Dear Valued Client

Please pay attention to this critical notice:

Container hygiene and damage control are crucial factors that can impact your business’s bottom line. Contaminated or damaged containers can lead to cargo spoilage and unnecessary financial losses, Importers and Exporters are therefore required to inspect containers upon loading or destuffing. 

Best Practices for Container Hygiene & Damage Prevention are suggested below:

• Inspect containers for cracks, rust, leaks, or damages at time of receipt of container- loading and destuffing
• Record and photograph overall internal and external condition of the container 
• Use proper packaging and dunnage to secure cargo upon loading OR remove all dunnage/strapping from container upon unpack 
• Container to be cleaned inside including the removal of tank liners 
• External stickers to be removed prior to returning empty to the shipping line

Containers are inspected at the shipping line depots prior to reuse. If damage or contamination is beyond normal wear and tear, the shipper or consignee will be held responsible for repair and cleaning costs. Record keeping assists disputing such costs. 

In summary, container hygiene and damages are at the risk of supplier and consignee as per terms and conditions on the bill of lading, but if sufficient record keeping is in place, these parties have the right to claim. 

Should you have any queries, please reach out to our Head Office on 0318180320.