Cargo survey
and condition records from stuffing to delivery
A cargo survey is an independent record of its condition at the key points of the journey: stuffing, transshipment at the port or rail junction, and delivery to the consignee. Without such a report, disputes over where the goods got broken or wet almost always go against the cargo owner.
ATF arranges the inspection by an independent surveyor or a Chamber of Commerce expert, organises access to the cargo at the terminal and temporary storage warehouse and passes the report to the insurer. In a damage case the survey should take place before the cargo is unloaded and dispersed in the warehouse.
Specification
Specification · Cargo survey. Standard terms · survey date and surveyor are confirmed per cargo and location
Service
- Types
- stuffing, transshipment, delivery, damage survey
- Performed by
- independent surveyor or Chamber of Commerce expert
- Options
- lashing supervision, sampling
Terms
- Timing
- attendance usually in 1–2 days, report in a few days
- Documents
- report with photos and measurements
- Currency
- USD / RUB
Logistics
- Origin
- stuffing and securing in the container
- Port / junction
- transshipment, package condition
- Destination
- delivery, joint survey
Price
- Base
- surveyor's fee per attendance and report
- Extras
- lab analysis, re-inspection — on request
Service flow
- 01
Scope and surveyor
We define the inspection needed: stuffing, transshipment, delivery or a damage survey. If the cargo is insured we agree the surveyor with the insurer — it may not accept an inspection it did not approve.
same day - 02
Access to the cargo
We agree time and place with the terminal, warehouse or temporary storage warehouse (SVKh). Goods under customs control at an SVKh are inspected with customs permission; a damaged container is, where possible, not opened or unloaded before the survey.
1–2 days - 03
Inspection
The surveyor inspects the container and cargo, counts packages, takes photos and measurements and samples if needed. We invite the carrier's or terminal's representative to a joint survey.
on the day - 04
Survey report
The report describes cargo and packing condition, the nature, probable cause and extent of damage, and the depreciation percentage or repair cost. We pass it to the insurer and use it in the claim against the carrier.
usually a few days
Problems
The container was opened and unloaded at the warehouse and the damage was found on the pallets — the carrier claims the cargo was damaged during unloading.
At external signs of damage — dents, leaks, a broken seal — we call a surveyor before opening and record the condition of the container and the cargo inside.
The consignee called in its own expert, but the insurer rejected the report: the policy required inspection by a surveyor appointed by the insurer.
Before the inspection we check the policy and notify the insurer, which appoints or approves the surveyor.
The goods arrived damaged, and there is no way to prove they were intact at stuffing in China: the shipper's photos have no dates or container number.
For valuable and fragile cargo we order a stuffing survey: cargo and container inspection, securing, seal number and photos tied to the container.
Documents
The surveyor needs the documents to check the cargo against and the policy details. The delivery term shows where recording the condition matters most — the point where risk passes from seller to buyer.
Incoterms
- FOB / FCA
- a stuffing survey in China settles disputes over condition at handover
- CIF / CFR
- risk passes on loading on board — condition is recorded at that point
- DAP
- inspection at delivery shows whether damage occurred before handover to the buyer
Documents
- Policy or certificate
- states whom the insurer appoints as surveyor
- Transport document
- B/L, SMGS, CMR — with container and seal numbers
- Packing List
- to check packages, weights and marks
- Invoice
- to value the damaged goods
- Carrier's records
- EIR, railway commercial act, CMR remarks
FAQ
It is an independent inspection recording the cargo's condition, packing, quantity and damage. It is carried out by a surveyor — a specialist independent of both shipper and carrier; in Russia experts of the chambers of commerce and industry also do it. Insurers and courts accept the report as evidence of the cargo's condition at the time of inspection.
Whenever a damage or shortage claim is made: without a survey report the insurer cannot determine the cause and extent of the loss. For valuable, fragile and project cargo the insurer may also require a loading survey. The specific requirements are stated in the policy.
Usually the insurer: the policy names whom to contact for a survey, or the insurer appoints one after notice of loss. The insurer may reject an inspection carried out without its approval. So the first step is to notify the insurer and agree on the surveyor.
Before signing the delivery documents, inspect the container and cargo, photograph the damage and the container and seal numbers, and note remarks on the carrier's document. Keep the damaged goods and packing until the survey — do not discard or repair them. Notify the insurer and carrier at once and call a surveyor.
Cargo, container and seal details, date and place of inspection, who attended, packing and securing, nature and extent of the damage and its probable cause. Separately — depreciation percentage, repair or sorting costs and recommendations on disposal of damaged goods. Photos and measurements are attached.
The party ordering the inspection pays — shipper, consignee or insurer. If the loss is accepted as covered, survey costs are usually reimbursed as part of the claim; the exact procedure is set by the policy and insurance rules. A stuffing survey is paid by the shipper or buyer as agreed.