The gap it closes
A pre-shipment inspection proves the goods were right on the day they were checked. It does not prove those cartons went into the container. Short shipments, swapped cartons, rejected units loaded anyway, wet floors and poor stowage all happen after the inspection. Loading supervision covers that last step, and the seal photograph links the inspected goods to the bill of lading.
Worked example: 412 cartons, six styles
- Container first. Before loading, the inspector checks the empty container for holes (light test with the doors shut), dents, odour, damp floorboards and the previous cargo's residue, and records the container number.
- Count and match. Cartons are counted against the packing list as they go in: 412 expected, by style. Random cartons are opened to confirm that the contents match the shipping marks.
- Stowage. Heavy cartons low, no crushed corners, gaps filled, desiccants hung where agreed. Any wooden pallets or crates should carry the ISPM 15 mark.
- Exceptions. Wet or crushed cartons are set aside and photographed. If only 405 fit, the report records the 7 left behind.
- Seal. Doors closed, seal applied, seal number photographed.
How Clear To Load supervises loading
In India most export containers are stuffed at the factory or at an inland container depot, then railed or trucked to a port such as Mundra. Tell us where stuffing will happen. If the container is unfit, our inspector stops loading and tells you and your forwarder the same day. When the goods are inspected and loaded at the same site on the same day, one inspector can cover both. Details and checks are on container loading supervision in India and in the container loading checklist.