In the world of cargo transportation, where damage to goods and disputes over potential liabilities are recurring concerns, it is not only essential that all involved parties have the opportunity to inspect the damage, but also that there is a basic agreement on the adequacy of the evidence itself. A lack of consensus in this regard can lead to disputes over the validity of analyses and hinder an objective resolution of the incident.
For this reason, sample traceability is crucial to ensuring a fair and accurate determination of the cause of damage and, consequently, the applicable liabilities in each case, significantly impacting coverage and recovery decisions.
Without proper control of factors such as cross-contamination or exposure to inadequate temperatures, differences in sample handling between the origin and destination can result in contradictory outcomes, leading to discrepancies in reports that may cause disputes between parties, delays in claim resolution, and a general loss of trust in the market.
Sample handling must follow a strictly documented process. Depending on the specific cargo—such as in liquid cargo cases—contamination can still occur despite proper cleaning operations. Some key aspects include:
- Sampling should be conducted by a designated surveyor at both loading and discharge ports, as well as at various points throughout the loading and unloading processes.
- Joint sampling with the presence of all interested parties is beneficial.
- An independent laboratory should analyze the samples.
- Proper labelling and storage of samples must be ensured.
- Following the guidelines of recognized organizations, such as the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Standards Organization (ISO), helps apply best practices for quality and quantity measurement.
Digital management systems can facilitate the automation of custody chain records and reduce human errors. However, it is important to carefully assess the costs and benefits of their implementation.
In conclusion, proper sample traceability in cargo incidents allows for a more precise determination of the cause of loss, making it essential to ensuring reliable results, avoiding disputes, protecting the reputation of the involved parties, and facilitating the determination of liability.
