United States Department of Agriculture

Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Grain Inspection Service

Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Distribution: FGIS, OSP, Industry Originating Office: FMD PPMAB

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, 

national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. (Not all prohibited 

bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternate means for communication of program 

information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and 

TDD).

To file a complaint, write to the USDA, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity 

employer.

SACKED GRAIN

Contents

SACKED GRAIN �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

1. PURPOSE����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

2. REPLACEMENT HIGHLIGHTS��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

3. POLICY ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

4. INTRODUCTION �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

5. SUBLOT AND SAMPLE SIZE ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

6. SAMPLE SELECTION PROCEDURE ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������

7. PROBING SACKS����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

8. IDENTITY PRESERVED ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

9. FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) PURCHASES���������������������������������������������������������������1

ATTACHMENT������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������12
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 2

1. PURPOSE

This directive establishes procedures for sampling and determining the quality of sacked

grain

2. REPLACEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

This directive replaces FGIS Instruction 918-41, Sacked Grain, dated 11/18/85. Thi

directive is revised to remove weighing related information; remove the detailed 

portion of the procedure for coding sacks but retain a general statement; remove the 

cancellation procedure of identity preserved services on lots that exceed the 30-day 

requirement, but retain the cancellation procedure whenever the lot condition changes 

or the identity preserved condition is lost; include procedures for sacked grain inspection 

performed on grain purchased by the Farm Service Agency (FSA); and include minor 

editorial changes. Weighing procedures are contained in the appropriate chapter of the

Weighing Handbook

3. POLICY

The Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) policy is to provide sacked grain 

inspection and weighing service. This directive outlines only inspection procedures for

sacked grain operations

4. INTRODUCTION

a. General Instructions. Grain may be inspected prior to or during the sackin

operation (online) or after sacking when the lot is at rest in a warehouse 

(warehouse-lot)

(1) Grain may be sampled prior to sacking using approved online sampling 

devices. Grain sampled after sacking must be sampled with a probe. Sample

must be drawn according to procedures described in Book I, Grain Sampling, 

of the Grain Inspection Handbook, for the sampling device being used

(2) Grain may be inspected in the interior and shipped to an export location in 

an identity preserved condition. In this instance, the domestic certificate is 

exchanged for an export certificate if the lot meets the requirements contained 

in this directive

(3) Lots inspected online must be graded using the procedures in Chapter 2, 

Inspection of Shiplots and Combined Lots (Cu-Sum), Book III, Inspection 

Procedures, of the Grain Inspection Handbook

(4) Lots inspected on the warehouse floor must be divided into sublots, and each 

sublot must meet contract requirements
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 3

b. Applicant Responsibilitie

(1) Application. The applicant must submit an application for servic

(2) Manual Labor. The applicant is responsible for making sacks accessibl

This includes moving pallets, unstacking loaded pallets, and unloading pallets 

to reach the selected sack. If the grain is not fully accessible, the request for

inspection service shall be dismissed

(3) Recouping. The applicant is responsible for recouping all sacks opened b

official personnel.

5. SUBLOT AND SAMPLE SIZE

a. Sublot Size. The maximum sublot size is 10,000 sacks. Except for the last subl

no sublot shall be more than 10 percent larger or smaller than the established 

normal or predetermined size. Component samples represent approximately

onefourth of a sublot

b. Sample Size. The inspection sample size will be 36 sacks per sublot. Select t

sacks according to Section 6, Sample Selection Procedure, of this directive

c. Infestation Sample Siz

(1) Online

(a) Probe. Examine each probe sample for live infestation. If the sample i

considered “infested,” then all sacks since the last sample are 

considered infested

(b) All Other Devices. Examine representative portions for live infestation at

periodic intervals of every 2,000 bushels. Standardize each

representative portion to weigh approximately 500 grams. Consider each

interval independently. Start a new count with each new interval, the

start of a new sublot, or after a material portion

(2) Warehouse. Determine live infestation for each component. Use th

guidelines in the “infested” section for the appropriate grain in Book II, Grain 

Grading Procedures, of the Grain Inspection Handbook
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 4

6. SAMPLE SELECTION PROCEDURE

The time method or the random number method of sample selection may be used for

online sampling service. Only the random number method can be used for warehouse

lots

a. Time Method. Determine the number of hours it should normally take to comple

a sublot. Divide the sample size (36) by the number of hours to determine the

number of samples per hour. Round up to the next whole number when the answer

contains a fraction. Randomly select that number of samples each hour during the

sampling period. Do not set a pattern of selecting samples at any one time during

the sampling period. Alternate the samples between lines if more than one line is

used for sacking

Preselect the sacks to be sampled. Use a reference point (for example, sack in

front of you now) and sample the tenth sack from the reference point using a 

different number each time. This should reduce bias in sample selection.

