Why is a cargo container inspection so important? 

Before any loading operation, a container inspection is a must. We all know how stressful it can be to receive your goods damaged. This can be caused by many factors but also by the initial poor condition of the container before that went undetected or undocumented. 
 
How about receiving a claim from a shipping line for cargo damage to the container that is now being charged to you? Make sure to inspect the container and confirm its seaworthiness and have the proper evidence at hand to refute any claim coming your way in the future. 
 
Pre-loading inspection is essential to verify cargo and transport equipment integrity and mitigate the risk of unauthorized transportation of goods. This helps to avoid things like false walls in containers or bodies for example.

Container Inspection checklist step-by-step

Procedures must be in place to verify the seaworthiness of the container before stuffing, including the reliability of the locking mechanisms of the doors. 

Undercarriage 

a. Inspect prior to entering the facility. 
b. Support beams on the undercarriage should be visible

Inside / Outside Doors 

a. Ensure secure and reliable locking mechanisms are attached to the container. 
b. Check for a different color bonding material. 
c. Check for loose bolts. 
d. Check for plates and repairs. Solid plates should not cover standard container cavities.

Right Side 

a. Look for unusual repairs to structural beams. 
b. Use a tool to tap the side walls – listen for a hollow sound. 

Left Side 

a. Look for unusual repairs to structural beams. 
b. Use a tool to tap sidewalls - listen for a hollow sound.

Front Wall 

a. Make sure the blocks and vents are open and visible. 
b. Measure the interior and exterior with a tape measure, range finder, or string. The container should be exactly to specifications.

Ceiling / Roof 

a. Make sure the ceiling height from the floor is accurate. Blocks and vents should be visible. 
b. Use a tool to tap - you should hear a metal, hollow sound. 

Floor 

a. Floor should be flat and one height. 
b. Inspect floor for unusual repairs. 

How to get your container inspection checklist done faster 

Have you thought about getting rid of all the paper checklist inspections and going digital? Going digital gives you a chance to standardize and customize your inspections. So everyone has to fill in checklists and do inspections precisely as you want it. 
 
This is where Cargosnap can support you and improve this process by getting your inspections done within minutes. All data is collected and available in real-time to assess the container condition and whether it is acceptable, for example, for a stuffing operation or not. Photos and forms are gathered via the app and made available within seconds for viewing and reporting on one platform. 

With personalized workflows, you will be able to have Proof of Condition of cargo and transportation equipment before starting the journey and be able to share it with the parties concerned almost immediately. 

Learn more how you can speed up your cargo inspections services and have all the data in one place here.