What action should originating stations take if they receive discrepant cargo from a non-commercial carrier?

When an originating station receives discrepant cargo from a non-commercial carrier, the appropriate action is to refuse the shipment. This is crucial for several reasons. First, accepting a shipment with discrepancies could lead to regulatory compliance issues or safety concerns, especially if the cargo does not meet the established standards for transport. Refusing the shipment ensures that only compliant and verified cargo enters the logistics pipeline, thus maintaining the integrity of the supply chain.

Additionally, refusing the shipment protects the receiving unit from potential liability associated with accepting shipments that do not meet required specifications. It also allows for the potential for further evaluation of the situation, including communication with the carrier to understand the nature of the discrepancy.

Investigating the discrepancy, while important, typically comes after the decision to refuse the shipment has been made. Contacting the carrier may also be relevant, but it is usually a step taken after refusing the shipment to clarify the circumstances surrounding the discrepancy. Accepting a shipment, on the other hand, undermines safe and compliant operational procedures.