What is the right way of loading shipping containers?

Loading shipping containers in the right way allows shipping companies to offer safe shipping by minimizing the chances of cargo damage caused during container handling and transportation. Different types of cargo have different requirements for packing and loading. It is essential to follow the steps for correct container loading to fix the goods in position and avoid them from slipping and colliding against each other or the container door. Let us learn more about the right way of loading shipping containers.

Types of Container Loading

Shipping containers are loaded with cargo to their maximum capacity by considering the tare weight and payload of the shipping container. The aim is to avoid the overstuffing of containers and correctly load the container using appropriate container packing methods. There are different types of shipping containers in various sizes, and therefore, every container is loaded differently. The different container loading methods are as follows-

• Reefer containers require placing the goods in boxes with ice packs or stored in liquid nitrogen. Pharmaceuticals, fresh foods, dairy, and meat products are shipped using reefer containers.
• Dry storage containers transport loose goods such as grains or coal. These goods are directly loaded into the container by pouring the product from above into the container.
• RoRo (roll-on roll-off) containers have a ramp to allow wheeled goods, such as automobiles, to be rolled in and out of the shipping container easily.
• Tank containers are used for storing liquids or gases and transporting them internationally. They have inbuilt valves that attach to tubes and load the shipping containers with cargo.
• Pallet-wide containers are shipping containers that store goods in the container using wooden structures known as pallets. Goods such as clothes and ceramics are loaded into pallets to prevent cargo damage during shipping.
• 53ft intermodal containers transport heavy machinery and high-volume goods such as automobiles.

It is essential that container loading is done based on the size and type of container along with the cargo requirements for storage and transportation.

Steps for loading shipping containers

To ensure the proper loading of shipping containers, it is necessary to follow these steps-

• Container inspection- Start by inspecting the shipping container for any signs of damage such as wear, tear, dents, or rust. It must have proper locking rods and be devoid of moisture, pests or debris.
• Have a container packing plan- Depending on the weight and size of goods intended for loading into the container, shipping companies or shippers must plan which cargo will be placed inside first. In cargo consolidation, the destination of goods must describe the order of their placement into the container.
• Have adequate resources- Shipping companies must arrange for all equipment, machines and vehicles required for cargo handling. Different types of cargo, including perishables and fragile and hazardous goods, require special handling equipment. It helps in ensuring the safety of cargo during container loading.
• Labelling cargo — It is essential to label the goods with safety instructions or warning signs that need to be followed during container unloading. Fragile and hazardous goods are often supplemented with extra labels for efficient container handling.
• Container packing- By using the necessary container packing material such as dunnage, pallets, and bracing structures, shipping companies can assist in cargo safety. It helps prevent cargo damage during shipping turbulence by positioning goods in their place.
• Efficient cargo stacking- Place heavier cargo below and stack it with lightweight cargo to prevent cargo from toppling down and getting damaged from the weight of adjacent cargo.
• Proper weight distribution- Ensure that the weight of cargo inside the container is distributed evenly to maintain container stability during container handling and transportation.
• Make maximum use of container space- Avoid leaving loose spaces between the cargo by using interlocking techniques to arrange cargo inside the container. Shippers can load more cargo if they arrange and load the goods. But ensure that the container is not overstuffed.
• Secure the cargo- Using cargo lashing and bracing methods, secure the goods into place to avoid them from impacting the container door during container handling.
• Lock and seal the container- Choosing one from different types of container seals, lock the shipping container to prevent tampering and cargo theft during transportation.
• Note down details- It is essential to note the container number and container seal numbers for the bill of lading for easy identification of shipping containers at transportation hubs or shipping ports.

Using the following steps makes loading shipping containers more accessible and safer. It also helps prevent cargo damage and retain the lifespan of the cargo inside.

LOTUS Containers is a global marketer of shipping containers that sells and leases different shipping containers. We sell a variety of shipping containers, including reefer containers, 53ft intermodal containers, dry van containers, and open-top containers.