Wet cargo does not explain the source of water
After opening the container, wet bags are visible.
The cause has not yet been established: water could have entered from the outside, formed on cooled surfaces, or come with the cargo and packaging.
If you immediately label the incident as a ‘leak,’ you may only gather evidence for one version.
The CTU Code describes internal moisture and temperature fluctuations as factors of condensation damage.
For the manager, the task is different: to organize observations before loading and preserve data after detecting a deviation.
This article does not prescribe a storage mode for specific grain.
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Check the cargo, packaging, and container together
Instruct relevant participants to assess the state of the cargo and the suitability of the packaging for the route.
Moisture may be related not only to the goods but also to wooden pallets, fastening materials, and loading conditions.
Inspecting the container does not replace the assessment of these components.
Save photos of the interior, floor, and doors before loading, the container identifier, and details about the location and working conditions.
Link humidity data to the method, sample, and batch; a single number without this information is difficult to use for analysis.
Decisions about ventilation, desiccants, and packaging will be agreed upon by technical specialists.
Record observations separately from conclusions
A training investigation form helps avoid losing alternative explanations.
| Observation | What to Save | What Question to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Drops on the ceiling | General view and location | Is internal condensation possible? |
| Moisture near the door | Photos of the door, seals, and cargo | Is there a pathway for water entry? |
| Wet lower bags | Floor view and layout scheme | Where did the moisture from below come from? |
| Differences between packages | Package identifiers and damage map | Is this related to the batch or placement? |
No single line establishes the culprit on its own.
Preserve original photos and inspection times.
Protect evidence first when there is a deviation
Notify designated participants according to the contractual procedure and agree on an inspection.
Do not mix damaged packages with the rest of the goods before recording, unless required for safety and preservation.
The decision on further use of food products is made by a competent participant.
Packaging with a desiccant does not prove that the risk was eliminated, and an intact seal does not confirm the quality of the contents.
Separate technical conclusions, contractual liability, and product decisions: these are different outcomes of the inspection.
Transfer conclusions to the next preparation
After analysis, modify a specific operation: loading conditions, packaging confirmation, photo set, or data acquisition order.
Do not limit yourself to a general phrase like ‘strengthen control.’
Assign an owner for the change and a way to verify its implementation.
For commercial settlement, use the procedure for handling a grain quality claim.
The collected observations will help formulate a question for a specialist but do not replace expertise and requirements for a specific product.
A practical management guide.
Examples are illustrative.
Check requirements and contractual terms for the specific product, country and shipment.
Internal forms do not replace official procedures.
Sources checked on 25 October 2026.