Example: The applicant is sacking a sublot of 8,100 50-kilogram sacks over an 

8-hour shift. The sample size is 36 sack

36 (sample size) ÷ 8 (number of hourly segments) = 4.5 sacks/hou

(rounded to 5)

1st hour 5 sacks 5th hour 5 sacks

2nd hour 5 sacks 6th hour 5 sacks

3rd hour 5 sacks 7th hour 5 sacks

4th hour 5 sacks 8th hour 5 sacks

 20 sacks 20 sacks = 40 sacks total*

* The number of samples actually drawn is four more than the sample 

size because of rounding (4.5 to 5

b. Random Number Method. Use the random number tables (attachment) t

determine which sacks will be selected. The use of random numbers ensures

that each sack has an equal chance of being selected. A random number may (1)

designate the number of the selected sack or (2) designate the pallet from which a 

sack will be selected. When a random number is used to designate the number of

the pallet from which a sack is selected, randomly select a sack from the pallet

Use the random number tables as follows:

(1) Determine the starting point in the random number tables. When the tables

are used for the first time, the starting point will be the upper left hand block of 

numbers on the first page. When using the tables on subsequent occasions, 

the starting point will be the row of numbers immediately following the last row 

of numbers used
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 5

(2) Begin at the left of the first row of numbers used. Combine as many 

consecutive digits in the number as needed to coincide with the number of 

sacks in the sublot. For example, for sublot sizes of 10 to 99 sacks, combine

2 digits to form a single number; for sublot sizes 100 to 999 sacks, combine 3 

digits to form a single number, etc

(3) Proceed reading digits from the starting point to the bottom of the page

Continue to the top of the next column to the right when the end of a column 

is reached. Proceed to the beginning of the next page when the end of a

page is reached. Go back to the first page when the end of the last page is 

reached

(4) Discard groups of consecutive digits that are larger than the sublot size and

continue to the next row of digits

(5) Discard groups of consecutive digits that are repeated

(6) Record the usable groups of consecutive digits until 36 random numbers 

are identified.

(7) List the numbers in numerical order. (Retain the list with the work records

(8) Determine which sacks comprise each sublot. Divide each sublot into

components. Group the sublot components together in an orderly manne

(9) Select the sacks and/or pallets that correspond to each random number

(10) Alternate the sample between the lines for online operations, if more than one 

line is used for sacking. Keep an accurate count of the sacks in order to

determine which sack to sample. Use the counter on the sacking line, if

available. For warehouse lots, the applicant must make selected pallets

accessible for sampling

7. PROBING SACKS

Use a double-tubed, compartmented grain trier when a lot is sampled after sacking

Select sacks for sampling according to procedures outlined in section 6

Probe the selected sack according to procedures described in Chapter 3, Book I, of the

Grain Inspection Handbook
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 6

8. IDENTITY PRESERVED

a. General. Grain intended for loading aboard an export carrier at a later date mu

be identity preserved (IP) or another inspection and weighing service is required

IP services consist of the following:

(1) At Origin or Before Loading Begins

(a) Issuing applicable certificates for an identified lot.

(b) Identifying the lot by one of the approved identification procedures stated 

in this section

(2) At Destination or Once Export Loading is Requested

(a) Verifying the lot’s identity

(b) Examining the lot for condition and torn or leaking sacks

(c) Checkloading the sacks into the final carrier.

(d) Issuing official export certificates.

b. Origin or Prior to Export Loading Responsibilitie

(1) Applicants requesting Identity Preserved (IP) services must:

(a) Complete an application and request IP services

(b) File the application with official personnel prior to or at the time of service.

