leadocean

>Cargo Care and Damage Prevention
Since containerization of ocean transportation innovated globally we have learned there are 4 basic fundamentals for a successful containerized cargo shipment.
1. Selecting the correct type of container for your cargo transported by land and water
2. Ensuring the container is in good condition prior to stuffing the cargo and it is carried and handled correctly throughout the voyage
3. Ensuring that the cargo is packed/stuffed correctly into the container and is properly secured against shifting during the voyage
4. Ensuring that all the relevant cargo information is communicated to all parties concerned to assure the container and cargo inside will arrive at final destination in perfect condition
It has always been and continues to be our goal to provide our customers general information/guidance for assisting on proper procedures to load cargo into containers. Meanwhile, it will help us for minimizing potential damage to the cargo and container, as well as , reduce the risk of injury or death...

Our clients are kindly advised to issue instructions to the trucking companies you hire to ensure a completely visual inspection of the container to verify there is no structural damage and in sound condition prior to choosing/picking up a container.

We suggest that this inspection is made prior to stuffing of the container and after the cargo has been discharge.
We would list some useful hints which can be of help to minimize any type of cargo damage.

Basic visual inspections:
External Inspection:
If evidence is apparent that damaged corner posts, corner fittings, frame work, walls, floor, roof or door closures weaken the container, it should simply not be used.
Hole: There should not be any obvious holes or tears, ?Standing inside the container and closing the doors will determine whether there are holes/tears if daylight can be seen, Holes/tears can allow water entry causing significant damage to packaging and the cargo.
Doors: No broken or dist9orted door hinges, locks. Door seals and gaskets should be in good condition.
Roof Bows: Open top containers should have all the roof bows (supports) in place. If the roof is of the retractable sort then the roof bows should slide smoothly to the ends of the container.
Tilts: where containers are fitted with removable roof tilts or side curtains, they should fit correctly, be equipped with tilt wires and have no tears in the fabric.
Labels: Any labels remaining on the outside of the container which refer to the previous cargo should be removed.
Cross members: A quick view of the underside of a mounted container will reveal the corss members. There should not be any missing
CSC Plate:  A safety approval plate should be affixed.
Internal Inspection
Clean: Containers should be free of residue (liquids or solids), dust, dirt or dunnage. Floors should not have any protruding nails, bolts, or special fittings from prior shipment that can result in punctures and tears.
Dry: The interior should be dry and free of any residue, sweat or frost.
No infestation: There should be no evidence of pests, insects or rodents, which might contaminate cargo.
Taint-free: If goods are susceptible of damage by any type of odor, the cargo must be properly packed and then the container should be checked for foul odors upon opening of the doors when any residual odors would be at their strongest.
Watertight: The proper way to check this is by entering the container and closing both doors. If any spots of light can be seen then water can gain entry. This also applies to the container floor because water can splash upwards during road haulage.
Follow instructions : any recommendations posted inside the container should be noted.

Cargo loading (stuffing) into the container

Cargo should be carefully planned and loaded to ensure proper weight distribution, adequate blocking and bracing of cargo to avoid the varying movements while on the ocean, rail and truck segments of transportation. (IE:ROLLING AND PITCHING OF A VESSEL SHUNTING OF RAILCARS, SPEED, TURNS AND QUICK BRAKING ON HIGHWAY)

 

Cargo weight: The planned cargo should not weigh more than the maximum payload of the container. The maximum gross weight of the container (which includes the payload) is marked on the CSC Safety Approval Plate.
Blocking and Bracing: It is essential to secure cargo from movement within the container to prevent damage. The walls and the doors are not to be considered blocking and bracing.
Suggested guidance tools for proper blocking and bracing:
Shipper’s Guide to loading & Securement of Packaged Hazardous Materials: highway, rail, water by Institute of Packaging Professionals:
http://www.ivodga.com/publications.htm.
http://www.worldshipping.org/pdf/industry guidance shippers container stuffers.pdf

IMO Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing:
http://www.vohma.com/publications.htm
Checklist After Stuffing
The following main items should be checked when the cargo has been stuffed into a container:
Restrain: The cargo should be arranged and secured to withstand the normal stresses and strains of the journey. Especially ensure doorway cargo cannot move.
Customs inspection: If more than one type of article stuffed in the container it may save time and cost if a sample of each article is positioned near the door.
Security: When the doors are closed, all securing lug should be properly engaged forcing the door seals into compression. The company’s approved seal should be fitted in the appropriate position on the right hand door and the number noted.
Contents:

Any label on the outside of the container advertising the contents will attract thieves and should be removed.
Labels: Dangerous Goods Labels, if appropriate, should be affixed in the recommended positions. The labels must be placed in such a way that they do not obscure the number of the container or other distinguishing marks.
Checklist before Unstuffing
The following items should be checked prior to unstuffing the cargo:
Security: Seal must be intact and has not been tampered. The number must be compared with the accompanying documents for possible future reference.
External Of the container: Any damage that may have affected the cargo inside should be duly noted.
Labels: Before opening the doors due regard should be taken of any labels such as dangerous goods labels or contents shipped in bulk.
Doors:

The right hand door should be opened cautiously. This is to prevent the risk of improperly secured cargo falling out onto personnel.
Checklist after unstuffing
After cargo unstuffing the container should be checked for empty return to the carrier in sound condition. It is obligatory for FCL customers to clean out the container after unstuffing. this includes removal of all packaging materials and a thorough sweep out.

It is required to examine the container for any signs of wet stains, holes in the sides or roof that might have affected the cargo which has just been loaded.
Specifically for reefer cargo
Check the temperature requirements for your cargo type.
You are recommended to make a physical inspection to ensure that the actual ventilation setting corresponds to the requested setting.
Pre-cool your cargo to the correct temperature set.
Stuff the container in a cold facility (i.e. ensure that the cold chain is never broken)
Re-check the temperature before delivering the container.
Do not stuff the cargo above the red load line.
Generator is recommended to use for haulage of laden reefer container to/from port.
Do's and Don't " s
~Subject to booking request select the most suitable container type to accommodate the cargo
~Prepare a pre-stow plan prior to cargo stuffing so that weight/cubic considerations are covered and point loading limits are observed.
~Distribute the weight of the cargo evenly over the floor of the container.
~Stow and secure all cargo tightly.
~Observe all the handling instructions on cargo such as “This Side Up”.
~Stow goods with sharp corners separate from other softer packages. Use dividers and separating material as appropriate such as plywood, airbags, and dunnage.
~where possible with mixed loads, place packages containing liquid cargo on the bottom tiers with dry on top.
~Do not load by weight above the payload limits of the container and/or the road regulations applicable on the transit..
~Do not stow heavy goods on top of light goods.
~Do not load goods in a container with damaged packaging or leaking.
~Do not stow wet and damp goods with dry goods.
~Do not stow goods with tainting odors close to sensitive goods.
~Never smoke during loading and unloading.
~Follow all applicable rules concerning hazardous cargo. Use appropriate placards and marks to identify containers loaded with dangerous goods and ensure cargo compatibility.
Stow hazardous cargo near the door where applicable.


(For more detailed information please contact with the party/person concerned)