Cargo Surveyor Milwaukee WI
Professional cargo surveying and cargo inspection services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for shippers, receivers, carriers, insurers, terminals, vessel operators, manufacturers and logistics companies throughout Port Milwaukee and the western Lake Michigan region.
Cargo surveyor conducting a cargo inspection at Port Milwaukee Wisconsin
Great River Marine Surveying provides professional cargo surveying and cargo inspection services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and throughout the western Lake Michigan commercial marine market.
We provide independent inspection, photographic documentation and professional reporting for cargo owners, shippers, receivers, manufacturers, carriers, vessel operators, insurance companies, claims professionals, freight forwarders, logistics companies, terminals, attorneys and other commercial interests.
Milwaukee is one of the major commercial ports on the western shore of Lake Michigan. Port Milwaukee operates across approximately 467 acres and reports handling an average of approximately 2.5 million metric tons of cargo annually, including bulk, breakbulk, project and industrial cargo.
Cargo Surveying Services in Milwaukee
Great River Marine Surveying provides independent cargo surveys and inspections for a wide range of commercial transportation and marine assignments.
Services may include:
Cargo Damage Surveys
Cargo Condition Surveys
Pre-Load Inspections
Pre-Shipment Inspections
Loading Surveys
Discharge Surveys
Post-Discharge Inspections
Steel Cargo Inspections
Breakbulk Cargo Surveys
Project Cargo Inspections
Heavy Machinery Inspections
Container Cargo Inspections
OS&D Inspections
Tally & Piece Count Services
Seal Verification
Quantity Verification
Packaging Condition Inspections
Transportation Damage Surveys
Warehouse & Storage Inspections
Photographic Cargo Documentation
Marine Cargo Claim Documentation
Each assignment can be tailored to the cargo, transportation method, inspection location and requirements of the client.
Cargo Damage Surveys in Milwaukee
Cargo can sustain damage at numerous points during transportation.
Damage may occur during:
Vessel transportation
Loading
Discharge
Crane handling
Forklift handling
Truck transportation
Rail transportation
Barge transportation
Warehousing
Intermodal transfer
Temporary storage
Great River Marine Surveying can provide independent inspection and documentation following reported cargo damage.
Depending upon the commodity and requested scope, the surveyor may document observable:
Impact damage
Crushing
Scratching
Abrasion
Dents
Deformation
Rust
Corrosion
Wetting
Moisture exposure
Broken packaging
Torn wrapping
Missing components
Quantity discrepancies
Other visible exceptions
Photographic documentation can be incorporated into the completed cargo-survey report.
Steel Cargo Surveys
Milwaukee is an important Great Lakes market for the transportation of steel and other metal products.
Port Milwaukee specifically identifies steel among the commodities handled through its breakbulk and project-cargo operations, and its published port tariff separately identifies metal products as a major cargo classification.
Great River Marine Surveying can provide independent steel cargo inspections involving commodities such as:
Steel coils
Steel plate
Steel sheet
Structural steel
Pipe
Tubing
Beams
Fabricated steel
Steel components
Other metal products
Depending upon the assignment, inspection may document:
Rust
Corrosion
Wetting
Dents
Edge damage
Scratching
Abrasion
Deformation
Banding condition
Packaging condition
Handling marks
Identifying marks
Quantity discrepancies
Photographic evidence
Independent condition documentation can be particularly useful when determining whether observable damage existed before loading, occurred during transportation or was discovered during discharge.
Steel Coil Inspections
Steel coils can be particularly susceptible to handling, moisture and transportation-related damage.
A coil inspection may document observable:
Coil identification
Packaging
Banding
Edge condition
Surface condition
Rust
Wetting
Dents
Handling marks
Protective wrapping
Visible deformation
Quantity information
Photographic evidence
The exact inspection scope should be established before the assignment.
Breakbulk Cargo Surveys
Port Milwaukee has established infrastructure specifically supporting breakbulk and project cargo.
