A container survey is an independent check of a consignment of fresh fruit once it has arrived in the UK. I attend at the port or cold store, sample the fruit, record what I find and write a report you can use with the receiver, your insurer or your own quality team.
Fruit I surveyAll fresh fruit and produce.
Where I attendContainer ports, cold stores and distribution centres across the UK. I am based in Cheltenham.
What you receiveA written report within 48 hours, with numbered photographs throughout.
When an exporter needs one
- The receiver rejects the load or makes a claim against it.
- The receiver's intake report scores the fruit lower than you expected.
- A price is being renegotiated after arrival.
- You suspect a temperature or transit problem.
- You want a record before the stock is sold on or dispatched.
What I check
- Samples drawn from each pallet.
- Defects counted by category, such as rots and moulds, scarring, discolouration and rind breakdown.
- Pulp temperature for every sampled box.
- The condition of the load and the packaging as I found it.
- Internal quality.
- Any markings you want recorded, such as box brand, lot codes or pallet labels.
I carry out every survey myself, so you get the same surveyor each time. The report says what I found, whether or not it helps the party paying the fee.
What is in the report
Every report follows the same structure. It covers the consignment details, how I sampled, what I found, the likely cause and the limits of what I examined.
- Consignment particulars
- Instructions, scope and attendance
- Sampling methodology
- Condition as found
- Fruit quality and temperatures
- Defects, counted by category
- Internal quality
- Comparison with intake findings
- Summary and opinion
- Limitations and reservations
- Declaration
Questions
- Do you act for the exporter or the receiver?
- I act for whoever instructs me, and I report what I find whether or not it helps them.
- What does a survey cost?
- A fixed fee per container, agreed in writing before I attend.
- How do I instruct you?
- Send the container number, the port or cold store, the receiver and what you need checked. I confirm the scope and fee in writing, then I attend.