Cargo inspections & port coordination

During loading, unloading and transshipment in seaports and terminals, quality, quantity, logistics and contractual responsibility come together at a critical moment in the supply chain. Control Union combines independent cargo inspections with active port logistics coordination for both intercontinental flows (direct from seagoing vessels) and continental flows (coasters, inland barges, trucks and rail).
This approach extends from port to hinterland, including temporary storage and multimodal transshipment. The result is reduced risk of delays and disruptions, while organizations maintain control over delivery and settlement and minimise the risk of claims.

    Weight, quality and compliance under control

    Weight, sampling and reporting
    Prevent settlement disputes and quality claims. As an independent inspection partner, Control Union combines cargo inspections with accredited laboratory analyses through our sister company TLR International Laboratories in Rotterdam.

    A reliable foundation for every transaction
    Our accreditations guarantee every weight determination, sealed sample and quality report. Load Compartment Inspections are carried out in accordance with GMP+ guidelines, ensuring food safety compliance and safeguarding certification requirements throughout the supply chain. This provides both buyers and sellers with a solid basis for financial settlement.

    Efficient in high-volume, tightly planned operations
    With our roots as a ‘grain factor’, we deliver proven solutions for direct transshipment from seagoing vessels to inland barges, trucks or rail.

    Control Union Cargo inspections

    Risk management through cargo inspections and port coordination

    Control Union Cargo Inspections
    1.

    Direct transshipment

    Direct transshipment in Dutch ports enables seagoing vessels to offload straight into inland barges, driven by precise coordination and continuous cargo flow.

    2.

    24/7 scalable port operations

    A large, flexible team of inspectors and coordinators supports shift work, peak loads, and complex unloading scenarios with multiple receivers, continuously and without interruption.

    3.

    GMP+ and load compartment inspections assured

    Every barge undergoes a mandatory Load Compartment Inspection before loading, ensuring food safety requirements are met and protecting the certification status of receivers.

    4.

    Contractually sealed sampling

    Samples are taken, labeled, and jointly sealed according to international trade contracts, so both buyer and seller accept the analysis results.

    5.

    Independent oversight

    Inspection and logistical planning are united under one independent, accredited manager. We have known our way around the various ports for decades.

    The proof to your promise

    Toward control, insight, and certainty

    The strength lies in the combination of inspection expertise, advanced data systems, and global practical experience.

    Control Union Collateral management

    Step 1

    Control Union requests or builds the stowage plan, mapping each hold to its receivers so operations start with a verified cargo allocation.

    Control Union Inspections (14)

    Step 2

    Coordinators assign receivers, barges and crane capacity per eight-hour shift, keeping discharge on schedule across all parties.

    Control Union Inspections (15)

    Step 3

    The back office issues barge-specific inspector instructions covering weighing method, sampling protocol and Load Compartment Inspection requirements.

    The proof to your promise

    Full operational relief

    Control Union integrates as a fixed component in the supply chain, relieving organizations simultaneously on execution, quality verification, and contractual compliance.

    • The relief covers the entire unloading cycle, from planning before arrival to sending the last sample to the laboratory.

    • Quality data flows directly into contractual settlement, reducing claim risk between buyer and seller.

    • As a permanent link in the supply chain, Control Union takes over the coordination complexity that would otherwise require multiple external parties.

    Control Union
    Our origins lie in the port, where inspection, logistics, and coordination responsibility come together. This foundation and our expertise in this area still define our work today.
    Jan Idzenga – Control Union
    Proof to your promise

    Frequently asked questions

    The compound feed industry is the largest customer segment and relies on inspected raw materials such as soy and grains. A dedicated team handles similar bulk inspections and coordination for cargoes destined for the energy sector, for power plants.

    Coordinators align the departure of inland barges with the receivers’ schedules. The cargo arrives just-in-time at the final destination, exactly when the organization needs it.

    Sampling and laboratory analysis determine protein, moisture, and other parameters of each raw material batch. Receivers use these results in their linear programming models for consistent quality of the compound feed product.

    Get in touch with our experts

    Looking to learn more about our inspection capabilities? Submit the form below and we’ll reach out promptly.

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    Local knowledge

    Global coverage

    Control Union drives global trade forward. As an international and independent partner, we support traders, producers, brands, and logistics service providers in managing risk and safeguarding quality at every step of the supply chain.

    From raw material to final product, from processes and systems to installations, we provide insight, assurance, and trust in every link of the chain. We do this through inspections and audits, certification and verification, laboratory analyses, and pest management.

    Our global network of experts are embedded in international supply chains across dozens of sectors, including agriculture, food & feed, energy & biofuels, forestry, construction & infrastructure, textiles, maritime, and on- and offshore.

    Together, we build future-proof supply chains and confidence in global trade!

    105
    +
    Years of experience
    275
    +
    Offices and laboratories in 80 countries
    6000
    +
    Dedicated colleagues