Cargo Accidents During Post-Delivery Storage
What Are Cargo Incidents During Storage After Delivery?
Cargo incidents during storage after delivery refer to damage, wetting, contamination, deformation, deterioration, or quantity shortages of imported or domestic delivery cargo that occur or are discovered after the cargo has been handed over to the consignee, designated delivery location, warehouse, factory, store, or similar.
In cargo incidents, even if damage is found after delivery, it is necessary to distinguish whether the damage occurred during transportation, already existed at the time of delivery, or happened during storage after delivery.
If this distinction is mistaken, the responsibility relationships between the carrier, freight forwarder, NVOCC, consignee, warehouse operator, and cargo insurance company could be significantly affected.
Scope Covered in This Article
This article deals with cargo incidents prone to occur during storage after delivery, how to differentiate them from incidents during transit, exceptions noted on delivery receipts, unpacking and inspection records after delivery, storage conditions, the end of insurance coverage period for cargo insurance, documents to check, Claim Notice, and handling cases where the incident segment cannot be identified.
Damages occurring during transportation after customs clearance are covered under "Cargo Incidents During Transportation After Customs Clearance," damages found upon container opening under "Cargo Damage Discovered Inside Container," and when the incident section cannot be identified until the end, this is addressed under "Responsibility Determination When Incident Segment Is Unknown."
Do Not Confuse the Point of Discovery with the Point of Occurrence
In cargo incidents during storage after delivery, it is important not to confuse the fact that damage was "discovered after delivery" with the judgment that it "occurred after delivery."
Even if damage is discovered after delivery, it is possible that the damage occurred during transit or in an earlier segment of transportation. On the other hand, if the cargo was accepted without abnormalities at delivery but damage occurred or worsened due to post-delivery storage conditions or handling, management issues on the consignee’s or storage operator’s side may arise.
| Check Point | What to Check | Meaning of Judgment |
|---|---|---|
| At Delivery | External damage, wetting, quantity shortage, crushed boxes, exceptions noted on delivery receipt | If abnormalities exist at delivery, investigate the transit segment or earlier. |
| Immediately After Receipt | Photos taken immediately after delivery, temporary placement condition, movement status to storage location | Check condition from delivery to start of storage. |
| At Unpacking | Photos before and during unpacking, content damage, quantity differences | Determine if damage is latent or caused by handling after delivery. |
| During Storage | Storage location, temperature, humidity, load, cargo collapse, forklift operations | Confirm if storage environment or operations during storage caused the damage. |
| At Time of Damage Discovery | Date/time of discovery, discoverer, cargo condition, photos, inspection results | Record when and under what condition damage was confirmed. |
Decision Flow for Whether It Is an Incident During Storage After Delivery
To determine if the incident happened during storage after delivery, review in order the condition at delivery, delivery receipt entries, condition at unpacking, storage environment, and point of damage discovery.
| Sequence of Checks | What to Check | Direction of Judgment |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Check the condition at delivery | Delivery receipt, POD, photos at delivery, external abnormalities, quantity shortages | If abnormalities exist at delivery, consider transit or earlier segments. |
| 2. Check for exceptions noted on delivery receipt | Crushed boxes, wetting, damage, quantity shortage, abnormal seals | If exceptions are noted, they serve as evidence of abnormalities existing at delivery. |
| 3. Check records before and during unpacking | Photos before & during unpacking, contents condition, inspection records | Confirm latent damage, content shortages, internal damage. |
| 4. Check condition after start of storage | Storage location, temperature & humidity, stacking method, storage period, warehouse operations | Confirm possibility of damage occurring or worsening during storage after delivery. |
| 5. Organize point of damage discovery | When, who, during what operation the damage was found | Separate the point of discovery from the point of occurrence. |
| 6. Check notification status to related parties | Notification dates and contents to carrier, freight forwarder, NVOCC, insurance | Important to avoid disadvantageous arguments due to late notification. |
| 7. Check possibility that incident segment is unknown | Are delivery records, unpacking photos, storage records incomplete? | If segment identification is difficult, organize as incident segment unknown. |
Damages Likely to Become Issues During Storage After Delivery
The following types of damage are prone to cause issues in cargo incidents during storage after delivery.
