The safety of the crew on a container ship, the containers themselves, and the content within are all based on ensuring that you have adhered to the safety rules and regulations for packing your containers the right way.
The following are some of the factors that we put to the front of the line concerning the importance of packing your cargo correctly.
Planning the stowage of the cargo container
By planning, you are able to maximise on the space of your 20ft or 40ft container and are able to continue packing your containers efficiently. In a previous blog post (Container Shipping Overseas with Transco Cargo), we focused on what exactly can be stowed into a respective container.
Ensuring the Container Weight Limitations are Met
As per the markings on a container, you should strictly follow the rules and regulations of the cargo, so that no miscalculation is found and the structure and stability of the container isn’t depreciated.
Distribute the Weight of the Cargo Across the Container Evenly
The distribution of the cargo weight should be done evenly across the deck of the container so that concentration of weight is not limited to one area, weakening the stability of the container structure. It is extremely important that the heavier cargo is not concentrated on either one side or both ends of the container.
Heaviest on the Bottom
It’s important to store the heaviest of cargo on the bottom of the container when stacking boxes or crates. This will ensure better stability.
In order to provide stability and safety to the cargo being freighted and the containers themselves, the following are utilised.
Wooden Container Floors: to promote anchoring of wooden crates with the assistance of wedges and timber connectors.
Internal Walls: to support lightweight cargo/boxes/crates
Bull Rings (Eyelets)/ Lashing Bars: Attaching points for lashing ropes/wires/chains/steel strapping/etc
Wooden Beams/Planks: For the purpose of relieving pressure and for shoring, both vertically and horizontally
Corrugated Walls: Cross beans for anchorage in the corrugation; to be used in open-top containers
Intermediate Walls/Decks: Separations and for loading cargo and different levels/heights (to maximise on height)
Bars/Rods – For securing loads in various vertical/horizontal sections
Netting – For securing fragile cargo
Air Bags – For absorbing impacts/ prevention of load shifts. A form of inflatable dunnage
Timber Connectors – For securing pallets/skids/cases to the container floor
Empty Pallets/Corrugated Paper/Etc – For filling empty spaces and securing cargo hold
Corner Posts – For securing loads by bracing