Automobile Accident Attorney

Intrduction

Loss control/prevention means a systematic approach to reduce loss of or damage to property with the purpose of minimizing waste to the owner. An interesting study conducted by the Insurance Company of North America, of loss experience over many years, based on a sufficiently large volume of business indicated that, almost 83% of all cargo losses are preventable.

Theft, Pilferage and Non-Delivery

The shipper should be advised to take following simple precautions to minimize these losses:

?Use only new, well-constructed packing for the product. Early deterioration or collapse of flimsy or used cartons, boxes or bags invites pilferage through exposure of contents.

?Corrugated fasteners will add to the security of wooden boxes. Shrink wrapping, strapping and banding contributes to package security.

?Do not advertise your product to thieves and pilferers.

?Descriptive labeling, illustrations or prominent display of trademarks and well-known company names on any type of cargo simplifies the pilferer?s risk. Instead, use coded markings and change the codes frequently.

?Clear and complete delivery and handling instructions should appear on at least three surfaces of the exterior package. Limiting marks to only one or two surfaces invites rolling, tumbling and flipping of packages in search for marks and delivery information.

?Bright color-coding of sides or corners facilitates identification and minimizes the number of strayed parcels.

The shipper should be advised to take following simple precautions to minimize these losses:

1.Unitizing and palletizing as well as use of intermodal containers will help to keep the cargo together and make it inconvenient to thieves and pilferers.

2.Insist on prompt pick-up and delivery. The longer the cargo rests on piers, in terminals, port sheds or in truck bodies, the more it is exposed to loss by theft or pilferage.

Handling and Stowage Danage

?Cargo handling in various seaports and airports of the world

ranges from highly professional and sophisticated to totally unskilled.

?Rough seas, turbulent air, heavy traffic and sub-standard roads subject to the cargo to every imaginable kind of motion and impact. The consignor must pack for the toughest leg of the journey.

?Marine insurers resist claims that arise from insufficient or unsuitable packing. It is for the consignor to ensure that adequate protection for the goods is provided.

?Wise selection of packing depends on the nature of the cargo. Items, which completely fill the box or carton and contribute to the strength of the package, are normally the easiest and the most economical to package. Articles, which do not completely fill the selected container must be cushioned, braced, fastened or blocked to prevent damage to the article itself or destruction of the container. Do not exceed whatever capacity the box, bag or carton was designed to accommodate.

?Unitize, palletize or assemble cargo into the largest practical unit consistent with handling, weight and dimension requirements. Packaging should be strong enough to withstand:

1.Weight of other cargo that might be stowed on top of it.

2.Pressures created by both movements in transit and handling.

?Greater part of damage that occurs to cargo during ocean voyage is attributable to improper stowage. Stowage means placing and securing of cargo in the holds of a vessel. The main objectives of good stowage are:

The general stability of the ship, safety of personnel on board and observance of load-line regulations

1.To make optimum use of cargo space available in the vessel

2.To facilitate loading, unloading and handling charges

3.The prevention of damage to cargo by shifting, contact, sweat, bad stowage and similar causes

4.To arrange the cargo shipped to different ports in such a way that it can be promptly and readily unloaded upon arrival at respective ports

?The layout of the cargo is carefully considered with due allowance given to bottom stowage and avoidance of space wastage. Goods are securely lashed and wedged to avoid displacement by the rolling and pitching of the vessel during the voyage.

?During loading, the weight of the cargo loaded is checked by the vessel?s draft markings, which are situated on both sides of the stem and stern of the vessel.

?As far as possible, it is endeavored to keep the vessel on an even keel, with possibly a slightly deeper immersion at the stern.

?There must be no list in the vessel, caused by greater weight of cargo on one side than the other. Discharging operations should proceed without disturbing the stability of the vessel.

?Heavy machinery is usually stowed in the lower holds to assist stability of the vessel, whereas, light goods should occupy stowage.

?To avoid contact/contamination damage ?dunnage? (consisting of mats, wooden planks and similar materials) is used to give the necessary protection.

?Before the cargo is loaded, a ?stowage plan? is prepared so that the master of the vessel has an adequate knowledge of the location of various types of cargoes stowed in the holds.

?Copies of the stowage plan are sent to steamer agents at each port of call of the vessel.

Water Damage

Cargo should be protected from water damage from external sources such as rain, seawater, high humidity and ship?s sweat by adequate preparation and packing.

Containerized Cargoes

Containerization of cargo means packing of cargo in standardized containers, which can be shipped by sea, air or land. These standardized containers are also known as ?Intermodal? containers.

Inspecting the Intermodal Container

Following checklist will assist the shipper in inspecting a container to ensure that he will properly protect his cargo:

?The container should be free from splinters, snags, dents, bulges or other damage. These may interfere with loading, damage of cargo and create safety hazard for personnel.

? It should be free of residue from previous cargoes, particularly odours that may taint cargo.

? To inspect its watertight quality, enter the container, have the doors closed and look for light leaks. Also, check whether previous patches/ repairs are watertight.

? Cargo tie-down cleats or rings should be in good condition and well secured. Check that the ventilator openings are not blocked off and that they are equipped with baffles to prevent rain or seawater entry.

? Ensure that the doors can be securely locked, sealed, and watertight when closed. Door gaskets should be in good condition and watertight when closed.

? Check the lifting fittings at each corner of the container and the fittings that secure the container to the trailer chassis. They should be in working order. In case of open top containers, check the hatch panels for close watertight fit.

Preparing the cargo

An intermodal container is essentially a ship?s hold on a reduced scale. When containers are placed on board a ship for the ocean voyage, the cargo stowed in them with subject to the same movement forces and damage hazards that affect cargoes, which are shipped in break-bulk fashion.

Useful suggestions for packing appropriately are:

? Pack for the toughest leg of the journey. Be certain that the merchandise cannot move with the carton, box or other container in which it is packed. Immobilize the contents by blocking or bracing or provide adequate cushioning.

? Packages like cartons/boxes should be able to withstand the weight pressure of cargo stacked up to 8 feet high. Such packages should also be able to bear lateral pressures exerted by adjacent cargo to prevent crushing.

? Heavy items like machinery and items not uniform in shape should be crated; boxed or provided with skids to permit ease of handling and compact stowage.

Stowing Cargo in the Container

? Plan the stow. Observe weight limitations. Do not exceed the rated capacity of container.

? Distribute weight equally. Avoid concentrating heavy weights to be put at one side or one end. Stow heaviest items on the bottom.

?Avoid mixing incompatible cargo. Cargo, which exudes odour or moisture, should not be stowed with cargo susceptible to taint or water damage.

?Cargo subject to leakage or spillage should not be stowed on top of other cargo.

?Observe hazardous materials regulations.

?Stow cargo in reverse order of desired cargo discharge.

?Cargo for multiple assignees should be physically separated by partitions, dividers, paper or plastic sheets

?Forklift openings in pallets or skids should face doors of containers.