| Damage Type | Likely Occurrence Scenario | Documents/Proof to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Water damage during warehouse storage | Leakage from rain, wet floors, condensation, storage in humid locations | Photos of storage location, wet damage photos, temperature & humidity logs, warehouse reports |
| Cargo collapse at storage location | Poor stacking, overloading, falling from shelves, pallet collapse | Photos of storage condition, photos of collapsed cargo, warehouse operation records |
| Forklift contact or piercing damage | Movement within warehouse, shelving, preparation for shipping, internal transport | Photos of damage location, operation records, warehouse reports |
| Deterioration due to poor temperature and humidity management | Refrigerated/frozen cargo, food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals storage | Temperature logs, humidity records, inspection reports, quality assessment documents |
| Damage during unpacking operations | Unpacking, inspection, assembly, installation at delivery point | Photos at unpacking, work records, inspection reports |
| Rust, mold, discoloration from long-term storage | Long-term inventory, lack of ventilation, humidity, direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations | Storage period records, storage environment photos, inspection reports |
| Contamination or foreign substance adhesion at storage | Floor placement, contact with other cargo, dust, oil, odor transfer | Photos of contamination, storage location photos, condition of other cargo |
| Quantity shortage discovered after delivery | During unpacking inspection, shelving-in, internal distribution | Delivery receipt, inspection report, evidence of shortage, photos |
Common Practical Issue Cases
When damage is discovered after delivery, it is not possible to determine the accident segment at the time of discovery alone. In practice, delivery records, photos at the time of unpacking, storage records, inspection timing, and notification history are combined to differentiate damage during delivery, hidden damage, and damage while stored post-delivery.
| Case | Common Issues | Documents to Check | Practical Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case where no abnormalities were noted on the receipt, but internal damage was found after unpacking | The issue is whether it is hidden damage during delivery, damage during unpacking, or inadequate packaging. | Photos before unpacking, photos during unpacking, photos of packaging materials, inspection reports, POD, delivery records | Do not judge based on the receipt alone; verify the condition before moving the cargo and the damage direction on the packaging materials. |
| Case where rust or mold was found several weeks after delivery | The issue is whether it was condensation during transport, moisture during storage after delivery, or the inherent nature of the cargo. | Photos at delivery, unpacking date records, storage period, temperature and humidity records, photos of storage location, moisture protection packaging documents | Organize chronologically not only the date of discovery but also the unpacking date, storage environment, and moisture control measures. |
| Case where exterior damage was found after forklift operation inside the warehouse | The issue is whether exterior damage existed before delivery or was caused by contact accidents during internal warehouse movement. | Photos at delivery, warehouse work records, forklift operation reports, photos of damage points, POD | Compare the condition at delivery with the condition after warehouse operations and also verify the work flow. |
| Case where quality deterioration was found due to improper temperature control of refrigerated foods | The issue is whether temperature deviation occurred during delivery or poor temperature management during storage after delivery. | Delivery temperature records, storage temperature records, delivery time, inspection reports, quality inspection documents | Separate and confirm the temperature changes at the end of delivery and after the start of storage. |
| Case where cargo temporarily placed after delivery was exposed to rain | The issue is management of the placement location after delivery or whether it was already wet at the time of delivery. | Photos at delivery, photos of temporary placement location, weather records, photos of wet damage, remarks on receipt | Check the delivery location, whether indoor or outdoor, temporary placement time, and the extent of rain damage. |
| Case suspected of dropping cargo during unpacking work | The possibility arises that the damage is not from transport but occurred during unpacking or inspection at the delivery site. | Unpacking work records, operator reports, photos before unpacking, photos of damage sites, inspection reports | Confirm by photos and work records whether damage existed before unpacking or arose during handling. |
| Case where no inspection was done at receipt, and quantity shortage was found later | Issues could be shortage at shipment, shortage during delivery, loss during storage after delivery, or inspection variance. | Receipt, Packing List, inspection reports, shelf storage records, internal in/out records, quantity reconciliation sheets | Reconcile delivery quantity, shelf storage quantity, and inspection quantity, and organize reasons for delayed discovery. |
| Case where exterior damage was found after internal company transfer to a different warehouse post-delivery | The issue is whether the accident occurred during transport or during internal movement or corporate delivery after delivery. | Photos at delivery, internal transfer records, photos after transfer, work records, POD | Organize the internal transfer segments after external delivery completion and confirm the responsible management entity. |
Differentiation from Accidents During Delivery
To determine whether the accident occurred during storage after delivery, it is necessary to confirm whether any abnormalities existed in the cargo at the time of delivery.
