Where to start when you require a Freight Inspection?

 

Once you are considering a Freight Inspection a lot of questions may arise; What’s the kind of inspection required? What’s the meaning of the acronyms you read related to Cargo Inspection? What to expect after a Freight Inspection? At this point, you comprehend the value of a reliable ally. It’s almost necessary to understand the basics to lead the process successfully, meeting the correct needs and paying attention to accurate solutions. The next steps provide a quick view on the most remarkable factors Freight Inspections demand.

Key factors to consider regarding Freight Inspections.

  • Identify the kind of inspection required

When you are facing a Cargo Inspection, you do research and all the information starts to come to you like an avalanche, it looks more difficult than it really is. Fortunately, here you can find a brief summary of the most frequent Freight Inspections you could encounter along the way and the meaning of recurrent acronyms that will help you to comprehend a little more of this subject.

Pre-Shipment Cargo Inspection: A PSI takes place mostly when you have a first transaction with a new customer. You can avoid any risk, make sure your cargo is properly packed, marked, and placed in the container before shipped, and make sure you receive what you expect.

Freight Inspection for Claims or Damage: Unforeseen events happen, if your merchandise is returned, damaged, or reported as a claim, ensure the current status of your product. With Freight Inspection you will get a detailed report of the situation, the damages or losses suffered, and try to understand and determine the possible reasons for it.

Cargo Inspection at Port or Airport: Once your cargo arrives at port or airport, this service allows you to guarantee that it is loaded correctly and securely, and also prevents unnecessary costs of transportation, miscommunication, or paperwork issues.

List of Acronyms:

PSI (Pre-Shipment Inspection): A detailed look at the quality and quantity of the merchandise before shipped.

CLC (Container Loading Check): It takes place after PSI to ensure that your container is loaded according to the internationally accepted rules and regulations.

FRI (Final Random Inspection): When your shipment is ready, it’s time to check the product vs description of your order through a sample, thereby, you measure the compliance.

OS&D Report (Overage, Shortage and Damage): If the receiver is having issues with the merchandise, the inspector takes note in this report about any damaged or incomplete goods received.

 

Cargo Inspection

 

  • Set your aim and expectations

Even if the kind of inspection is clear, it is necessary to establish a clear objective and highlight all the expectations, allowing assertive communication between the customer and the Inspector.

As a result of a freight inspection you will have a report that should match specific data to achieve the aim of the inspection. Regardless the kind of the inspection, any report must include the following:

 

  1. Written report from visual inspection
  2. Pictures that sustain the information in the written report
  3. Notes of what the inspector perceive of the commodity features

 

Depending on the requirements and objectives, each inspection report varies from another, however, the main core of an inspection consists in collecting the most clear and detailed physical and quantitative information possible, allowing the customer to determine how to proceed with a shipment.

  • 3PL

A Third- Party Logistics is focused on adding value to your operation offering expertise and optimizing resources to solve any unexpected event. When it comes to Freight Inspections, a 3PL could make your experience quite friendly due to their operation is based on a reliable network of inspectors for each case and each need. Once the kind of inspection and its aim are clear, you have the needed tools to hire the partner that best suits your expectations.

 

Knowing this, Cargo Care services can handle any need you may have with regard to the Freight Inspections mentioned above, count on us at each stage of your Cargo Inspection.

 

Looking for a Freight Inspection? Contact us.

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General Freight Inspection vs NCB inspection

When you need to inspect cargo, there are a few considerations you need to check before sending a quote request to one company or another. In our new post, we are going to differentiate when a General Freight Inspection or an NCB Inspection is convenient.

What is a General Freight Inspection?

A general freight inspection consists of visual verification of quantity, quality, packaging, serial or reference numbers, marks, and the overall condition of the merchandise to fulfill customer requirements, and it does not matter what commodity is as this inspection is not technical and testing of the product is not carried out. A report is issued by the inspector with the findings found including pictures.

It includes a report with pictures of cargo mentioning:

  • Packaging and crating of the product.
  • The characteristics of the cargo: type, quantity, serial number, dimensions, weight, status, and any problems related to it.
  • Certificate the good condition of the cargo.
  • Verify that the cargo is well accommodated and balanced on the transport.

What is an NCB inspection?

NCB inspections are performed by the National Cargo Bureau, Inc. which is a marine surveying organization in charge of assisting the U.S. Coast Guard in carrying out the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. By assignment and under the authority of the United States Coast Guard, the certificates issued by National Cargo Bureau, Inc. may be accepted as a prima facie evidence of compliance with the provisions of the Dangerous Cargo Act and the Rules and Regulations for Bulk Grain Cargo.

This kind of Container/ Cargo Inspections can be:

  • Hazardous Container/Tank Inspections
  • General Cargo/Container Tank Inspections
  • Container Structural Serviceability Inspections
  • Flat Rack Securing Inspections
  • Container Packing/Securing Inspections
  • Cargo Condition and Measurement Surveys
  • Damaged Cargo Surveys
  • Hazmat/Dangerous Goods Incident Surveys
  • Radioactive/Explosive Cargo Surveys – Port & USCG Permits
  • Ro-Ro Cargo Surveys.

