What is a survey and what types of inspections does it include?

International and domestic freight transportation always involves certain risks. Whether it is the delivery of expensive equipment, chemicals, agricultural products or standard containerized cargo, customers and recipients are interested in the complete safety and proper condition of the cargo. This is where a key logistics service - cargo survey - comes into play. What is a cargo survey and why is it needed in logistics? Let's look at it in detail.

What is a survey and what is this service?

Survey (inspection, examination) - is an independent check of the condition of the cargo and conditions of its transportation, carried out by specialized survey companies. The main task of a surveyor is to make sure that the cargo meets the declared parameters, is correctly packed, safely placed in the vehicle, has no damage and passes all stages of transportation in accordance with the norms and standards.

A surveyor is a specialist with the necessary knowledge, experience and accreditation to inspect the cargo at different stages of the logistics chain. His report (surveyor's certificate) often serves as a basis for resolving disputes between the supplier and the buyer, confirming the quality and quantity of goods, as well as an argument in case of insurance payments.

Main services provided by survey companies

The complex of cargo survey services covers the whole cycle of the logistics process: from the production of cargo to its receipt by the final recipient. The key stages at which surveyors are engaged are described in detail below.

Quality inspection of goods at the manufacturing plant (cargo survey)

Initially, surveyors are involved in quality and quantity control at the manufacturing plant. This is particularly important for international deliveries, where the buyer is not able to be present at the loading site himself.

As part of this service, the surveyor:

• checks that the products conform to the technical specifications;
• controls labeling and packaging;
• takes photos and video recordings of the goods;
• prepares a detailed report on the condition of the cargo.

Such cargo survey helps to exclude misunderstandings between the seller and the buyer, especially if the products are specific: chemicals, oil, mineral fertilizers, etc.

Pre-shipment inspection

A pre-shipment inspection is carried out before a shipment is dispatched in a container, lorry, tanker or wagon. The purpose is to ensure that:

• the cargo fully complies with the contract of sale;
• the packaging is secure and protects it from external influences;
• the goods are correctly placed in the vehicle;
• the transportation conditions comply with regulations (temperature, humidity, ventilation, etc.).

Sometimes critical discrepancies are detected at this stage - incorrect labeling, batch discrepancies, cargo damage. Thanks to surveyor's inspection before shipment, the shipper can eliminate deficiencies in time and avoid costly disputes in the future.

Control of the loading process

Surveillance inspection during loading is an important element of logistics security. Its tasks include:

• visual inspection of the condition of the cargo before loading;
• checking the conformity of labeling and packaging;
• inspection of the cleanliness of the vehicle (including container or tanker);
• control of the placement and securing of the cargo, especially for bulk, oversized or sensitive goods;
• documentation of the loading process with photo and video materials.

Loading control is especially relevant for international transportation, where violation of technology can lead to cargo damage and breach of contract. In case of identified problems, the surveyor documents all deviations and provides an independent opinion.

Surveyor presence during cargo inspection (veterinary, customs)

At the stages of cargo inspection - veterinary, phytosanitary, quarantine or customs control - the surveyor's participation allows to record the actions of controlling authorities, ensure transparency of the procedure and protect the client's interests.

The surveyor can:

• record the fact of opening of containers;
• document compliance with storage/inspection conditions;
• act as an independent witness in case of disputes;
• help to speed up the procedure, thanks to their knowledge of regulations and specifics of the cargo.

It is especially important to accompany such inspections when transporting foodstuffs, chemicals, seeds, medicines and other sensitive cargo categories.

Surveyor inspection during container transshipment/unloading

Container transshipment or unloading is one of the most important and common steps in logistics. Cargo can be damaged by sloppy unloading, mixed up, storage conditions disturbed.

• Surveyor inspection at this stage includes:
• checking the integrity of seals and packaging;
• checking the conformity of the waybills with the actual cargo;
• inspection of the condition of the goods after transportation or repacking;
• execution of a surveyor's report with photo fixation.

If damage is detected, the surveyor documents it, which becomes the basis for filing a claim to the transportation company or insurance company.

Importance of a surveyor in logistics and trade

A surveyor is a link between all participants in the logistics chain. His objective opinion helps not only to confirm the proper fulfillment of the terms of the contract, but also to minimize the risks associated with the delivery of goods.

That is why surveyor services are actively used by:

• trading houses;
• exporters and importers;
• manufacturers;
• transportation companies;
• insurance agencies.

The role of the surveyor in logistics is particularly important in the following situations:

• When supplying high-value or sensitive cargo;
• in international transportation;
• when there is a lack of trust between buyer and seller;
• when cargo insurance is required;
• when changing modes of transportation (multimodal transportation);
• in case of transportation of liquid, oversized and special cargoes.

Survey not only ensures transparency of logistics, but also helps to avoid losses, protect the interests of transaction participants and create a reliable control system.

Conclusion

Surveys in freight transportation are not just an inspection, but an essential element of logistics control. Its main task is to make sure that each stage of transportation is performed correctly, the cargo is in proper condition, and the interests of all parties to the transaction are protected.

Comprehensive cargo survey is an investment in the safety, transparency and reliability of logistics. In the context of global trade and high demands on the quality of deliveries, the services of surveyors are becoming more and more in demand, especially in international cargo transportation chains.