(c) Identify the type of lot identification to be used.

(2) Official Personnel must:

(a) Perform inspection services according to this directive

(b) Ensure lot identity is maintained according to one of the following

procedures

1 Coding Sacks. Ensure that a special and unique identification 

code is applied to no less than 25 percent of the sacks in each 

carrier/sublot. Use a hand roller stamp, commercial coder, coded

tags (sewn in seams), or any other method approved by FGIS

Apply the code so that it can be read after the sacks are stacked on 

pallets. Record the code on work records and certificates using a 

separate code for each lot
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 7

2 Identification by Seals. Witness the lot being loaded into a carrier 

and sealed. Record the carrier identification and seal numbers on 

the appropriate work records and certificates.

3 Identification by Warehouse Space. Witness the sacks being stored 

in the warehouse. Identify the storage area by a warehouse

identification scheme and strategically place marks on sacks or 

pallets for later identification. Determine if the lot was tampered 

with by determining if the lot is in the recorded storage area and 

strategically placed marks are still where they were placed

(c) Ensure that, if a component/sublot does not meet contract specifications, 

it is removed from the lot and certificated separately. These sacks, if 

coded, must have the code obliterated or the sacks must be emptied

When any part of a coded component/sublot which does not meet 

contract specifications leaves the inspection site without the code being 

obliterated, the IP part of the service is canceled

(d) Origin Certification. Issue appropriate certificates according to the Grain 

Inspection Handbook, Book IV, Forms and Certificates, and the following 

requirements:

1 Issue domestic certificates if the lot is not loaded aboard the final 

export carrier within 88 hours after completion. Record the applied

IP code in the space provided for “Remarks” on official certificates 

using the following statement: “FGIS IDENTITY PRESERVED 

CODE NUMBER: ( ).” Record the seal numbers in the “Remarks”

section of the certificate if seals are applied.

2 For shipments where destination services are performed before 

certificates can be delivered to the destination office, the applicant 

should surrender the original certificate(s) to the origin office. The 

origin office will transmit the results and the identification codes to 

the destination office. They will then mail the domestic certificate(s) 

to the destination office.

c. Destination or Prior to Export Loading Responsibilitie

(1) Applicant at destination must:

(a) Complete an application and show “IP Service” in the “Remarks” section

(b) File the application with official personnel prior to or at the time of 

examination along with all the original domestic certificates and any 

other document which indicates the location of the lot. The applicant

must also state the amount of grain to be shipped

(c) Notify official personnel so seals on carriers can be recorded or sacks can 

be examined for codes and the condition of the grain can be determined
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 8

(2) Official Personnel performing the export inspection must:

(a) Review all domestic certificates, applications, and any other document 

which indicates the location of the lot

(b) Verify the lot is the same lot(s) covered by the domestic certificate(s) 

by reviewing codes, carrier identification and seals, or storage location 

and strategically placed marks. Verify that the lot has not undergone

a change in condition. Analyze the component sample(s) if a factor(s)

obviously appears to be a lower quality than the contract requirement

This includes internal and external infestation. Cancel the IP service for

the lot if the component(s) does not meet contract requirements after 

applying the breakpoint. Cancel the IP service only for the nonuniform

portion if the applicant elects to segregate the nonuniform portion

Document the nonuniform portion so it may not be included in another lot 

without being inspected

Condition examination procedures are as follows:

1 Warehouse. Sample1 and examine for condition approximately

one percent of the sacks throughout the entire lot. Examine each

sample. Examine also the outside of all visible sacks on each pallet

for animal filth, wetness, infestation, and large holes. Set aside all 

out-of-condition sacks of grain and subtract that quantity from the 

lot

2 Barge. Sample and examine for condition approximately one 

percent of the sacks throughout the entire lot. Examine each sampl

Examine also the outside of all visible sacks on each pallet for 

animal filth, wetness, infestation, and large holes. Set aside all outof-condition sacks of grain and subtract that quantity from the lot

Examine the grain in the barge, on the deck of the ship, or in the 

shiphold. SAFETY IS THE FOREMOST CONSIDERATION WHEN

DETERMINING LOCATION TO PERFORM EXAMINATIONS.

