Road Transport Claim Survey France – Surveyor for Insurers

A recent cargo delivery issue in the Marseille region required an urgent, independent assessment following the refusal of a container at the consignee’s site. The container, loaded with photovoltaic equipment, was rejected due to significant damage to the right-hand door, which made unloading unsafe and raised concerns over potential cargo damage.

To avoid further delays and risk, the container was redirected to Vitrolles for a formal damage inspection, where all relevant parties were invited to participate in a joint survey operation.

Reported Damages & Initial Reservations

Prior to road transport, reservations were issued at the terminal of origin, citing:

• Impact and deformation on front and rear right uprights

• Visible misalignment and damage to the right-hand door

Upon attempted delivery, the unit was received sealed and externally compliant but was refused due to its damaged structure, with added concerns for the condition of the cargo inside.

On-Site Survey in Vitrolles

The inspection was carried out at a secure handling facility in Vitrolles, near the Port of Marseille. Present were representatives from the shipping line, the haulier, the handling agent, and an independent surveyor from MCL Surveys.

The unit, a 40’ HC dry container, presented:

• Localized deformation of right structural members

• Door offset between 30 mm and 120 mm

• Cut on the lower hinge of the right-hand door

Despite structural damage, the container remained sealed. An additional security device had been applied between both doors by the driver.

Cargo Condition & Findings

Upon unloading, the cargo — 26 pallets of solar panel modules — was carefully examined. Pallets located near the damaged areas showed no critical impact. Only minor signs of friction on outer packaging (cartons and stretch film) were observed. Two pallets with slight compression marks were isolated and checked separately, with no internal damage reported.

For more information or to request their services, MCL Surveys can be contacted at +33 (0) 4 95 051 500 or via email at contact@mclsurveys.com