In the previous article there were suggestions concerning minimizing the risks of theft loss involving containers for export cargoes. This article would therefore explore the various preventive measures available with regard to containers for import cargoes, even though the loss of container due to theft may be comparatively prevailing as against export shipments.
The perfect measure would be a financial deposit or guarantee to secure the return of containers but in practice this is hardly available. Hence some of the measures to consider would include the following:
Would the carrier be able to know the transport contractor to whom the container and cargoes would be handed over? Would the carrier have any doubt which party has appointed this transporter and are the documents provided for taking delivery of containers/cargoes in proper order? How much control can the carrier exercise on the transport contractor?
Is the carrier aware that container does not stay with the trailer and needs to be off loaded at delivery destination?
Are there multiple consignees within a container and if so unloading and deliveries should be taken care of by carrier’s appointed party with the container remaining in its control.
If container has to move inland of substantial journey, would the container be cleared by the carrier’s trusted inland clearing depot, if not, how reliable is the inland clearance depot?
In appointing new de-consolidator or CFS it would be necessary to determine their standing and if it is a new set-up, extra checks on the background may be necessary. Perhaps some form of financial security may need to be obtained for appointing a completely a new de-consolidator who is also new in the business.
Have proper record of containers with details of parties holding to the containers e.g. hauliers, consignees etc for the purpose of monitoring the returns of such containers.
A system of good record is essential if there is need for report to an authority for loss due to theft. That is, the loss has to be supported by record.
Where large quantity of containers movements are involved, reliance on a proper set of computer system record is necessary. The system should be able to show the shortest deviation in a container movement or temporary loss of contact so that investigation can be activated as early as possible.
With regard to insurance on containers it is pertinent to note that loss discovered during inventory taking is usually not covered and similarly loss not explainable (mysterious loss) is also excluded. Hence a system of control is essential in order to meet insurance claims conditions.
Note: No professional advice is intended in this note which is for general understanding