 

1

 Samples shall be drawn with a tapered bag trier inserted into the sack’s side. Approximately 500 grams

 shall be allowed to flow through the trier into the pan. Seal the punctured sacks after sampling.

2

 Samples shall be drawn with a tapered bag trier inserted into the sack’s side. Approximately 500 grams

 shall be allowed to flow through the trier into the pan. Seal the punctured sacks after sampling
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 9

(c) Perform the service according to procedures in this directive

1 Stowage Examination. Perform an official stowage examination for 

all waterborne carriers or containers

2 Checkloading. Observe the sacks being loaded after the stowage

examination is performed. Obtain an accurate sack count on the

warehouse floor or while loading.

Monitor and record the disposition of grain spilled from torn and 

leaking sacks as well as the number of sacks delivered. Consider

the grain loaded when it is being lowered into the hold

(3) Destination Certification. Issue official export certificates according to 

procedures in the Grain Inspection Handbook, Book IV, Forms and 

Certificates, and the following requirements.

(a) Record the grade designation, class, kind, and factor information from 

the domestic certificate(s) on the export inspection certificate. Do not 

show the IP code on the export certificate.

(b) Record all other information, such as place of issuance (field office, 

suboffice, or agency), date, quantity, and location as if the entire 

inspection/weighing services are performed at destination

(c) Mark the original domestic certificate(s) VOID. 

(d) IP lots may be combined if they are of like grade and dockage and 

protein if applicable. In addition, IP lots may be combined with

warehouse lots. Base the information for the export certificate on the 

weighted average from all lots as outlined below

1 Multiply the number of sacks recorded on each origin certificate by 

the results shown on the certificate.

Example:

 Quantity Factor Product

Certificate 1 26,250 sacks x 2.3 = 60,375

Certificate 2 48,750 sacks x 2.8 = 136,500

Certificate 3 28,350 sacks x 2.5 = 70,87

Total: 103,350 267,750

2 To find the weighted average, divide the total product (267,750) by 

the total quantity of sacks (103,350): 

267,750 ÷ 103,350 = 2.59 or 2.6 perce
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 10

3 Follow the same procedures for percentages, count factors, and 

weights

4 Attach and file superseded certificate(s) with the first export 

certificate issued.

(e) Apply the following procedures if a lot(s) is loaded aboard two or more 

vessels :

1 Verify the lot(s) identity has not been lost

2 Verify the condition has not changed

3 Issue export certificates based on the domestic certificate or on the 

weighted average of the domestic certificates when more than one 

lot is involved

4 Issue additional export certificate(s) on the remainder of the lot(s) if 

the identity and condition have not changed

(f) Issue the certificate(s) for the amount loaded aboard the carrier as long 

as it does not exceed the amount covered by the IP lot(s)

(g) Cancel the IP service whenever the lot’s condition changes or the identity

 preserved condition is lost, and perform a warehouse-lot inspection

9. FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) PURCHASES

a. When sacked grain inspections are performed on grain purchases by FSA, field 

offices must:

(1) Read and understand the purchase announcement and invitation under which 

the grain is purchased

(2) Bill the contractor for all services associated with the domestic certificate.

(3) Bill FSA for all services associated with the export certificate. Send bills for 

services associated with the export certificate to:

U.S. Department of Agricultu

FSA/KCCO/FOD/PB

P.O. Box 4192

Kansas City, MO 64141-6205
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 11

(4) Include the following information on the export certificate:

(a) The number of sacks loaded

(b) The total net weight (excluding spills, damaged, and rejected quantities) 

of the sacks loaded

(c) The average tare weight of the sacks

(d) The contract number

(e) The notice to deliver (N/D) number

(f) The container or barge numbers as applicable

(5) Provide the following information by phone to FSA’s Kansas City Commodity Office 

as soon as loading is completed:

