Cargo Surveys
Inspections
Assessments
List of Deliverables
Pre-dispatch surveys
Condition surveys
Risk assessment surveys (for insurers, consignees, consignors, and shippers)
Post-loss investigation and root cause analysis inspections
Claim assessment inspections
Transit risk assessments
Inspections for lashing, securing, and dunnage
What is a Cargo Survey?
A cargo survey, inspection, and/or assessment ensures the safety, quality, and integrity of cargo during transportation while protecting the interests of all stakeholders—such as shipowners, charterers, cargo owners, insurers, and port authorities.
It involves inspecting, verifying, and documenting the condition, quantity, and handling of cargo at different stages of its journey.
Key Benefits:
Protects financial, legal, and insurance interests
Ensures cargo safety and quality
Provides documented evidence for disputes and claims
Ensures compliance with international and local regulations
Why a Cargo Survey Matters
1. Protects Financial Interests
Cargo often carries high monetary value. Any loss, damage, or shortage can lead to costly disputes.
A survey provides independent documentation of cargo condition and quantity, supporting insurance claims or legal resolution.
2. Ensures Cargo Safety & Integrity
Surveys confirm that cargo is properly packed, stowed, and secured to prevent damage during loading, transit, and unloading.
For perishable, hazardous, or sensitive goods, surveys ensure compliance with handling, safety, and quality standards.
3. Minimizes Legal & Insurance Disputes
Survey reports act as objective evidence in case of damage, shortage, or contamination.
Insurers often require survey documentation to process or approve claims.
4. Ensures Compliance with International Regulations
Certain cargoes (e.g., dangerous goods, bulk chemicals, food products) must follow strict regulations.
A survey ensures compliance with SOLAS, MARPOL, IMDG Code, and port regulations, helping avoid fines and penalties.
5. Confirms Quantity & Weight Accuracy
Surveyors verify cargo weight, volume, and count against shipping documents (e.g., bills of lading).
This prevents disputes between shippers, consignees, and carriers over shortages or overages.
6. Identifies Potential Risks Early
Surveys detect issues like leaks, contamination, improper packaging, or unsafe stowage before they escalate.
Corrective measures can be taken prior to shipping, reducing claim risks.
7. Builds Trust Between Parties
As an independent and neutral assessment, a cargo survey fosters transparency and trust among shippers, consignees, carriers, and insurers.
Why Choose TMT Services for Surveys, Inspections & Assessments
Our survey findings, observations, recommendations, and reports maintain complete transparency between shippers, carriers, receivers, and insurers.
We ensure trust and clarity among all stakeholders in the supply chain.
Assistance in drafting legal petitions and providing expert consultancy.
Dedicated legal team on retainer to represent you in courts within Indian jurisdiction.
Detailed assessment reports help insurers evaluate risks effectively.
Provides critical insights for deciding underwriting rates and policy structuring.
Cargo surveys ensure no pre-existing deformities before dispatch.
Consignees remain well-informed of cargo condition throughout dispatch-to-delivery transit phases.
Dry Bulk, Break Bulk, RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off), FOFO, Liquid Bulk, Container Cargo, Floating Cargo, Packaged Cargo, Gaseous Cargo.
Road, Sea Vessel, Sea Barge, Sea LCT & Miscellaneous, Air, Inland Barge, Rail, Multimodal (e.g., Sea–Road, Road–Sea).
22 defined categories with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Recognized as safe and acceptable within the insurance market.
Practical, industry-accepted methods based on transportation mode, cargo conveyance, and applicable Incoterms.
Categorized correctly
Trans-Safeguarded throughout transit
Compliant with Insurance Policy requirements