Therefore, if you need any of the inspections mentioned above you should contact National Cargo Bureau directly. These inspections must be handled by certified inspectors that no other organization can offer as they are specialists in this field.

On the other hand, if you need a General Freight Inspection CARGO CARE SERVICES can assist with Pre-Shipment Cargo Inspection and Cargo Inspection when claims or damages are reported, throughout the United States. CONTACT US FOR A QUOTE!

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Container loading inspection, why is it important?

 

As an importer, there is nothing worse than receiving your goods and realizing the quantity is not correct or the goods are damaged. A lot of things can go wrong in the loading process. In this post, we are going to share with you the steps of the container loading inspection and why it is important to make sure your goods are ready for their shipping journey in the proper way.

A container loading inspection generally takes place at the shipper’s facilities. The aim of an inspection is to make sure the goods are correctly handled and safely loaded into the shipping containers for safe transportation.

Container loading inspections consist of verifying:

1. The quantity of the goods

The inspector checks the quantity of the goods to make sure it matches the buyer’s order so the correct number of goods will be shipped. The inspector also checks visually if the goods are in good condition.

2. The packaging of the goods

The inspector also verifies the packaging of the merchandise to make sure the material will protect the goods during shipping and that the labels are correct. Some fragile goods may need a specific packaging material that needs to be verified.

 

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3. Supervise the loading process and inspect containers

The inspector supervises the loading of the goods to make sure nothing is damaged in the process. Also, an inspection of the condition of shipping containers to make sure they are intact, safe, and properly sealed prior to transport.

 

4. Record loading conditions and make a report

 

The inspector records loading conditions, for instance, if it should minimize possible issues on the road. Once the inspection is completed, a detailed report with photos and information is sent to the importer.

 

Who will benefit from a container loading inspection?

Container loading inspections are valuable for all importers who want to ensure safe loading of their merchandise. It is helpful also for first-time importers who want to feel confident in the shipping process or importers who have fragile goods that require more complicated or detailed loading steps.

 

Why is the container loading inspection important?

A container loading inspection minimizes the probability of an unpleasant surprise at arrival. It allows you to get the state of your goods prior to shipping, detect any possible issues, and take action directly. If inconsistencies are found, staff in charge in place are able to decide the next step.

 

Cargo Care Services offers container loading inspection in the United States

Having professional inspectors in place during the container loading process will minimize the risk of mishandling and incorrect loading of your goods, and minimize the risk of other unexpected issues. With our container loading inspections, you have to worry less about damaged goods and financial losses while focusing more on satisfied customers.

 

Would you like to book a container loading inspection, CONTACT US!

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How does a Pre-shipment inspection work?

 

One element in the supply chain is to verify what you bought before shipping it, which is called pre-shipment inspection (PSI). These examinations are made to be certain your products meet quality standards, technical specifications, contractual requirements and ensure they are ready to be sent to their destination market.

 

A pre-shipment inspection can be arranged at any stage: at the manufacturer’s warehouse, when the importer receives the items, or when the supplier prepares the final shipment for sale.

 

The procedure is simple, but there are many subtle points that we are going to take a look at to understand how a pre-shipment inspection works.

 

What Is Pre-Shipment Inspection?

 

Pre-shipment inspection allows you to fix any problems before receiving or paying for the product; due to inspectors checking items before shipping. These procedures occur once 100% of the order is ready to eliminate the risks. This is the last opportunity to take corrective action before your product is shipped, making it an effective tool to protect your product against costly import risks.

 

A number of obligations were included in the “Agreement on Pre-Shipment Inspection,” based on the World Trade Organisation (WTO); stating that pre-shipment investigations should be applied according to the following principles:

 

  • The procedure should be non-discriminatory
  • Avoidance of delays
  • Pre-shipment inspection should be transparent
  • Protection of confidential business information
  • There should be no conflict of interest between the parties.
  • Price verification based on the price of identical or similar products in the country of exportation

 

Pre-shipment inspectionBusiness photo created by senivpetro – www.freepik.com

The purposes of a pre-shipment inspection

The pre-shipment inspection usually covers functionality, performance, durability, overall appearance, and dimensions. Some of its purposes are:

 

  • Examine the quality, quantity, and loading of the shipment.
  • Check products for any defects.
  • Ensure products meet the safety requirements.
  • Dimensional inspection.
  • Documentation review.
  • Packing and marking checks.
  • Visual inspection.
  • Witness sample measurements in factory.
  • Check for appropriate handling during loading.
  • Verify the stowing, fastening, and wedging on the mode of transport.
  • Issue report for import and billing.

 

In CARGO CARE SERVICES our pre-shipment inspection offers you independent and professional verification of the quality, quantity, marking, packing, and loading of your shipments, helping you meet quality standards, technical specifications, and contractual requirements.

CONTACT US, you’ll get a transparent and quick report so you can make rapid, cost-saving decisions!

