There are many cases when a defect or some minor damage can be detected upon receipt of the goods. Who is to blame and how to deal with it? The following are the parties that can physically handle the cargo on a typical international container shipping route:

• The supplier / factory that loads the goods.
• A trucker who delivers cargo to a local warehouse.
• A freight company that moves goods from a warehouse to a customer.
• Port of arrival of the terminal.
• Customs warehouse.

The most common causes of cargo damage are water damage, shock caused by the container, and damage due to improper fastening and packing.

Water damage can occur for the following reasons:

• Changes in temperature during a ship's voyage can also increase condensation inside the container, which can cause the cargo to get wet.
• Water can get into the container if it has small openings, especially during the voyage, if the vessel is faced with adverse weather conditions.

Incorrect fastening and packing:

Extremely heavy cargo and uneven weight distribution, improper loading of pallets and poor fastening are some of the causes of cargo damage, depending on the type of cargo, its weight and weight.

So, before you unpack everything in the warehouse, a thorough inspection is necessary. Check for visible damage to the container from the outside. After the start of unloading, if there is visible damage to the cargo, immediately stop the unloading process and notify your carrier and your insurance company if the cargo is insured.

To claim compensation from your carrier, you need to send the following documents to the carrier:

• Notification
• Inspection report and report on cargo damage (if there is any independent inspection report with photos).
• Photos
• waybill
• Delivery receipt

The carrier is obliged to consider the claim and draw any opinion on conscription and compensation for damage or innocence.

In addition, shippers or other interested parties involved in container loading should be informed of the following details:

• The use of space should be carefully checked for pallets for cargo and, if there are empty spaces between pallets, they should be filled with airbags or other means of filling.
• The weight distribution within the container should be uniform.
• Do not load heavier objects on the side or on one end of the container.
• Place lighter items on top of heavier ones, avoid stuffing any loose item, and pack the load as tightly as possible.