Cargo Survey

Cargo Survey at Sea Ports, Warehouses and Onboard Ships in China, Vietnam, India and Across Asia

An independent check of your cargo wherever it is handled — at the terminal, in the warehouse or on the vessel.

  • 685+ Asia-based inspectors for on-site cargo surveys
  • Cargo quantity, condition, marks and seal numbers recorded with photographic evidence
  • Loading, discharge and handling witnessed in person by an independent inspector
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Cargo Survey
On the ground in 25+ countries across Asia & beyond

Where and Why a Cargo Survey Matters

A Cargo Survey works much like a Container Loading Inspection, but takes place where your goods change hands after leaving the factory — at sea ports, in warehouses or onboard ships — giving you an independent record of the cargo at that point.

At Sea Ports and Terminals

The inspector attends the port or terminal to check the cargo, packaging and containers before loading or after discharge, and records what is found on-site.

In Warehouses

Cargo stored or consolidated in a warehouse is checked for quantity, shipping marks, packaging condition and storage conditions before it moves on.

Onboard Ships

Where access is granted, the inspector observes the cargo onboard the vessel and documents its visible condition and how it is handled and stowed.

Independent Photo Evidence

Every finding is backed by photographs, giving you a neutral record of the cargo condition to share with your supplier and logistics partners.

What Steps Does The Inspection Company Follow During a Cargo Survey?

A structured 8-step process to document your cargo at the port, warehouse or vessel.

  1. Step 01: Container or Storage Area Checked
    Step 01 Container or Storage Area Checked

    The inspector checks the container, warehouse area or cargo space for visible holes, cracks, damage, or conditions that may allow water or moisture to reach the cargo.

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  2. Step 02: Weather and Site Conditions Reported
    Step 02 Weather and Site Conditions Reported

    The inspector records the weather and relevant port, warehouse or vessel conditions that could affect the cargo during handling.

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  3. Step 03: Quantity Verified Against Packing List
    Step 03 Quantity Verified Against Packing List

    Check and confirm the total available quantity in comparison with the packing list.

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  4. Step 04: Random Sample Verification
    Step 04 Random Sample Verification

    Random cartons or packages are selected to verify the product identity, shipping marks, labeling, packaging, and visible condition of the goods.

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  5. Step 05: Handling Overseen in Person
    Step 05 Handling Overseen in Person

    The inspector oversees the loading, discharge or transfer of the cargo and documents how it is handled, stowed and secured.

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  6. Step 06: Continuous Monitoring During the Survey
    Step 06 Continuous Monitoring During the Survey

    The inspector remains on-site during the agreed survey period and monitors the cargo and its handling throughout that time.

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  7. Step 07: Immediate Notification of Critical Issues
    Step 07 Immediate Notification of Critical Issues

    The client is notified promptly if serious discrepancies are identified, such as incorrect goods, major quantity differences, damaged packaging, or unsuitable storage or container conditions.

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  8. Step 08: Detailed Photo Report Provided
    Step 08 Detailed Photo Report Provided

    Thorough reports with photos are provided for your review.

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What Every Cargo Survey Delivers

Clear documentation and photographic evidence of your cargo at the port, warehouse or vessel — so you know what was handled, in what condition, and how.

01

Site and Cargo Condition Record

The inspector records the condition of the survey location — terminal, warehouse or vessel area — along with weather conditions and the visible condition of the cargo, including damage, wet or moisture marks, and broken packaging.

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Site and Cargo Condition Record
02

Quantity and Marks Verification

The available quantity is counted and compared with the packing list, and shipping marks, labels and product identity are checked on randomly selected cartons or packages.

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Quantity and Marks Verification
03

Container and Seal Recording

Where the cargo is containerised, the container numbers, container condition and seal numbers are recorded in the report, together with photographs of the doors and applied seals.

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Container and Seal Recording
04

Loading or Discharge Witnessed On-Site

The inspector supervises the loading, discharge or transfer of the cargo in person and documents how it is handled, stowed and secured, as observed during the agreed survey period.

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Loading or Discharge Witnessed On-Site
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need to Know About Cargo Survey

Common questions from importers and exporters booking a Cargo Survey

What Is a Cargo Survey?

A Cargo Survey is an independent on-site inspection of goods at sea ports, terminals, warehouses or onboard ships. The inspector checks the quantity, shipping marks, packaging and visible condition of the cargo, and supervises its loading, discharge or transfer.

All findings are documented with photographs, giving you an independent record of the cargo at the moment it is handled.

How Is a Cargo Survey Different From a Container Loading Inspection?

The checks are very similar. A Container Loading Inspection takes place at the factory or supplier's loading site, while a Cargo Survey takes place further along the supply chain — at sea ports, in warehouses or onboard ships.

Where Can a Cargo Survey Be Carried Out?

A Cargo Survey can be carried out at:

  • Sea ports and terminals — before loading or after discharge.
  • Warehouses — during storage, consolidation or before dispatch.
  • Onboard ships — where access to the vessel is granted.
What Is Included in a Cargo Survey?
A Cargo Survey includes recording the site and weather conditions, verifying quantity against the packing list, checking shipping marks and packaging, documenting visible damage, recording container and seal numbers where applicable, and supervising the loading or discharge — all supported by photographic evidence.
When Should I Schedule a Cargo Survey?
A Cargo Survey should be booked in advance for the confirmed date the cargo will be handled. Access to the port, warehouse or vessel, the cargo documents, and the handling team should be arranged before the inspector arrives.
What Happens After a Cargo Survey Is Completed?

TIC provides an inspection report which includes:

  • Photographic evidence of the cargo, packaging and handling.
  • Verification of quantity and marks compared to the packing list.
  • Container and seal numbers, where applicable.
  • Inspector's notes on any discrepancies or concerns.

Serious issues identified during the survey can be communicated promptly where agreed.

What Happens If the Survey Is Delayed?
The handling time should be confirmed before the inspection. Waiting time, late vessel or container arrival, or handling that continues beyond the booked inspection time may require additional inspection hours or an additional man-day.
Can TIC Guarantee the Cargo After the Survey?
The report records the cargo condition as observed in the inspector's presence. TIC cannot control the cargo, container or seal after the inspector leaves the survey location.

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