(a) The number of sacks loaded

(b) The total net weight (excluding spills, damaged, and rejected quantities) 

of the sacks loaded

(c) The average tare weight of the sacks

Attachment
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 12

ATTACHMENT

TABLE OF RANDOM NUMBERS

659156

339770

652044

611444

110968

111915

034646

290314

207095

708280

687516

611507

346480

143688

373834

866070

391094

425447

021038

354422

997281

910648

909960

157400

340229

900012

115078

695118

262444

225774

043907

760590

716662

311367

487474

017486

851530

150568

726277

679120

464872

602112

207095

170875

473839

812174

557335

587987

373874

487757

596930

290054

476317

300584

273439

747819

070539

354988

352911

911185

996536

743117

269265

912359

484005

863961

285019

739804

087977

585474

870949

639395

376150

735632

204354

000557

009409

114919

263426

150005

125854

528178

933180

339542

207152

142274

528863

182821

318040

291124

738668

916354

356264

692693

953374

607111

948411

600718

688128

542295

463100

204584

254414

271947

824011

218048

480121

766318

379602

330422

220588

049989

379700

155939

660350

991713

848405

553212

467808

224928

780628

422284

171778

449279

707323

453673

137970

015147

476792

742879

800869

188840

047943

165306

584954

661439

835417

555956

750622

117489

356754

460088

312729

220729

017807

553427

016168

851524

204917

151493

706164

184457

755051

731371

784068

056222

665123

358926

384587

833053

641878

565821

987776

524470

972765

605497

280888

087277

781819

916395

925887

554063

435342

204956

761225

509820

862768

549270

674021

931346

908728

041776

138039

329071

406473

548231

911726

466190

814858

664128

439998

849909

857092

129324

759662

606642

032398

676377

611042

676840

383733

727344

388978

810241

937856

527197

662609

749813

664972

355630

351455

292262

799617

895958

340645

050915

378866

018893

452251

362662

626364

183701

900340

130783

373431

330379

197638

199838

555925

725123

195667

930324

657972

409792

313041

705134

644061

275971

864978

333233

588990

318525

268222

766010

231215

821235

600555

547001

877293

862085

947098

724195

089046

119041

517543

661366

713933

06847

655418

550088

386505

343519

714842

669360

469721

999560

575827

595822

082929

778282

977730

219654

963159

856819

595429

665204

467257

223109

918977

196561

587982

373982

213289

005876

304469

968089

069876

205768
FGIS Directive 9180.41 April 22, 1997

Page 13

TABLE OF RANDOM NUMBERS

117765

136075

314872

619896

024860

982363

906701

775006

503938

875875

226692

025912

425055

882310

557383

902471

617250

624434

010152

900136

209444

456209

234214

913875

471312

808662

005589

867789

665892

645892

479957

029405

652115

111985

523446

523443

031763

312603

910928

708789

977532

154913

601487

487608

632377

468824

858191

000563

607081

508546

687231

505992

837708

361080

055478

696647

699795

089389

528063

840178

938287

750773

593444

844746

651814

474332

603723

803659

254968

641044

493198

782525

712659

974906

815580

406945

024917

479160

006378

082998

373563

320181

961097

840407

146925

126328

282399

469445

295247

238605

689428

656166

521379

085552

724030

698412

695586

237092

864980

888670

569060

758672

981411

098055

783019

256524

701093

429641

366848

718939

172506

147017

758053

055691

524205

753183

823446

197887

896357

907814

121358

857051

420751

676053

123844

127083

296023

023170

945808

407507

178871

224626

746741

970834

095292

317664

061284

064547

658875

529912

788706

532339

126141

118183

886394

198537

909340

734114

837743

192991

285272

119943

461582

695511

347749

714852

564562

099727

268809

711673

329985

382392

259292

626665

564682

934654

779050

331828

050288

313260

660389

741440

580398

514719

516333

956242

495991

577086

953156

396086

678301

510366

576601

531854

313452

935693

169027

268175

153946

201051

847637

246704

348318

916299

531371

624313

433267

072701

966446

129340

193021

197608

029847

314715

349957

623209

153068

507127

306942

990109

219455

972180

862977

687524

433778

599242

220263

182199

010073

388061

523659

185725

923131

559087

367236

458061

223003

294664

103841

473263

278179

335694

751716

139472

501740

437440

623975

334583

479298

905566

033904

993213

641953

677684

967099

836680

448129

804412

274844

562455

218435

541922

443459

803529

268571

590482

162143

770488

984450

612472

269342

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