"Third-party" Destination Inspections are designed to verify the condition of shipments at the time of arrival at the destination dock. Container or trailer seals are broken and doors opened in the presence of our inspector. Any signs of damage are noted and photographed. After the goods have been unloaded, shipping documents are used by Inspection Associates, Inc. to check the load for discrepancies.

Destination Inspections are especially important if the goods have a particularly high value, are especially fragile, or if there is a history of persistent damage or shortages. For a relatively small fee Inspection Associates, Inc. will provide an inspection and audit, detailing any discrepancies in a written report.

SHIPPING DOCUMENTATION
Inspection Associates, Inc. verifies the products and goods received against the shipping document, i.e. packing list, bill of lading, or invoice.

PRODUCT VERIFICATION
The quantity of each item number, part number, or product code can be verified to provide documentation if the filing of a claim is justified. Claims sometimes arise from damage, shortages, substitutions, or incorrect items shipped.

PACKING INSPECTION
Claims sometimes arise as a result of damage or breakage during the loading process or during transportation. Goods may be inadequately packed or, if the shipment is containerized or shipped via trailer, the blocking and/or bracing of the shipment may also be inadequate.

SHIPMENT CONDITION
Inspection Associates, Inc. visually inspects for signs of damage and reports on the overall condition of the shipment.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographs are taken to verify the findings of the inspection report. In the event it is necessary to file a claim, the photographs may provide important information. In addition, a comparison of photographs taken at the point of origin and those taken during the destination inspection can provide clues as to how the shipment was handled en route, reason for damage and how changes can be made to eliminate damage in the future.

WITNESSING OR SUPERVISION OF THE UNLOADING PROCESS
It may be advisable for our inspector to follow the goods and products through the unloading process if your shipment involves unloading a container or trailer. Blocking and bracing inside the container can be detailed and observations can be made during the unloading process. If damage or discrepancies occurred prior to arrival at your dock, our inspector can confirm that the goods and products were not damaged, stolen, or misplaced after arrival. Additionally, our inspector will confirm whether the container or trailer seal is intact or not before the doors are opened to confirm that tampering with the shipment did not occur. Unsealed containers or trailers are highly suspect because the integrity of the shipment may have been compromised.