There are no uniform patterns for inland
transportation to the port. Each producing country has different arrangements,
but all have some risk principles in common.
- The truck that collects the coffee at your
facility must have been properly cleaned as you do not know what it carried
before. Closely inspect all trucks for smells and other contamination. Look for
holes in the roof or flooring through which water could penetrate or through
which coffee might be stolen by the use of probes.
- The same applies when containers are used for
inland transportation. In addition, take a very close look at the locking
devices of the doors and at the door hinges.
- It is recommended also to check the moisture of
any wooden flooring of any such truck or container with a moisture-measuring
instrument. Even a moisture content of well in excess of 20%, a situation in
which coffee would definitely become damaged, cannot be verified by simply
touching or feeling the floor.
- If the inland container is also to be used to ship
the coffee then be sure that the container is properly lined, with the coffee
fully enveloped by strong Kraft paper or cardboard (depending on the season and
your type of trade). (See 05.02.03.)
- Depending on climatic conditions heat radiation
may be a potential hazard. Even if that is not the case, coffee in a container
should never be stored in the open for a prolonged period.
- Ensure that only known and trusted parties or
persons handle the coffee. It is advisable to operate with as few truckers or
trucking companies as possible in order to build a mutual relationship. It may
also be wise to clearly define which trucks and which drivers may be
used.
- Do not permit overnight trucking or prolonged
stops at unknown places. If the distance to the port is too far to make it in a
single day trip then make sure the driver reports with the truck at places that
can be trusted, and stays overnight only in a safe and secured compound. Under
certain circumstances convoy systems can also be of help.
- In some countries it is advisable to consider
using security services. Before adopting such safety measures and so incurring
cost, always ask yourself how quickly you will be notified of something being
wrong, and who will do what within what period of time after such information is
received. Have an established accident or crisis management
procedure.
- Ensure the coffee is delivered to a safe and
suitable location, and that the operator is familiar with the handling of
coffee. On arrival the goods should be properly checked and a certificate of
receipt issued. This is to ensure there is a credible paper trail that the
insurer can verify.
- Remember, the climate in most shipping ports is
far from ideal for coffee. In high temperatures and high humidity coffee absorbs
moisture, possibly to a level where permissible limits for safe transportation
are exceeded and where severe condensation and mould may become
unavoidable.
Exporters should
bear in mind that at all times the coffee travels and is stored at their
risk. There is also the obligation to deliver a particular quality and
quantity at a given time and place. Poor management of the risks to FOB may ruin
any chance of claiming a mishap on force majeure (i.e. as unforeseeable events
beyond anyone's control - see 04.05.08).