Cargo Damage Due to Unsealed Drain Hole: Investigation Report

According to the photos provided by the consignee, a significant amount of white clumps, suspected to be frost, were discovered near the container door. These clumps were found on the floor drain hole, the door, the top connection of the door, and the outer surface of the cargo packaging. There are generally two potential sources of frost in this situation.

Firstly, it is possible that moisture evaporated from the cargo itself after melting and then condensed again when the container resumed refrigeration. Secondly, external temperature and humidity gases may have entered the low-temperature environment and condensed, similar to when frost forms inside a refrigerator door that is not closed properly.

After reviewing the temperature records of the container, no abnormally high temperatures that could cause the cargo to melt were found during transportation. Additionally, since the cargo is packaged in multiple layers, any melting would usually be limited to the surface of the packaging, resulting in frost formation. Therefore, our speculation is that the entry of external warm and humid air into the container caused the frost and possibly damaged the cargo.

According to the information provided by our principal, the door panel and gasket of EMCU5407151 are in good condition, and no reports of container damage have been received from the cargo receiver. Based on our experience, it is highly likely that the warm and humid air entered through the container's drain hole, indicating that the drain hole was not properly sealed after loading. Unfortunately, once the door is closed, it becomes impossible to seal the drain hole again, as the plug needs to be operated from inside the container.

Based on the above analysis, we believe that the cargo damage was caused by the shipper's negligence in failing to properly seal the drain hole after loading.