EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
After we blocked in; a ramp employee stopped into the flight deck requesting a copy of our Cargo Load Report from the previous flight. He advised me that we had failed his audit of baggage being loaded below the cargo fire suppression line in the forward cargo compartment (as it was loaded in Seattle). Apparently several bags were above the placarded limit in the forward cargo compartment. There were not that many bags present (42 standard bags approximately); and the Seattle ramp crew informed us that all bags were below the line when we asked them prior to departure in Seattle.A physical inspection of the cargo compartment in Seattle by the Captain or FO could have prevented the improper load situation; but this was hampered by maintenance delays and other duties in Seattle. I am disappointed that my FO directly asked the ramper in Seattle about the bags being below the line; and that he responded that all were below the line when apparently they were not. I don't believe that our ramp personnel share in our accountability with regard to aircraft restrictions and limitations.
EMB-175 Captain is informed after gate arrival that bags had been loaded above the fire suppression line on their previous leg. The ground had been specifically asked by the First Officer prior to departure if the bags were loaded correctly.