| Check Status | Possible Segment | Documents to Check |
|---|---|---|
| The receipt at delivery notes exterior damage, wetness, or quantity shortage | During delivery or earlier segments | Receipt, POD, photos at delivery, delivery company report |
| Exterior abnormalities can be visually confirmed in photos at the time of delivery | During delivery, before CFS dispatch, before CY dispatch, during ocean transport, etc. | Photos at delivery, CFS dispatch records, CY dispatch records, photos at unpacking |
| No abnormalities noted on the receipt, but damage was found immediately after unpacking post-delivery | All of hidden damage, damage during delivery, or damage during unpacking are subject to consideration | Photos before unpacking, photos during unpacking, inspection reports, notification history |
| No abnormalities noted on the receipt, and damage was found days or weeks later | Damage during storage after delivery or delayed-discovery hidden damage | Storage records, photos of storage environment, inspection date, unpacking date, notification history |
| Damage found after moving the cargo to a different storage location post-delivery | Internal movement after delivery, warehouse operations, accident during storage | Warehouse movement records, work records, photos of storage locations |
| Quality deterioration found in temperature/humidity controlled cargo after delivery | Temperature deviation during delivery, storage environment after delivery, inherent cargo characteristics | Delivery temperature records, storage temperature records, quality inspection documents |
Even if there are no exceptional remarks on the receipt, it does not immediately confirm that the accident occurred during storage after delivery. However, the fewer abnormalities recorded at delivery, the harder it becomes to explain the damage as an accident during transport or earlier.
Why the Receipt Notation is Important
The receipt notation is extremely important in cargo accidents during storage after delivery.
If there is no exceptional remark on the receipt, the delivery company or freight forwarder may claim that the cargo was handed over without abnormalities at the time of delivery.
| Receipt Status | Practical Meaning | Points of Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Notation of exterior damage, wetness, quantity shortage | It becomes an important document indicating that abnormalities existed at the time of delivery. | Keep this along with photos. |
| Notation such as "inspection required" or "received uninspected" | May demonstrate that content confirmation is pending. | Do not delay unpacking inspections and promptly notify the results. |
| No abnormality notation | It will be regarded as having been received in apparently normal condition. | Photos before unpacking and inspection records become important for claims made later. |
| No receipt or unclear records | It becomes difficult to confirm the state at the time of delivery. | Supplement with POD, delivery records, emails, photos, etc. |
Relationship with Marine Cargo Insurance Coverage Period
In the event of cargo damage during storage after delivery, the end of the marine cargo insurance coverage period becomes a crucial factor.
Once the cargo has completed the usual transportation process and has been handed over to the designated delivery location, entering the custody of the consignee, it may be considered outside the insurance coverage period. However, the actual determination depends on the insurance terms, delivery location, handover status, start of storage, and time of damage discovery.
| Items to Confirm | Details to Check | Impact on Insurance Coverage Period Judgment |
|---|---|---|
| Handover to Designated Delivery Location | Whether the cargo was delivered to the contractually agreed delivery place | Completion of handover often marks the end of the insurance coverage period. |
| Receipt or POD Signature | Existence of a record signed by the consignee or delivery destination acknowledging receipt | Serves as key evidence indicating completion of delivery. |
| Whether Inspection Was Performed | Whether only external check was done at receipt or if content inspection was also performed | Relevant to assessing concealed damage. |
| Completion of Transfer into Storage Location | Whether placed into warehouse, factory, store, or designated storage area | Helps determine transition from transportation to storage status. |
| Timing of Damage Discovery | Right after delivery, or several days or weeks later | The later the discovery, the more important it is to distinguish if damage occurred during storage. |
| Management Conditions During Storage | Temperature, humidity, stacking method, unpacking, relocations, warehouse operations | Used to judge whether damage arose due to post-delivery handling. |
Even if damages are found after delivery, it should not be assumed immediately that they fall outside insurance coverage. It is important to organize delivery records, receipts, photographs, time of discovery, storage conditions, and unpacking status, and check with the insurance company.
