Views: 203 Author: Wendy Publish Time: 2023-05-18 Origin: Site Inquire
An experienced importer knows never to be cavalier about the business of container loading. A thorough inspection of container loading procedures is just as important for catching potential product hazards as is lab testing and line monitoring.
In turn, a trusted product testing and inspection service understands that merchandise protection, accurate order fills, and regulatory paperwork are vital to an importer's overall success.
So, what are the benefits and risks of container loading inspections? And what are the 5 steps that a successful container loading inspection include?
Imagine a container loading inspection as an extension of factory line quality control.
Individual products should continue to be checked for construction integrity. An inspector can sample a small portion for final verification before loading begins. This is an extra measure intended to catch issues missed between the factory line and the loading zone.
However, since a product loading inspector can only look at a small percentage of the total shipment, it should never be a complete replacement for a more thorough pre-shipment inspection.
During this step, model numbers and order totals are also checked for accuracy against inventory documents.
Packaging strength is essential to the integrity of the product. When an on-site inspector can spot defective, out-of-spec, or mislabeled packaging before the product leaves for its long and cramped journey, a company can save potentially millions in damaged goods, return costs, and loss of sales.
Even when product packaging meets its required specs as per quality assurance (QA) standards, an experienced inspector may be able to provide observations and recommendations that can help further strengthen future packaging design. These recommendations are built based on close observation of how products stand up to routine loading procedures and in-transit conditions.
How aware are busy loading operators about 'fragile' products? Are they treated with care, or handled as just another package to be shipped as quickly as possible?
An on-site inspector will ensure all personnel involved in the loading process are aware of sensitive items and can perform sensitive loading duties accordingly.
Are cargo containers being sealed properly? The most carefully loaded cargo can be easily ruined by weather leaks.
Therefore, the quality of the sealing must be verified by an on-site inspector before it leaves.
Perhaps it is the containers that are not fit for the journey. Export cartons must be thoroughly inspected for any damage, leaks, molds, bugs, rodents, and overall material conditions. Are the container walls already softened or crushed by previous use?
Whereas a typical loading and shipping company may either miss container flaws or gamble that a damaged crate can still withstand the journey, a trained loading inspector will leave no wall, latch, or seal unchecked.
The cargo container is sound and resistant to leaks. That doesn't mean a necessary piece of paperwork can't fall through the cracks.
Once all physical and loading checks have been finished, an inspector will note all accompanying legal documents, such as a SASO Certificate of Conformity for products shipped to Saudi Arabia, or products meant for any EU Member market (REACH, RoHS).
When a vital document is either missing or inaccurate, it will cause the same costly customs hold-ups as damaged goods.