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How to manage your cargo during the COVID-19 outbreak

Many months have passed since the COVID-19 outbreak started, every aspect of our living has been changed to preserve our safety, but also, to give us the suitable conditions to continue with our normal basis.

 

Governors, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), have developed severalconditions and regulation to stop the spreading of the virus, but also to allow people to do their jobs in the safest way possible.

 

Speaking of the cargo industry, the lockdowns and movement restriction have affected the entire supply chain, causing massive losses for the shippers. The new challenge facing the cargo industry is to continue with the work to minimize these losses, while protecting people’s lives.

 

It could take months or years to normalize the situation, but for now we must adapt to the new way of living. In this article, we want to give you some advice on how to manage your cargo during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Keep in mind the state of your cargo

As we said before, the entire cargo industry supply chain has been affected by the outbreak, so it is important to investigate the state of your cargo and verify if it is in a good condition.


If your cargo is in storage, you need to consult the general state of the warehouse: if the protection system is operative, the fire and anti-intrusion alarms are operative and if the humidity and temperature levels are optimal to your goods. If your merchandise is perishable, you need to be extra careful with the correct store management of your goods to prevent its deterioration and a potential loss.

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With good hygiene and disinfection plan, you can return to your work place | Photo taken from Freepik

Consult the transportation

With the lockdowns of the countries, there have been a lot of delays in the shipment schedule, increasing the cost of storage and the potential damage of accumulation cargo on the warehouse. On the other hand, some shippers offer you the possibility of deviation as an alternative to accomplish the shipment schedule.


Evaluate these two scenarios and decide what benefits you prefer and minimize the potential of a loss. Whether you want to maintain your goods store or take the alternative route to complete the shipment, consult your cargo insurer about the coverage that your goods have.

Implement a good hygiene and disinfection plan

To prevent the spreading of the virus on the cargo industry, every step of the supply chain need to follow a serial of hygiene and disinfection plan. The WHO gives us some recommendations that we must follow to protect yourself and others.


  • The use of masks is vital to stop the speeding of the virus.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water every 3 hours, when there is visible dirt or when you touch a surface.
  • Disinfect all your work implements with at least 60% alcohol.
  • If you receive your cargo, perform a disinfection plan on every item. Later on disinfect the workplace and finally yourself.
  • As a worker, if you feel sick, stay at home.

Communication is a must to successfully reactivate the economy, consult to your freight forwarder and cargo insurer about the state of your cargo and some recommendation to protect it. In Cargo Care Services we constantly monitor the outbreak situation and we help you to prevent any damages or losses that may affect you.

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What does a Freight Inspector do?

Cargo transportation requires a lot of planning and logistic development to achieve its objective: transport cargo from point A to B without compromising the safety and integrity of the goods.


From the packaging, checking the condition of the goods to the verification of laws and regulations and the correct handling, block and bracing in the transport, it is required for a specific person to inspect all of these requirements.


The qualified person to handle this important job is known as Freight inspector (also known as cargo inspector). In this blog we want to talk about this job, who is, what does, and the importance of the Freight inspector.

What is a Cargo Inspector?

A freight or cargo inspector is a person who is in charge of analyzing and verifying quantity, quality, packaging, serial or reference numbers, marks, and the overall condition of the merchandise to fulfill customer requirements besides local, national and international transport laws regulations.


A freight or cargo inspector can be specialized in a certain type of freight, for example, food or technology; meanwhile, another inspector works with a variety type of freight. In any case, both freight inspectors are capable of handling your cargo.

What does a Freight Inspector do?

There are a lot of activities that a freight inspector needs to do, to guarantee the successful transportation of the cargo.


  • Inspect the packaging and crating of the merchandise.
  • Record all the characteristics of the cargo: type, quantity, serial number, dimensions, weight, status, and if any problems have been encountered with it.

  • Guide the crew with the management and stowing of the cargo, especially if the cargo is hazardous or delicate and going overseas.
  • Certificate that the merchandise fulfills the customer requirements.
  • Make sure that the transport conditions are good enough for the goods, such as temperature and humidity levels.
  • Make sure that the cargo is well accommodated and balanced on the transport.
  • Give solutions to any inconvenience that may occur.
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It is very important to check every specification of a cargo to successfully shipment | Photo taken from Freepik

Why is the Cargo Inspector job important?

Any violation or failure to fulfill the transport law regulation, can result in penalty for the company, making them lose a large amount of money. Also, a correct inspection can guarantee you that your merchandise does not lose, get damage or deteriorate during the shipment. Finally, the record and certificate issued from the freight and cargo inspector, can help you during the cargo insurance claims.




A good logistic team is the key to successfully ship your cargo, and the freight and cargo inspector job is essential to achieve this. It’s better to invest a small amount of money in contract freight inspector’s service, to make sure that you fulfill all the law regulations and your cargo will ship accordingly that pays a huge amount of money in penalties.



If you need an inspector for your cargo, in Cargo Care Services we can help you. If you need a quote, please contact us here!!

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