Notes Based on Cargo Characteristics
In incidents occurring during storage after delivery, the nature of the cargo often makes damage escalation due to storage environment a crucial issue.
| Cargo Characteristics | Common Storage-Related Damage Issues | Documentation to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Machinery and Precision Equipment | Rust, internal damage, post-impact malfunction, humidity-related failures | Photos of storage environment, inspection reports, manufacturer comments |
| Food Products | Temperature deviations, spoilage, mold, unpleasant odors, quality deterioration | Temperature logs, expiration dates, inspection reports, storage records |
| Chemicals | Leakage, container deformation, temperature effects, contamination of other cargo | SDS, storage conditions, leakage photos, warehouse reports |
| Clothing and Textile Products | Mold, odor transfer, soiling, discoloration, moisture damage | Photos of storage area, photos of soiling, inspection reports |
| Paper Products | Water damage, warping, mold, discoloration, crushing | Photos of water damage, humidity records, photos of storage condition |
| Heavy Goods and Palletized Cargo | Load collapse, damage from floor placement, forklift contact | Photos of cargo condition, work records, warehouse movement logs |
Relevant Responsible Parties
In cargo incidents during storage after delivery, parties involved include the consignee, delivery warehouse, storage operator, delivery company, freight forwarder, NVOCC, shipper, and marine cargo insurance company.
| Party | Main Relationship | Practical Points to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Consignee / Delivery Site | Post-delivery storage, unpacking, inspection, internal movement | Receipt confirmation, storage conditions, unpacking records, inspection records |
| Delivery Warehouse / Storage Operator | Warehouse storage after delivery, cargo handling, inventory control | Warehouse operation records, temperature and humidity control, storage location |
| Delivery Company | Domestic delivery before handover, handover at delivery | POD, photos at delivery, driver reports |
| Freight Forwarder / NVOCC | Transportation arrangement, contact point for shipper and consignee | Distinguishing whether the incident occurred during transportation or after delivery |
| Marine Cargo Insurance Company | Claims management, insurance coverage period, subrogation | Whether the incident happened within coverage period or during post-delivery storage |
Scope of Freight Forwarder's Involvement
Even if the freight forwarder does not directly manage storage after delivery, they may be requested to handle incident responses as a point of contact with the shipper or consignee. However, assisting with documentation collection and notifying related parties is distinct from determining the cause of the incident or identifying the responsible party.
| Situation | Support Actions | What Not to Conclude Definitively | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage found after delivery | Collect receipt, POD, photos at delivery, photos at unpacking, and inspection records | Conclude that the damage occurred during post-delivery storage solely because it was found after delivery | Distinguish and organize the time of discovery from the time of occurrence. |
| No abnormalities noted on receipt | Check photos before unpacking, photos during unpacking, packaging materials, and inspection reports | Completely deny the possibility of damage during transit just because no abnormalities were noted | Confirm whether it is hidden damage or damage occurring after unpacking. |
| Several days or more have passed since delivery | Check storage location, storage period, movement history, temperature and humidity records | Conclude that the case is not covered by insurance or that the consignee is responsible solely because time has passed | Verify insurance conditions and actual storage situation. |
| For temperature and humidity controlled cargo | Organize delivery temperature records, storage temperature records, and quality inspection data | Attribute quality deterioration entirely to either transit or storage | Separate the temperature trends at the end of delivery and after the start of storage. |
| If warehouse operations may have occurred | Check warehouse operation logs, forklift operation reports, photos of storage locations | Prematurely conclude responsibility belongs to the carrier or NVOCC | Also confirm in-yard movement or shelving tasks after delivery. |
| Claim Notice response | Support notifications to carrier, NVOCC, insurance company, and warehouse operator | Limit the responsible party to one company before notification | If the accident section is unclear, notify all related parties broadly. |
| Marine cargo insurance handling | Report the accident to the insurance company and check insurance period expiration and necessity for survey | Decide whether insurance payment is possible on the forwarder side | Judgment varies depending on insurance conditions, delivery status, and timing of storage start. |
| Explanation to shipper or consignee | Organize and explain confirmed facts, unchecked items, missing documents, and next steps | Explain “carrier responsibility” or “consignee responsibility” before investigation | Separate candidate sections and confirmation documents when explaining. |
Documents to Confirm
To determine whether damage occurred during post-delivery storage, it is important to compare the condition of the cargo at the time of delivery to the condition at the time the damage was discovered.
