Condensation, splashes or melted ice can wet a carton; not every wet box loses the same amount of strength. Document the damage where it occurs.
Inspect wet areas and crushing
Check the base, corners, seams and lid. Photograph the wet area and note pallet shift, top load and box deformation.
Compare with a dry sample
In an operational trial, use the same carton and load pattern for a dry control; set the method and acceptance criteria in advance.
Verify traceability
Read the lot and product label and match it to shipment records. If the label is unreadable, segregate the product and do not dispatch until identity is restored from an approved record.
Base reloading on the specification
Whether a wet package can be used depends on its specification and an actual load check. Do not assume it is equivalent to a dry carton that looks the same.
Record the wet-carton event
Log route stage, door opening, surface/temperature conditions, carton lot and affected product count. Use the record in a cause review if it recurs at the same point.
For recurring wetness, investigate whether it starts at the dock, in the vehicle or in storage.
If there is damage, lost labelling or a product-safety concern, the quality procedure and authorised person should decide acceptance, repacking or rejection.
