When textile goods arrive, check the container seal number against the bill of lading and the loading report before the doors open, count the cartons and inspect their condition, look for moisture and mould, and open a random selection of cartons against the packing list and the pre-shipment inspection report. Any shortfall or damage should be noted on the delivery paperwork and reported in writing to the supplier, the forwarder and your insurer straight away. These checks take a few hours and they decide whether a problem becomes a claim with evidence or a loss you absorb. Most notification periods start from arrival, so delay works against you.
Before the doors open
Photograph the container number and the seal in place, and compare the seal number with the one on the bill of lading and on the loading supervision report, if you had one. A seal that is broken, replaced or shows a different number means the container may have been opened in transit, and you should record that with the carrier before anything is unloaded. Check the container itself for holes, rust streaks and damp patches, since water ingress is the most common cause of damage to textiles at sea.
Unloading checks
- Count cartons as they come off and reconcile with the packing list and the bill of lading, noting any difference by style and carton number.
- Inspect carton condition for crushing, wetting, staining or re-taping, and set damaged cartons aside for separate inspection and photographs.
- Check for moisture and mould: a musty smell, damp cartons, tide marks or spotting on polybags are all signs that goods were packed humid or got wet in transit.
- Open a random selection of cartons, typically a small percentage spread across styles and sizes, and compare contents with the packing list and the carton markings.
- Compare a few pieces with the pre-shipment inspection report and the sealed retention sample for colour, measurements, labels and packing.
- Keep the packing list, the inspection report and your own count sheet together, since they form the basis of any claim.
Reporting a problem
Note any shortfall or damage on the carrier's delivery receipt before signing, and send written notice the same day to the supplier and the forwarder, with photographs and carton numbers. For insured cargo, notify the insurer within its stated period and do not dispose of damaged goods or packaging until a surveyor has had the chance to see them. Keep the damaged cartons, the seal and the photographs until the matter is settled.
If the goods match the inspection report and the count is correct, say so to the supplier too. A short confirmation closes the order cleanly and gives the factory a reason to keep the standard up.
How we handle it
At Creston & Co we supervise loading and photograph the container, the stuffing and the seal, so you have a record to compare against on arrival. Our final inspection report and the counter-samples sealed on both sides give you a reference for what should be in the cartons, and we help with the claim documents if something is wrong. If you would like a checklist tailored to your goods, we offer a free 20-minute sourcing review.