The port identifies breakbulk commodities including steel, lumber, brewery tanks, transformers, mining equipment, farm and construction machinery, manufacturing equipment and bagged products.
Great River Marine Surveying can provide inspections for breakbulk cargo such as:
Steel products
Machinery
Industrial equipment
Construction equipment
Fabricated components
Packaged commodities
Lumber
Heavy equipment
Manufacturing equipment
Other non-containerized freight
Depending upon scope, the surveyor may document cargo identification, quantity, packaging, general condition, visible exceptions and handling observations.
Project Cargo Inspections
Milwaukee is particularly well suited to the project cargo and heavy industrial freight market.
Port Milwaukee markets its ability to handle project cargo such as:
Wind turbine components
Brewery tanks
Mining equipment
Transformers
Farm machinery
Construction machinery
Manufacturing equipment
Oversized industrial components
The port also maintains heavy-lift cranes and direct rail connectivity for large and specialized cargo.
Great River Marine Surveying can provide independent project-cargo inspections before, during or following transportation.
Depending upon the assignment, services may include:
Pre-shipment condition inspection
Pre-load inspection
Loading observation
Discharge observation
Post-discharge inspection
Damage documentation
Identification verification
Photographic documentation
Packaging observations
Handling observations
Delivery-condition inspection
Heavy Machinery & Equipment Inspections
Machinery represents another valuable cargo-survey category in Milwaukee.
Cargo may include:
Manufacturing machinery
Agricultural machinery
Construction equipment
Mining equipment
Industrial processing equipment
Generators
Transformers
Specialized fabricated equipment
Oversized machinery
Other high-value equipment
Machinery damage may involve:
Impact
Scratching
Dents
Broken components
Damaged controls
Packaging failures
Corrosion
Wetting
Transportation movement
Improper handling
A timely independent inspection can provide a documented record before equipment is repaired, installed, dismantled or placed into service.
Wind-Energy & Oversized Cargo
Port Milwaukee specifically identifies wind turbine components among the project cargoes it is equipped to handle.
Large energy and industrial components can involve substantial values and complex transportation arrangements.
Depending upon the assignment, Great River Marine Surveying may document:
Cargo identification
Component condition
Packaging
Protective coverings
Securing observations
Handling damage
Visible impact
Abrasion
Corrosion
Photographic evidence
Conditions before or after transportation
Pre-Load Cargo Inspections
A pre-load inspection establishes a documented record of cargo condition before transportation begins.
Depending upon the assignment, the surveyor may document:
Cargo identification
Quantity
Packaging
Markings
Visible damage
Existing rust or corrosion
General condition
Piece count
Photographic evidence
Other relevant conditions
Pre-load documentation can be especially important for high-value machinery, steel, breakbulk and project cargo.
Loading Surveys
Great River Marine Surveying can provide independent observation during cargo-loading operations.
Depending upon the agreed scope, the surveyor may document:
Cargo condition before loading
Loading sequence
Handling practices
Visible damage
Packaging condition
Quantity
Cargo identification
Observable stowage conditions
Photographic documentation
Other relevant observations
A loading-survey report can establish an independent record of conditions during transfer.
Discharge Surveys
Cargo may also be inspected during or immediately following vessel discharge.
A discharge survey in Milwaukee may document:
Cargo condition as discharged
Visible transportation damage
Rust or corrosion
Wetting
Packaging condition
Handling damage
Quantity discrepancies
Missing cargo
Piece-count discrepancies
Photographic evidence
Prompt inspection is particularly valuable before the cargo is moved from the terminal or transferred into another transportation mode.
Post-Discharge Inspections
A post-discharge inspection can document cargo condition after unloading and before subsequent transportation, storage, repair or delivery.
Depending upon the assignment, documentation may include:
Cargo identification
Condition
Packaging
Damage
Quantity information
Terminal location
Photographs
Other observable conditions
This can help establish the point at which damage or loss was first observed.
