Cargo handling supervision
in port: tally, slinging, handling rate
Supervision of cargo handling in port is needed when the cargo is valuable, fragile, heavy or simply time-critical. Stevedoring services are provided by the terminal; we are on the quay and in the hold on the cargo owner's behalf: counting packages, watching slinging and stowage, and recording damage and the handling rate.
Independent tally is especially useful for breakbulk and project cargo, where the terminal's count does not always match the documents. We work in the ports of Vladivostok, Vostochny and Nakhodka.
Specification
Specification · Handling supervision. Standard terms · scope of supervision is confirmed per vessel and cargo
Service
- Cargo
- breakbulk, project cargo, containers, bulk
- Operations
- vessel loading and discharge
- Options
- survey, lashing check, live photo reports
Terms
- Timing
- request 1–2 days before berthing
- Documents
- tally sheets, reports included
- Currency
- USD / RUB
Logistics
- Before
- cargo, holds and gear inspection
- During
- tally, slinging, stowage
- After
- reports, damage records, reconciliation
Price
- Base
- rate per shift or per vessel
- Extras
- survey, trips to Vostochny / Nakhodka — on request
Service flow
- 01
Preparation
We study the cargo, the cargo plan and the terminal's working method, and agree with the client what we record and how we report.
1 day - 02
Pre-work inspection
Before work starts we inspect the cargo, holds and gear, check slings and grabs, and for heavy lifts the lifting plan and crane capacity.
before handling starts - 03
Handling supervision
We tally by lot, watch slinging, stowage and lashing against the cargo plan, and record damage with photos and a report on the spot, while the cargo is still there.
every shift - 04
Shift report
At the end of each shift we reconcile our tally with the terminal's, record the rate and stoppages with reasons and send the client a shift report.
after each shift - 05
Final report
We hand over the final pack: tally sheets, damage reports, photo report, rate summary. Discrepancies are reflected in the general act or in remarks on mate's receipts.
1 day after completion
Problems
Damage is found at the consignee's — and it can no longer be proven at which stage it happened.
We record cargo condition before work and every damage at the moment of handling — photos, report, shift time, signatures.
The terminal count does not match the B/L and there is no independent record — the shortage is blamed on the shipper.
We keep our own tally for every lot and reconcile it with the terminal's after every shift.
The handling rate is below target, the vessel exceeds laytime and demurrage starts running.
We compare target and actual every shift, record the causes of stoppages and raise them with the terminal immediately.
Documents
The documents we supervise handling against. The delivery term decides when risk passes to the buyer — and who needs cargo condition recorded on loading or discharge.
Incoterms
- FOB
- risk passes once cargo is on board — loading supervision matters to the seller
- FAS
- risk passes alongside — the buyer supervises loading
- CFR / CIF
- the buyer supervises discharge at destination
Documents
- Cargo plan
- stowage plan approved by the master — we check stowage against it
- B/Ls / manifest
- the basis of the tally by lot
- Packing List
- packages, weights, dimensions, lifting points
- Slinging diagram / lifting plan
- mandatory for heavy lifts and OOG cargo
- DG documents
- DG declaration, MSDS, class and UN number
FAQ
It is supervision of handling on the cargo owner's behalf: tally count, checks of slinging and gear, stowage and lashing against the cargo plan, and the vessel's handling rate. After each shift we issue tally sheets and a shift report, and record damage in reports.
Stevedoring is the loading and discharge itself, done by the terminal's stevedoring company with its own gear and gangs. Handling supervision is independent oversight of that work in the cargo owner's interest. The supervisor does not operate the crane but records everything that could become a claim.
A tally is a package-by-package count during loading or discharge, recorded in tally sheets. The terminal keeps its own count, but if it differs from the B/L the cargo owner needs independent figures. An independent tally clerk provides them and reconciles them with the terminal after every shift.
Every damage is recorded in a report with photos and a description of the defect, tied to place, time and shift, and we ask terminal and ship representatives to sign it. This establishes the liable party and supports the claim. On loading, damage is also reflected as remarks on the mate's receipt.
Yes. For heavy and out-of-gauge pieces we work to the lifting plan: we check crane capacity, the slinging diagram, lifting points and the sequence of operations. Lashing on board is checked against the cargo plan and the Cargo Securing Manual.
For standard containers an inspection at delivery and a seal check are usually enough. Handling supervision makes sense for flat racks and open tops with OOG cargo, expensive equipment and containers showing signs of damage. Otherwise it is cheaper to order a survey of the specific container.