What are the 6 Key Steps Should Be Followed During a Container Loading Inspection?
Ensuring Safe Transport: Why Importers Need Container Loading Inspection
To avoid unknown things goes wrong when the goods loaded into a 40′ or 20′ shipping container or the products shipped by LCL. Buyers will choose Container Loading Inspection or Supervision (CLS) as one of the best solutions for importers, to make sure that the loading process is fine and the package as per conditions stated on the purchase contract.
This proactive measure helps ensure that the loading process adheres to the requirements specified in the purchase contract and that all items are properly safeguarded for transit.
Container Loading Inspection involves a thorough examination of the loading process carried out by a qualified third-party inspection company. This inspection typically occurs right at the facility or logistics warehouse where the container is being loaded. Inspectors check that the packaging is secure, the goods match the order, and that best practices are followed during the loading.
When Do You Need Container Loading Supervision?
Some importers choose to request Container Loading Inspection for every container. This is a wise practice, especially for companies handling high-value items or shipping to regions with stringent regulatory requirements. However, the decision can also be based on the value of the shipment or the history of previous shipments.
- When is the inspection a must process?
- When the loading plan or requirements has to be respected (for example the shipping marks on carton should be all faced to on the side.);
- When the products from different factories are consolidated by the buyer (or his supplier is a trading company) into full containers: it is essential to check the factories brings a correct quantity of products; (for example the furniture like sofa, table, cabinet, chairs, lights, may come from different factories.);
- When the buyer does not trust his supplier at all and is afraid that the wrong type of products will be shipped out;
- When the outer packing is used as retail packing, the supervision has to make sure the workers make the boxes in container fit nicely and no damage.
What is Should be Ready before Container Loading Inspection?
Since the container loading inspection takes places at the facility or logistics warehouse when you book the service from a third-party inspection company, you will make sure:
- The shipment quantity is fully packed ready.
- Goods were collected in one place.
- The container loading in the facility or logistics warehouse?
- Clear packing list.
Especially for the items from different factories, don’t forget to have your supplier collect all the goods in one place.
6 Key Steps Should Be Followed During Container Loading Inspections
- 1. A Spot-Check Conformity of Product quantity and assortment
Usually, the inspector will arrive the loading place for 1-3 hours in advance, according to the packing list provided by the client, the inspector will count the quantity of shipment, and the number of carton for each item should be matched with the bill of lading and packing list,
The inspector will randomly select a few cartons and open to check if the products and packaging conform to the client’s requirements.
This is an essential process as its object to ensure the right goods are packed in cartons, but inspector only can check a few cartons of each item due to time constraints, so if you would like to know the quality level of the whole shipment, we suggest you arrange Pre-shipment Inspection once the goods finished.
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2. Condition of export cartons, pallets, etc.
Inspector will check the condition of export cartons if they are dry and in good working location, free from serious damage, suitable for holding and strong enough to protect the products inside of it.
Due to wet weather or high humidity in the warehouse, the cartons will soften in sometimes or check whether the cartons were crushed, closed poorly. All these issues will be red flags for the importer as they should be figured out or reported before loading; otherwise, the complaint will be coming out when the container arrives abroad.
For some fragile or dunnage products, other packing materials like pallets, plastic straps, etc. might be necessary for protecting the goods in containers, especially the pallets. It may not be strong enough because factories might be tempted to save costs on it.
Meanwhile, the inspector will check if there is a Fumigation Stamp on solid wood pallets or not.
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3. Shipping marks verification
Ensure that the labels, hangtags, printing marks, bar codes, etc. on products, packaging materials, and outer cartons are consistent with the client’s requirements.
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4. Condition of containers
Examine the container’s condition, make sure the container is dry and good working condition, free from stains, bad odors, large dents or holes, he should immediately report any issues that have a quality impact on the goods in container and (If possible) request to replace another container
a. ISO Container Inspection Checklist
- Preparation: Make sure the container is empty, It’s impossible to inspect a container which still has stock in it effectively
- Exterior checks: Check the doors for any defects, which can close the container properly, and check the front/roof/backside of the container to see if there are any defects.
- Interior Checks: Check the container’s floor, make sure the floor is clean, dry, and no leaking, then check the roof, roadside, and front side of the container to see if there are any defects.
Check here to know more about ISO Container Inspection Checklist
b. ISO Container Checklist Guidelines
- Outside / Undercarrige (Before entering facility)
- Inside / Outside Doors
- Right side
- Left side
- Front wall
- Ceiling / Roof
- Floor (inside)
- Agricultural
- Refrigeration Fan Housing (If acclicable)
- VVTT for container seal inspection
- 10.1 View: View seal and container locking mechanisms
- 10.2. Verify: Verify seal number for accuracy
- 10.3. Tug: Tug on seal to make sure that it is affixed properly
- 10.4. Twist: Twist and turn seal ti ensure it does not unscrew
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5. Loading Process Supervision
The inspector will supervise the loading process, monitoring the loading plan is properly conducted, and all the cartons were loaded into the container.
Inspector has to make sure the workers stack the cartons nicely in the container, and no cartons damaged during the loading process. Otherwise, the workers should fix it on site.
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6. The seal
The inspector will verify that a proper seal closes the container before the products are driven away from the warehouse. It also protects the exporter (under FOB or EXW terms), as it clarifies the responsibility of the forwarder.
Inspector will record all the above six key steps by taking photos, even videos, etc. to make sure the whole loading process is under supervision. Click here to download the report sample provided by AQI Service, a third-party inspection company in China.
Related:
- Container Loading Inspection Service
- Quality Control in Vietnam
- Quality Control in Thailand
- Man-days Calculation in Quality Control Services
Author: AQI Service as a professional quality control service company in China specialized in providing a complete range of quality inspection and testing certification services in China & Asia for global importers, buyers, retailers, and sellers.
