There is no single normal breakage rate for wall tiles in transit, and no standard sets one. Breakage depends on the packing, the way the container is loaded, the handling at each port and inland, and how the tiles are unloaded. A well-packed, well-loaded container can arrive with very little damage; a poorly loaded one can lose many boxes.
Because of this, most tile contracts set an agreed breakage allowance and a process for claims rather than relying on a market norm. The figure is a matter for negotiation between you and the supplier.
Why wall tiles break
- Thin, porous bodies: ceramic wall tiles are thinner and weaker than porcelain floor tiles.
- Weak cartons: boxes that crush under the weight of the boxes above them.
- Loose loads: gaps in the container that let pallets or boxes shift at sea or on the road.
- Poor stacking: boxes stacked on edge, or heavy floor tiles stacked on top of wall tiles.
- Rough handling: boxes thrown or dropped during loose loading or unloading.
- Weak pallets: broken or undersized pallets that tip or collapse when lifted.
- Hidden cracks: tiles cracked at the factory but packed anyway, which break further in transit.
How contracts deal with breakage
A clear contract avoids long arguments. It usually covers these points:
- The agreed breakage allowance, stated as a share of the quantity or a number of boxes.
- Who bears breakage above the allowance: the supplier, the insurer or you.
- How breakage is counted: whole boxes, broken tiles, or tiles that are chipped but usable.
- The evidence needed: photos when the container is opened, a survey report and a count.
- The time limit for reporting damage after arrival.
- How the supplier settles: replacement tiles in the next order or a credit.
Delivery terms matter too. Under FOB, risk passes to you once the goods are on board, so breakage at sea is normally a matter for your insurance. Cargo insurance on Institute Cargo Clauses (A) is all-risks cover, while the (B) and (C) clauses cover only named events. The choices are covered in insurance for tile shipments.
How to keep breakage low
- Specify carton strength and the maximum stacking height in your order.
- Use pallets with corner boards, straps and wrap, unless you have a good reason for loose loading.
- Ask the factory to remove cracked tiles at sorting, not at packing.
- Load heavy floor tiles on the floor of the container and lighter wall tiles above or beside them, never under.
- Fill gaps with dunnage or airbags so that nothing can move.
- Photograph the loaded container before the doors are closed and sealed.
More on loading methods is in how to prevent tile breakage in a container.
When breakage happens
Photograph the container as the doors open, before anything is moved. Count damaged boxes and tiles, keep the broken pieces until the claim is settled, and notify the supplier and insurer within the agreed time. The full process is in how to make a breakage claim.
Next step
We check packing and supervise loading, and photograph every container before it is sealed, so you have evidence if a claim is needed. To set breakage terms for your next order, book a free sourcing review.