As a business owner who sells products, you rely on your cargo being shipped around the country and beyond in an efficient manner. Your cargo needs to arrive on time and in one piece.
Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen, and cargo can be damaged during transit. How does this happen and what can you do to rectify the situation?
How cargo can be damaged
There are several ways that cargo can be damaged during transit. One of the most common types of damage is physical damage. Cargo can be physically damaged because of:
- Improper handling– Loaders should take care when placing cargo on trucks or ships, particularly when that cargo is delicate. The cargo may also be damaged on the road if truck drivers do not take care to observe the speed limits and drive carefully.
- Weather conditions– Sometimes, cargo can be damaged by weather conditions. For example, cargo that is exposed to heavy rain is likely to become water damaged. Cargo loaded onto ships is also much more likely to be water damaged.
- Contamination– It’s also possible for cargo to be damaged by contamination. For example, if your products are placed next to certain chemicals, then they could be contaminated. Another contamination concern is infestation from pests, rodents and insects.
Why does it matter?
Having damaged cargo can affect your business more than just financially. It can impact your company’s credibility. You may lose clients and see your insurance premiums rise to all-time highs.
If your cargo has been damaged, then you may be able to hold the shipping company to account. Seek legal guidance to assess your options in more detail.