OS&D Inspections
Great River Marine Surveying provides Over, Short & Damaged inspections, commonly referred to as OS&D surveys.
An OS&D inspection may document:
Overages
Shortages
Damaged cargo
Missing pieces
Incorrect quantities
Packaging discrepancies
Handling damage
Visible transportation damage
Cargo identification
Photographic evidence
These inspections can assist cargo owners, carriers, receivers, insurers and claims professionals when evaluating shipment discrepancies.
Tally & Piece Count Services
Commercial cargo assignments may require independent verification of the number of units being loaded, discharged, transferred or received.
Tally services may document:
Piece counts
Package counts
Bundle counts
Cargo marks
Serial numbers
Identifying numbers
Quantity
Observable discrepancies
Tally services can be coordinated according to the type and volume of cargo involved.
Container Cargo Inspections
Port Milwaukee's published tariff includes classifications for loaded and empty containerized cargo, along with extensive breakbulk and general-cargo operations.
Container inspections may involve documentation of:
Container number
Seal number
Exterior condition
Door condition
Visible structural damage
Cargo condition
Packaging
Observable shifting
Water intrusion
Moisture damage
Impact damage
Quantity discrepancies
Photographic evidence
The precise scope depends upon whether the container remains sealed or cargo access has been authorized.
Seal Verification
Great River Marine Surveying can document cargo or container seals when required by the assignment.
Documentation may include:
Seal number
Container or trailer number
Observable seal condition
Door condition
Location
Date and time
Photographs
Seal documentation can provide an independent record during cargo custody transfers.
Packaging Condition Inspections
Packaging is frequently important in determining how cargo may have been damaged.
Depending upon the commodity, the surveyor may document observable condition of:
Crates
Pallets
Shrink wrapping
Protective film
Strapping
Steel banding
Wood blocking
Cardboard packaging
Protective covers
Moisture barriers
Other packaging systems
Damage to both the cargo and its packaging can be photographically documented.
Wet Damage & Moisture Inspections
Water exposure can cause substantial damage to steel, machinery, packaged commodities and other cargo.
Potential signs may include:
Wet packaging
Water staining
Rust
Corrosion
Damp materials
Mold or biological growth where applicable
Damaged protective wrapping
Standing water
Other observable evidence of moisture exposure
The surveyor can document conditions visible at the time of inspection.
Specialized laboratory analysis may be recommended when determining the chemical composition or exact source of contamination is required.
Transportation Damage Surveys
Great River Marine Surveying can provide independent cargo inspections following incidents during:
Marine transportation
Trucking
Rail transport
Barge transportation
Crane handling
Forklift handling
Loading
Discharge
Warehouse handling
Intermodal transfer
Because Milwaukee is a multimodal transportation hub connecting marine, rail and highway freight, cargo may undergo several custody and transportation transfers before reaching its final destination.
Independent documentation can help establish cargo condition at a particular point in that process.
Warehouse & Storage Inspections
Cargo may also require inspection while stored in a warehouse, terminal or industrial facility.
Depending upon authorization and scope, the surveyor may document:
Cargo location
General condition
Packaging
Visible damage
Quantity
Storage arrangement
Observable moisture exposure
Photographs
Other relevant conditions
Port Milwaukee reports having more than 330,000 square feet of covered storage space, including climate-controlled warehousing, underscoring the significance of storage and distribution activity within the port complex.
Cargo Insurance Claim Surveys
Marine and transportation losses may involve multiple interested parties.
Cargo survey assignments may be requested by:
Cargo owners
Insurance companies
Claims adjusters
Shippers
Receivers
Carriers
Vessel operators
Freight forwarders
Logistics companies
Attorneys
Manufacturers
Terminals
Other commercial interests
Depending upon the assignment, a cargo-survey report may include:
Inspection date
Inspection location
Cargo identification
Circumstances reported to the surveyor
Observable cargo condition
Visible damage
Packaging observations
Quantity information
Photographic documentation
Other relevant observations
Time-Sensitive Cargo Surveys
Cargo damage should often be documented before the physical evidence changes.
