What is a Container Loading Check (CLC)?
A Container Loading Check (CLC) is an onsite inspection that ensures your products have been manufactured correctly, and the actual ordered quantity of products is securely loaded onto your container or truck. During a container loading check, a WHP inspector will select boxes at random to confirm that the product quality matches the specifications and/or approved samples provided by the client. They will also check that each carton reflects the quantity of products ordered and that all packaging contains the correct barcodes, labeling, and packing materials. On top of this, the inspector will closely supervise the entire container/truck loading process.
Why perform a container loading check?
Performing a Container Loading Check (CLC) can help businesses reduce the risk of product damage during shipment. It can also help to perform a final check of product quality and specifications to catch defects before shipping. Additionally, it ensures the correct handling of your products as they are loaded onto containers or trucks. Checking packaging meets specifications and verifying the quality of the container your goods are to be shipped in can further help to minimize the risks of damage. A CLC is particularly beneficial for businesses shipping fragile or sensitive goods that are likely to break in transit if the correct packaging and loading procedures are not followed.
What checks are carried out?
Firstly, the WHP inspector will randomly select a sample of products to inspect using the ANSI/ASQ Standard Z.1.4-2008 sampling standard. The checks that are then carried out are tailored to match client requirements and the product in question. WHP has an extensive range of off-the-shelf inspection checklists available that are designed for particular products. Clients can use these off-the-shelf checklists, or they can add to one of these lists or create their unique checklist.
However, a typical WHP container loading check includes the following checks:
- Product specifications checks
- Product colors
- Product style and construction
- Artwork including spelling, fonts, dimensions, positioning, and general design
- Labels including main labels, care labels, size labels, and product tags
- Finished and packed product quantities
- Product dimensions checks
- Other product-specific checks and tests to verify quality and workmanship
- Product packing and packaging checks
- Unit packing
- Inner packing
- Outer packing
- Export carton dimensions and weights
- Shipping marks on cartons
- Container loading and packing checks
- Loaded quantities
- Pallet and carton details
- Container condition
- Loading process
It should be noted that, while a CLC can be used to verify final product quality, it should not be relied upon to replace a more thorough pre-shipment inspection (PSI)
What happens after a CLC is completed?
After WHP completes a Container Loading Check, clients receive a detailed inspection report, delivered on the same day as the inspection and accessible via their online WHP account. The report outlines the findings of the inspection, including photos of any defects found, and gives an overall pass/fail outcome.
WHP expertise
WHP provides independent quality control designed to protect your business interests. Our highly trained and experienced inspectors are product experts who receive regular training in their field of specialization. WHP Inspectors can be onsite at your factory within 48 hours of booking, and reports are provided on the same day as the inspection. Our inspections can be carried out on all types of consumer goods, including, but not limited to, apparel and footwear, toys, cosmetics, electronics, and furniture.