4 Types of Cargo Damage—and Howa Survey Can Save You Millions?

Surveyor checks vessel for cargo damage

A specialized survey is done where cargo is discovered to be damaged during or after shipment. It is done by determining the nature and extent of damage, the likely cause, and who may be responsible. A certified marine surveyor carries out this cargo damage survey to report findings and help settle claims with shipping companies or transport providers.

While cargo damage appears to be normal with shipping, the economic costs are high. Properly executed cargo damage surveys ensure proper determination of the cause, thus allowing shippers, consignees, insurers, and transport organizations to save losses and future inconveniences.

Here’s Some Cargo Damage that can be navigated during the survey: 

1. Water Damage

Water is probably one of the biggest culprits of cargo damage. This may be by way of rainwater during the loading or discharging phase, or seawater ingress if containers or the ship's compartments are damaged. Common causes are damaged hatches, fractured seals, or poorly closed containers.

Under these circumstances, a cargo damage survey would look at the origin of the leak, the level of exposure, and how long the cargo was effectively affected. Prompt reporting can help prevent more losses and assist with insurance claims. 

2. Mechanical Impact

Means of physical damage usually include forklifts, cranes, or rough routes. These damages usually tend to be seen in such delicate or high-end goods as electronics, furniture, and machinery. The qualified container inspector may even spot the surface dents, internal structural misalignments, and defects in packing.

Surveyor inspects shipping containers

An experienced shipping container surveyor can even identify exterior dents, internal structural misalignments, and packaging breakdowns. They also know how to document the damage at the time the cargo is received by seeing how the cargo was loaded and notating any damage to pinpoint when the damage was caused. 

3. Contamination

Cargo contamination is physical, chemical, or biological degradation. This could include oil stains, chemical or other exposure, mold damage, or contact with another incompatible substance. For bulk and food-grade shipments, this could represent total loss. 

A cargo damage survey, like we offer at Wainui Marine Surveying, is important in these types of cases to determine what could have caused the contamination, whether it was another cargo, use, and subsequent spills from other equipment, or residues from the containers that the cargo was previously shipped in. ThB is also necessary to ensure the proper follow-up of any necessary decontamination procedures afterwards.

4. Poor Stowage or Loading

If cargo is not packed in the correct manner, then it may shift during transport. This leads to damaged internal packaging, fallen pallets, or crushed boxes. A Class and flag surveyor can be involved when loading practices need to be evaluated against international and vessel-specific standards. Their report will examine whether loading procedures met safety regulations and if any non-compliance contributed to the loss.

Why Timely Cargo Surveys Matter?

It is crucial to carry out a cargo damage survey as soon as an occurrence occurs. Delays may lead to disagreements, spoiling, or legal issues. Survey reports serve as an impartial record to determine responsibility and guide the claims process. Surveyors also offer preventive insights. They assist companies in improving packing techniques, conditions for storage, and logistics planning by examining recurrent damage types or trends in the handling of goods.

How Class and Flag Surveyors Contribute?

A Class and flag surveyor verifies vessel compliance with maritime regulations at both the national and international levels.  Surveyors will determine if the ship’s systems and safety-related equipment meet regulatory requirements when there is cargo damage and questions arise regarding seaworthiness. 

 In other instances, cargo issues arise not from packing but from vessel negligence. Class and flag assessments offer deeper insight into whether the vessel’s condition contributed to the loss. Their findings help determine liability and prevent similar incidents.

The Role of the Shipping Container Surveyor

A shipping container surveyor ensures that containers used in transport comply with stringent requirements. Their inspections regard the physical condition of the container, i.e., its conformity to ISO standards and the suitability of the container for the cargo type.

Should cargo be damaged and container failure be suspected, evidence is provided by these surveyors. They inspect for holes, rust, weakened walls, and improper sealing—all factors that could compromise the cargo’s safety during transport.

Real World Consequences of Bad Cargo Handling

Damage to the cargo has consequences beyond the product - damage to the handling of this cargo will impact relationships, schedules, profits, and obviously the product. While damage is usually the result of careless handling, it may be from the packaging or the unexpected moment, but all of them add up to a cost that's difficult to swallow.

Insurers and other logistics providers require thorough surveys to settle disputes efficiently. Skipping or delaying a proper survey often results in denied claims or lengthy investigations. A fast, accurate cargo damage survey makes all the difference.

Avoiding Repeat Incidents Through Survey Insight

Each incident of damage offers valuable lessons. Surveyors don't just point out what went wrong—they offer observations that can improve cargo handling protocols moving forward. By reviewing previous survey reports, companies can adjust loading techniques, improve packaging, or upgrade their containers. This realization eventually results in lower insurance premiums and enhanced risk management.

In conclusion

Cargo damage in the maritime shipping industry can be costly and also inconvenient. Different types of damage could occur from water intruding on the cargo, to a mechanical failure or mishandling of the cargo that can be just as problematic. The source of that threat is damage to valuable cargo. A professional cargo damage survey is the most effective means for identifying, recording, and taking the first step in solving these problems before they can cost you. 

A professional and experienced marine surveyor can identify these issues and help to report them successfully through their expertise. We at Wainui Marine Surveyinghave many years of experience in marine services. From connecting you with various costs and damages, container inspection to regulation compliance, our professional surveyors' experience can provide valuable insights to protect your cargo before it gets damaged.