Check contents of shipment - check weights or dimensions
CEB Section 15.
The forwarding agent is not bound to check the correctness of instructions or information given therein, in particular concerning the weight and the contents of cargo. Such information is accepted in good faith to serve solely for the establishment of the necessary documents and the cost of the forwarding agent's intervention.
In no case can such information be used as evidence to the detriment of the forwarding agent as proof of loss or damage, because the forwarding agent is under no obligation to carry out himself the weighing or the inspection of the cargo without explicit instructions to this effect.
SSV Section 7.
Examination
The forwarder shall carefully examine the orders placed with it; however, it is not obliged to verify the contents of transport containers or shipments, or to check weights or dimensions. If any ambiguities come to the notice of the forwarder, they are to be clarified as soon as possible with the customer.
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Robert Vogel's Commentary:
It is impractical for a forwarder to check the contents of a shipment that it did not prepare for transport.
Section 7 is an application of the principle of good faith which shall govern the relationship between the two parties. If the forwarder notices any ambiguity, he has to alert the customer.
A careful examination may avoid many disputes.