Fundamental oversights keep surveyors in business

Securing of cargo plays key role KEEP ALL parties correctly informed and use the correct equipment. It’s a simple risk management tool but advice seldom heeded, says Mike Webber of Transit Cargo Surveyors & Assessors – “and it’s what keeps the surveying profession in business.” Surveying involves two fundamentals, says Webber. “Firstly establishing where liability lies for damage through thorough knowledge of various shipping contracts, and secondly risk management through proactive involvement in cargo operations, particularly at interchange points between the different transportation modes. “It stands to reason that the majority of cargo damage occurs at the interchange points through incorrect handling.” When handling sensitive breakbulk or project cargoes, far too little attention is paid to the transfer of critical handling information, and to the securing of cargo during road transport, says Webber, with often costly results. “Handling information is often not transferred between shift managers who play a vital role in the cargo handling stages," says Webber. “Another critical area that is constantly overlooked is the correct securing of cargo onto road transport where chains are not certified, possibly rusted, or there is guess work as to the safe working load. “Lashing of cargo must be adjusted to accommodate high or off-set centres of gravity.”