Precaution and Safety of Cargo on Container

When a heavy indivisible load is to be shipped in a container or vehicle, due regard should be given to the localized weight bearing capability of the container. If necessary, the weight should be spread over a larger area than the actual bearing surface of the load, for example, by use of timber bulks. In such a case the method of securing the load should be planned before packing occurs and any necessary preparations made.

If the planned load of an open-topped or open-sided container is to project beyond the container overall dimensions, special arrangements should be made. When heavy cargo is to be shipped, if it is impracticable to place the center of gravity in or near the center of the horizontal plane of the container, or if it will be above the half height, the container operator should be consulted. When planning the packing of a container, consideration should be given to potential problems which may be created for those who will unpack it.

Where goods of regular shape and size are concerned, a tight stow from wall to wall should be sought. However, in many instances some void spaces will occur. These can be tolerated if security is obtained by the frictional effect between adjacent packages. If there is an insufficient frictional effect, or if the spaces between the packages are tool large, then the stow should be completed by using dunnage, folded cardboard, air bags or other suitable means.

If airbags are used, the manufacturer’s instructions as to filling pressure should be scrupulously observed. Allowance should be made for the possibility of a considerable rise in the internal temperature of the container above the temperature at the time of packing which might cause the bags to expand and burst, thereby making them ineffectual as a means of securing the cargo. Air bags should be not be used as a means of filing space at the doorway unless precautions are taken to ensure that they cannot cause the door to open violently when the locking bars are released.

The cargo weight should be evenly distributed over the floor of a container or vehicle. Where cargo items of a varying weight are to be packed into a container or vehicle or where a container or vehicle will not be full (either because of insufficient cargo or because the maximum weight allowed will be reached before the container or vehicle is full), the stow should be so arranged and secured that the approximate center of the weight of the cargo is close to the mid-length of the container or vehicle. In no case should more than 60 per cent of the load be concentrated in less than half of the length of a container measured from one end.

Heavy goods should not be placed on top of lighter goods and liquids should not be placed on top of solids. The center of gravity should be below the half height of a container.

In order to avoid cargo damage from moisture, wet cargoes, moisture inherent cargoes or cargoes liable to leak should not be packed with goods susceptible to damage by moisture. Wet dunnage, pallets or packaging should not be used. In certain cases, damage to equipment and cargo can be prevented by the use of protective material such as polythene sheeting.

Damaged packages should not be packed into container or vehicle unless precautions have been taken against harm from spillage or leakage. Permanent securing equipment incorporated in the design of a container should be used wherever necessary to prevent cargo movement. Where open-sided vehicles are concerned, particular care should be taken to secure cargo the forces likely to arise from the rolling of the ship. In order words, a check should be made to ensure that all side battens are fitted or other adequate precautions are taken.

Special packing instructions shown on packages or otherwise available should be followed. E.g.

• Goods marked “protect from frost” should be packed away from the walls of a container;
• Goods marked “this way up” should be packed accordingly.

On completion of packing a container: During the final stages of packing a container, care should be taken, so far as practicable, to build a secure face of the cargo so as to prevent “fall out” when the doors are opened. Where there is any doubt as to the security of the cargo, further steps should be taken to ensure security by weaving strapping between securing points or placing timber between the rear posts. Two factors should be borne in mind: that a container on a trailer usually inclines towards the door.

A cargo may move against the doors due to jolts etc. during the transit. If a container is destined for a country with wood treatment quarantine regulations, care should be taken that all wood in the container, packaging and cargo complies with the regulations. It is useful to place a copy of the wood treatment certificate in a conspicuous place in the container.

After closing the doors, ensure that all closures are properly engaged and secure. Usually a seal should be applied. Care should be taken that sealing procedures are carried out properly and transport documents/receipts bear the correct seal number before the container leaves the premise. When a container, or its contents, has been fumigated and is to be shipped under fumigation, then a warning label should be placed on the outside of the doors so that it is clearly visible to any person operating the doors.

The label should state the method of fumigation employed and the date and time on which it took place. As containers offered for shipment under fumigation may require special precautions, they should only be accepted with the agreement of the carrier and they should be identified to him prior to loading.