"Third-party" pre-shipment inspections are designed to limit claims for damage and shortages, to ensure that goods are properly packaged for shipment, and to verify that the shipment is complete, based on shipping documentation. When goods arrive at the destination with damage and/or shortages, the freight carrier may pass the liability back to the shipper. Controversy over where the liability belongs can strain the relationship between you and your customer. For a relatively small fee, Inspection Associates, Inc. will provide an audit, an opportunity to correct any discrepancies found, and a written inspection report to support our finding. Protecting yourself against unfounded claims and protecting your relationship with your customer makes good business sense.

Consignees or receivers of shipments may request pre-shipment inspections by asking their supplier to allow Inspection Associates, Inc. to conduct an inspection at the supplier's site.

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

PRODUCT VERIFICATION
For your protection, the quantity of each item number, part number, or product code can be verified to help avoid claims of shortages or claims that lower-priced items were shipped in place of similar higher-priced items.

PACKING INSPECTION
Claims for damage or breakage may arise and your customer or the freight carrier may assert that the goods were inadequately packed. Inspection Associates, Inc. can verify the packaging for the goods shipped. If the shipment is containerized or shipped via trailer, blocking and bracing of the shipment will be documented.

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 of a claim, the photographs can provide important information. In addition, a comparison of photographs taken at the destination and those taken during the pre-shipment inspection can provide clues as to how the shipment was handled en route, reasons for damage, how changes can be made to eliminate damage, or if claims of damage might be exaggerated.

WITNESSING OR SUPERVISION OF THE LOADING PROCESS
It may be advisable for the inspector to follow the goods and products through the loading process if your shipment involves loading a container or trailer. Blocking and bracing inside the container or trailer can be detailed. The elimination of voids and the leveling of the load, as much as possible, can be verified. In addition, the inspector can confirm the application of a seal to the container or trailer.