Important evidence can be altered once cargo is:
Moved
Unpacked
Repaired
Repackaged
Processed
Installed
Transferred
Sold
Salvaged
Disposed of
For that reason, cargo owners, insurers and other interested parties should arrange inspection as soon as practical when independent documentation is required.
Port Milwaukee Cargo Market
Port Milwaukee is a particularly valuable target for cargo-survey work because its commercial business extends across multiple cargo sectors rather than relying upon a single commodity.
Port documentation identifies cargo categories including:
Steel and metal products
Breakbulk cargo
Project cargo
Dry bulk commodities
Liquid bulk commodities
Construction aggregates
Bagged cargo
Containerized cargo
Heavy industrial equipment
The port's marketing material additionally identifies wind turbine components, transformers, machinery, lumber and other oversized or specialized cargo.
Significant Great Lakes Cargo Volume
Port Milwaukee reported approximately 2.36 million metric tons of combined public and private dock waterborne cargo in 2023, demonstrating the scale of the commercial marine market available in the Milwaukee harbor area.
The combination of Great Lakes vessels, international marine transportation, bulk commodities, steel, breakbulk and project cargo makes Milwaukee one of the strongest cargo-survey locations within Great River Marine Surveying's existing Chicago-region coverage.
Serving Milwaukee & Southeastern Wisconsin
Great River Marine Surveying can coordinate cargo inspection assignments throughout the greater Milwaukee commercial transportation market, including:
Port Milwaukee
Milwaukee Harbor
Jones Island
Milwaukee
Southeastern Wisconsin
Commercial marine terminals
Warehouses
Rail facilities
Truck terminals
Industrial facilities
Manufacturing facilities
Storage yards
Other authorized cargo locations
Access to ports, terminals, warehouses and private industrial facilities is subject to facility authorization and applicable security requirements.
Great Lakes & International Cargo
Milwaukee's geographic location provides access to the broader Great Lakes and international marine transportation system.
Cargo moving through Milwaukee may arrive or depart aboard:
Great Lakes vessels
Ocean-going vessels
Barges
Trucks
Railcars
Intermodal transportation
The ability to inspect cargo at key transportation-transfer points can provide important independent evidence regarding its condition.
Independent Cargo Documentation
Our role during a cargo assignment is to provide clear and objective documentation of conditions observable during the inspection.
Depending upon scope, documentation may include:
Cargo description
Identifying marks
Serial numbers
Quantity
Packaging
Damage
Measurements when appropriate
Photographs
Inspection location
Inspection date and time
Reported circumstances
Surveyor observations
Limitations encountered during inspection
The exact reporting format can be adapted to the needs of the assignment.
Professional Cargo Survey Reports
Following an inspection, Great River Marine Surveying can prepare a professional written cargo survey report.
Depending upon the requested scope, the report may include:
Client and assignment information
Cargo identification
Location of inspection
Date of inspection
Reported background information
Description of observable condition
Description of visible damage
Packaging observations
Quantity or tally information
Photographic documentation
Relevant measurements
Surveyor observations
Applicable limitations
Our objective is to provide commercial clients with clear, factual and useful independent documentation.
Request a Cargo Survey in Milwaukee
If you need a cargo surveyor in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, contact Great River Marine Surveying to discuss the commodity, inspection location, reported circumstances and requested scope.
We provide steel cargo inspections, breakbulk surveys, project cargo inspections, machinery inspections, cargo damage surveys, pre-load inspections, loading surveys, discharge surveys, OS&D surveys, tally services, transportation damage surveys and cargo claim documentation throughout Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.
Request a cargo survey or inspection today.
Great River Marine Surveying Company
Phone: 1-877-921-2628