| Document | Details to Confirm | Practical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt / POD at delivery | Receipt date and time, recipient, exception notes, quantity | Used to confirm condition at the time of delivery. |
| Carrier delivery note / delivery records | Delivery route, handover time, driver report | Used to distinguish incidents during transit. |
| Photos at delivery | Outer packaging condition, cargo appearance, wetness, damage, quantity | Indicates presence or absence of abnormalities at delivery. |
| Photos before and during unpacking | Condition of outer packaging before unpacking, contents during unpacking, damage status after unpacking | Used to judge hidden damage or damage during unpacking. |
| Inspection report | Damaged quantity, number of normal items, damage details, inspection date | Forms the basis for damage amount documentation. |
| Photos of storage location condition | Floor, shelves, stacking method, moisture, contact with other cargo | Used to confirm whether damage occurred during storage. |
| Warehouse operation records | Movement, shelving, outbound, forklift operations | Confirms accidents during post-delivery handling. |
| Temperature and humidity records | Storage temperature and humidity, temperature deviations, storage conditions | Important for food, chemicals, precision equipment, etc. |
| Quantity confirmation documents | Planned quantity, received quantity, inspection quantity, shortages | Serves as evidence for quantity shortages. |
| Survey report | Damage condition, presumed cause, opinion on the occurring section | Used for insurance claims and liability determination. |
Accident Response Checklist
When damage is found after delivery, delay in initial response makes it difficult to distinguish between damage during transit, hidden damage, or damage during post-delivery storage. It is important to document photos, inspection records, storage condition, and notification history at the time of discovery.
| Check Point | Party to Confirm | Items to Confirm | Actions if Issues are Found |
|---|---|---|---|
| At Delivery | Consignee, Delivery Company, Driver | Receipt, POD, External Damage, Quantity Discrepancies, Photos at Delivery | If abnormalities are found, add remarks on the receipt and keep photos. |
| Immediately After Receipt | Consignee, Warehouse, Delivery Site Staff | Temporary storage location, Movement to storage place, Condition just after delivery | If outdoor temporary placement or in-transit accident is possible, record details. |
| At Unpacking | Consignee, Warehouse, Inspection Staff | Photos before unpacking, photos during unpacking, packaging material, condition of contents | Take photos before moving the cargo and arrange for a survey if necessary. |
| When Checking Storage Conditions | Consignee, Warehouse Operator, Storage Provider | Temperature and humidity, storage location, stacking method, floor wetness, contact with other cargo | If accidents during storage are possible, preserve storage records and photos. |
| When Checking Warehouse Operations | Warehouse Operator, Operation Staff, Forklift Operator | Shelving, movement, shipment, forklift contact, abnormalities during operations | Check operation records, staff reports, and photos of damaged areas. |
| When Confirming Delivery Records | Delivery Company, Freight Forwarder, NVOCC | Delivery route, handover time, driver reports, delivery accident presence | If delivery accidents are possible, notify the delivery company promptly. |
| When Reporting to Insurance Company | Insurance Company, Insurance Agent, Surveyor | Insurance period, accident discovery date, delivery documents, storage condition, damage amount information | Confirm insurance coverage period end and survey necessity. |
| When Sending Claim Notice | Delivery Company, Freight Forwarder, NVOCC, Warehouse Operator, Insurance Company | Notification recipients, notification date, damage details, time of discovery, attached documents | Send notification without assigning responsibility, as a means to confirm the accident section. |
Notes on Claim Notice
If cargo damage is discovered after delivery, it is important to promptly notify relevant parties such as the delivery company, freight forwarder, NVOCC, insurance company, and warehouse operator.
