Container transportation has exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to the abundance of shipping containers and their ability to quickly and easily transport large shipments across the globe.
However, with this newfound popularity also comes a heightened awareness of the potential risks of this kind of transportation.
To help you keep goods safe while in transit, we’ve compiled a list of the five most effective container transportation safety tips by sea. Read on to learn more!
- Container Stuffing
The fill-up factor or cube utilisation is a vital stuffing technique to maintain when packing containers with cargo. The percentage of space used in a container is measured by weight and volume.
Anything below 60% can be dangerous because it shifts during transit and can break open. Anything above 85% can crush your goods. You always want the sweet spot at around 70-80% right in the middle.
While you want to ensure you’re not over-packing your containers, it’s also essential to use all available space. If you have empty pockets of space, you can use pallets, dunnage bags, or even stretch film to fill the gaps and keep your cargo from moving around too much.
- The Container Should be Clean, Dry, And Free of all Visible Dust
It is crucial to ensure that the container is clean, dry, and free of all visible dust before beginning the filling process. If the container is not clean, the contents may become contaminated. If the container is not dry, the contents may become mouldy.
And if the container has visible dust, the contents may become clogged. By taking a few moments to ensure that the container is clean, dry, and free of all visible dust, you can help to ensure that the contents will remain fresh and uncontaminated.
- Safe, Secure Stowing for Your Container
- First and foremost, the weight of the cargo needs to be considered. It is typically best to store heavier items on the bottom of the ship to avoid tipping during transport.
- Additionally, the containers need to be correctly organised to optimise loading and unloading. This includes placing the containers to minimise damage and ensure safe transport.
- Finally, consider the quality of the goods being shipped. If the cargo is delicate or valuable, extra care needs to be taken to avoid damage during transit.
Before a container can be stowed on a cargo ship, it must be packed with care. This process begins with assessing the contents of the container and their compatibility with one another. Sensitive, hazardous, or volatile materials must be separated according to compatibility to avoid damage during transport. Once the container is packed, it must be carefully placed on the ship.
The order in which containers are placed is essential, as both the containers and their contents have to be considered when deciding the best way to stack them.
During stowing, both the containers and their contents must be protected from damage by carefully planning the placement of each container.
This process ensures that all containers arrive at their destination safely when done correctly.
When it comes to shipping cargo, a few factors need to be considered to ensure a smooth process.
- Avoid Surprises by Accurate Valuation
Anyone who has shipped cargo knows that accurate documentation is essential to avoid delays, surprises, and extra fees. Consequently, it is crucial to take the time to measure and report the contents of your container to your shipper, freight forwarder, or customs broker.
This will help ensure that your cargo is received on time and that there are no unexpected issues at the destination port. Inaccurate documentation can lead to delays while the shipper or broker attempts to clarify the situation.
It can result in additional fees if the value or weight of the goods is more significant than what was initially stated.
By taking the time to document your shipment accurately, you can help to avoid these potential problems and ensure a smooth shipping experience.
- Keep Your Goods Safe During Transport
Container shipping is part of the global economy, responsible for moving millions of tons of goods every year.
Despite its importance, the industry is often seen as transactional, with little thought given to the challenges of transporting cargo safely across the world’s oceans. Ocean carriers are subject to turbulent seas, rough weather conditions, and a limited crew.
Therefore, ensuring the vessel is prepared safely and containers properly lashed is important. Containers are blocked, fastened together, and secured to the support points of the ship.
It is essential to ensure the safety of both yourself and your cargo during shipping. Lashings should be short, tight fabric, so they don’t come loose while travelling across water seas or even sitting at port waiting for another load!
Conclusion
Container stuffing is when you fill up containers with goods to be shipped. The container should be clean, dry, and free of all visible dust before packing begins. Ensuring that the items are packed securely is vital to avoid damage during transport.
You can also help ensure a safe journey by accurately valuing your shipment ahead of time.
Contact us today about container stuffing and shipping your goods safely and securely worldwide.
