Yes. Loading supervision is one of the most useful things an agent can do for you, because it is the last point at which you can see the goods before they leave. The agent stands at the container door, checks what goes in, and records the seal.
We supervise loading on every container we handle, after our own pre-shipment inspection of the finished lot.
What loading supervision covers
- The empty container is checked and photographed for holes, damp, smells and damage before anything goes in.
- The carton or bag count is checked against the packing list as the goods are loaded.
- Marking, labels and batch codes are checked on the packs going into the container, not only on a sample.
- Loading is checked for stacking, dunnage and any moisture protection the spec requires.
- The doors are photographed as they close, and the seal number is recorded and photographed.
- A loading report with the photos and seal number is sent to you once the container is sealed.
Why it is worth doing
Inspection checks that a good lot exists. Loading supervision checks that the same lot is what leaves. Without it, a factory could load a different batch, short-load the container, or mix in rejected cartons after the inspector has gone.
The photos also matter later. If the container arrives damp, short or damaged, the loading report shows the condition it left in. That evidence helps you decide whether a claim belongs with the factory, the carrier or your insurer. Our guide on who handles claims on arrival explains how that works.
A seal number on the bill of lading that matches the photographed seal is also a simple check for tampering in transit.
What to agree in advance
Tell the factory in the purchase contract that your agent will attend loading, and that goods may not be loaded without them. Agree what happens if the agent finds a problem at the door: whether loading stops, who decides, and how quickly you will answer.
Loading dates often move at short notice because of trucks, container availability or port cut-offs. A good agent stays in touch with the factory and the forwarder so the inspection and the loading are not missed.
Can I attend instead?
You can, and some buyers like to see the first container loaded themselves. But loading often happens late in the day, on a date that moves, and at a factory far from any airport. For most buyers it is not practical to attend every container.
If you do attend, keep your agent there as well. They know what the factory's normal loading looks like, they speak the language of the loading crew, and they can write the report while you watch. If you would like to visit, see visiting factories with your agent.
Next step
Loading supervision is part of our pre-shipment QC, described on the services page. To talk through your next shipment, book a free sourcing review.