Delays in notification may result in counterclaims such as "No abnormalities at the time of delivery" or "Damage occurred during storage after delivery."
| Information to Organize When Notifying | Supporting Documents |
|---|---|
| Date, time, and place damage was discovered | Accident report, photo evidence, inspection records |
| Condition at delivery | Receipt, POD, delivery photos, delivery records |
| Condition at unpacking and inspection | Photos before and during unpacking, inspection report |
| Storage location and storage condition | Storage location photos, temperature and humidity records, warehouse operation records |
| Details and quantity of damage | Photographic evidence, quantity confirmation documents, damage valuation documents |
| Claim amount or estimated amount | Repair estimates, inspection costs, repacking costs, disposal costs |
When notifying, do not assume it was an accident during storage after delivery; proceed with confirming the accident section including possible damage during delivery or before.
Relation to Subrogation
When an insurance company pays out claims, it may pursue subrogation against delivery companies, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, warehouse operators, etc.
However, if damage is determined to have occurred during storage after delivery, pursuing claims against carriers may be difficult.
Therefore, even when damage is discovered after delivery, it is necessary to promptly clarify whether abnormalities existed at delivery, damage occurred during transport, or during storage. Remarks on receipts, photos, inspection records, and notification history significantly affect later responsibility determinations.
If the Accident Section Cannot be Identified
Even if damage is found after delivery, if delivery records, unpacking photos, storage records, and inspection records are insufficient, the accident section may not be clearly identified.
In such cases, rather than concluding it was an accident during storage after delivery, organize the likely accident section based on condition at delivery, condition at unpacking, storage status, delivery records, and notification history.
If the section cannot be identified definitively, responsibility determinations for "unknown accident section" are made comprehensively by reviewing evidence availability, managing parties, contractual responsibility scope, and notification status.
Common Misunderstandings
| Misconception | Actual Understanding | Practical Points |
|---|---|---|
| Damage found after delivery is always excluded from insurance coverage | Damage found after delivery may have occurred during transit or before. | Check insurance terms, coverage period, delivery records, and unpacking records. |
| If no abnormality is noted on the receipt, the incident after delivery is confirmed | Even if no abnormality is noted on the receipt, hidden damage may still exist. | Supplement with pre-unpacking photos, unpacking photos, inspection records, and early notification. |
| Damage during storage is entirely the consignee's responsibility | Even if damage is discovered during storage, damage may have already existed at the time of delivery. | Check not only at discovery but also at delivery and unpacking times. |
| Delay in unpacking is not a problem | Delays in unpacking or inspection make it difficult to distinguish whether the incident happened during transit or during post-delivery storage. | If abnormalities are suspected, promptly unpack, take photos, and notify. |
| Insurance period is uniformly determined by the delivery date | The end of the insurance period should be confirmed based on insurance terms, place of delivery, storage start time, and cargo flow. | Confirm not only delivery date but also delivery to the specified destination and when storage begins. |
| If damage is found upon unpacking at the delivery point, the carrier is responsible | Even if damage is found upon unpacking, multiple possibilities exist, such as during transit, transportation, packing defects, post-delivery storage, or during unpacking work. | Check photos before and after unpacking, receipt records, packaging materials, and delivery records. |
| If the freight forwarder is the point of contact, the freight forwarder should determine the cause | The freight forwarder can assist with gathering materials and notifications, but it is risky to conclude whether it was a storage incident or transit incident before investigation. | Explain confirmed facts, unconfirmed points, missing documents, and the next steps separately. |
Practical Points
In cargo incidents during post-delivery storage, it is important to confirm not just "when it was discovered" but also "when it is likely to have occurred."
Damage found after delivery may have occurred during transit or before. On the other hand, if accepted without abnormalities at delivery but damage occurred or worsened during post-delivery storage, management issues on the consignee's or storage operator's side may arise.
In practice, it is important to differentiate each stage—at delivery, receipt, unpacking, storage, and inspection—to isolate the incident segment and responsible party.
Summary
Post-delivery storage cargo incidents refer to cargo damage that occurs or is discovered during storage after the cargo has been handed over to the consignee, specified delivery point, warehouse, factory, or store.
However, just because damage is found after delivery does not necessarily mean it happened during post-delivery storage. It is necessary to isolate the segment where damage is most likely to have occurred: during transit, CFS/CY operations, port handling, maritime transport, inside the container, or post-delivery storage.
In actual logistics practice, it is important to organize documents and evidence such as receipt, POD, delivery photos, unpacking photos, inspection reports, storage site photos, temperature and humidity records, and notification history in chronological order, confirming the segment of occurrence rather than the point of discovery.
