The Biggest Cause of Cargo Damage in Marine Transportation

Marine transportation is vast, bustling, and teeming with goods from every corner of the globe but there lies a hidden war against the elements that can wreak havoc on cargo. According to Recoupex’ statistics, the leading cause of damage for dry cargo, encompassing commodities like coffee, sugar, grains, home decor, machinery, and consumer goods, is water ingress. Meanwhile, for temperature-controlled reefer cargo, the greatest culprit is reefer malfunction.

Water Ingress: A Dry Cargo Saboteur

Water ingress emerges as the biggest culprit for dry cargo. We’ve encountered such countless times!  Water ingress through holes, dents improper previous repair for flooding damage can cause irreparable damage to various goods. Whether it’s coffee beans turning moldy, sugar clumping together, or machinery corroding due to exposure, water ingress poses a significant threat to cargo integrity and safety.

Reefer Malfunction: The Cold Conspiracy

For temperature-sensitive reefer cargo, a malfunctioning refrigeration unit can quickly transform into a chilling nightmare. Reefer malfunctions can result in temperature fluctuations, leading to spoilage, freezing, or other adverse effects on perishable goods. Whether it’s delicate fruits, seafood, or pharmaceuticals, maintaining the right temperature is critical for preserving product quality and preventing cargo damage. Imagine the disappointment of eagerly awaiting a delivery of the most sought-after fruits, only to receive them in a state of complete rot!

Ensuring proper handling of cargo, especially in cases of water ingress, reefer malfunction cargo claims, necessitates the collection of essential evidence before and after stuffing. Sound cargo loading documentation, such as pictures depicting any pre-existing damages, and survey reports that establish the cause of damage while the cargo was under the carrier’s custody, hold immense significance. These pieces of evidence play a vital role in the recovery process, allowing for effective resolution of any potential disputes or claims related to damaged cargo. 

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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