If you import goods through Cotonou or Lomé, cargo surveying services in Benin and Togo are your eyes on the quay. An independent surveyor checks what leaves the ship, in what condition, and follows it until you collect it. This guide explains how cargo control works in both ports, what it costs you not to have it, and how to organise it.
What is cargo control?
Cargo control is the independent supervision of your goods during loading, discharge and delivery. A cargo control company verifies quantities, inspects condition, records every discrepancy and produces reports that stand as evidence with insurers, carriers and, if needed, courts.
Cargo surveying in Benin: the Port of Cotonou
At Cotonou, most importers face the same risks: shortages discovered at delivery, damaged bags or cartons, delays that increase storage costs. A surveyor attends from the opening of the holds to the collection of the goods:
- document check before arrival (bill of lading, manifest, packing list);
- hold and cargo inspection before discharge;
- joint tally during discharge and sorting of damaged units;
- daily reports and preliminary report as soon as a discrepancy appears;
- follow-up until delivery and final report.
Cargo surveying in Togo: the Port of Lomé
The same method applies at Lomé. Using one surveyor for both ports gives you consistent reports and a single contact, which matters when your cargo is split between the two gateways. In Togo, GMS also works with its partner NAVITOGO.
Cargo arriving soon? Send us your bill of lading and ETA: we will propose a surveying plan for Cotonou or Lomé.
What it costs not to have a surveyor
| Situation | Without a surveyor | With a surveyor |
|---|---|---|
| Shortage at delivery | No proof of where it happened | Joint tally sheets show the discharged quantity |
| Wet or crushed goods | Damage found too late to claim | Damage recorded and isolated on the quay |
| Insurance claim | Weak file, slow or refused settlement | Illustrated report accepted by the insurer |
| Absent importer | No one to defend your interests | Daily reports, wherever you are |
Bulk, containers and general cargo
For solid bulk (rice, sugar, fertiliser, clinker), quantity is measured by draft survey. For liquids, by ullage measurement. For containers, the surveyor checks seals and structure, then attends the stripping. For goods checked before shipment, see our article on pre-shipment and post-shipment inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What does a cargo control company do in Africa?
It supervises cargo operations independently, verifies quantity and condition, and issues reports used as evidence for claims.
Do you work in both Cotonou and Lomé?
Yes. GMS surveys cargo in both ports, with the same methods and reports.
In which language are reports issued?
In English or French, as you prefer.
Cargo surveying you can rely on
For more than 7 years, Global Maritime Surveys has protected importers in Benin and Togo, from the ship’s hold to the collection of their goods. Read also our guide to cargo surveying companies in Africa.
Next vessel on its way? Request a quote or call +229 01 61 19 78 30.
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