment survey conducted before your cargo is shipped. It’s a valuable tool for proving that cargo was load, stowed, and counted in sound condition.

Purpose of a Pre-Shipment Survey

The purpose of a pre-shipment survey is simple:

• Establish the condition of the container provided by the shipping line and document evidence of unseaworthiness.
• In the case of a reefer container, document temperature set, ventilation, etc.
• Document state and temperature, when necessary, of cargo being loaded into a container at the time of loading.
• Document how cargo is stuffed into a container to prove proper packing and dunnage was used to prevent damage to cargo and container.

Remember, documentation is key! Include information about the packaging and product condition, harvest and precooling information.  This meticulous record-keeping will strengthen your future claim by providing undeniable proof of the cargo’s condition prior to shipment. The more comprehensive your documentation combined with pictures and loading videos, the stronger your position in any potential claim dispute.

Cargo Survey

Documentary evidence of cargo as well as packaging and dunnage is important. With cargo, i.e. bananas, watermelons, steel cargo, coffee, etc., if the actual cargo can be photographed during loading.

However, if cargo, such as coffee, cannot be photographed (as it is packed in sacks), then photographs of packaging, sacks, should be photographed in order to prove cargo was loaded in good order and packages were not showing any water damage, holes, etc.

When it comes to fresh cargo, such as bananas, it would be wise to open a few random packages in order to evidence the actual fruit, as well as taking photographs of the packaging.

Notes should be taken off the state of cargo at the time of loading, as well as, in the case of reefer stuffing record of the temperature of the container at the time of arrival as well as after stuffing. Where possible, the temperature of fresh produce should also be recorded at the time of load start and closing of container doors when the load is complete.

Loading Survey

In order to prove good packing of the cargo, further documentary evidence should be taken. Listing type of packages being loaded, how they are loaded, and what dunnage is used to secure the cargo is very important. Examples:

• Container internal panels affixed with paper; 50kg bags of coffee loaded 6 bags wide by 15 bags high.
• 12-meter long steel rods laid flat in a container secured by nylon strapping.

Photographic evidence of the same must be taken throughout the loading process, as well as after loading is complete and doors are sealed. If possible, photographs should show the container number on the inside panel of the container or on the internal roof by the doors as well as the cargo, this links a particular container with that particular cargo.

Empowering Your Claim!

Prevention is worth its weight in gold when it comes to damaged cargo claims or quality disputes between sellers and buyers. Pre-shipment surveys give you the upper hand in the battle against damaged cargo claims. You not only demonstrate your commitment to due diligence but also provide irrefutable evidence that can expedite the claim process and increase your chances of recouping your losses.

Recoupex is a hub of transport lawyers – experts in cargo claims. We assess your case quickly. We have successfully recovered claims from Maersk, Sealand, Hapag-Lloyd, Mediterranean Shipping Company – MSC, CMA CGM, and other carriers.

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