CONTAINER STUFFING

ADVICE
 Container Stuffing Advice

Hints & Tips No 1

Did you know that one in six container journeys result

in damage to cargo .Yet over half of these could be easily
avoided! (UK P&I Club)
Damage is often the result of bad packaging, choosing
inadequate containers, poor labeling and insufficient
security and safety measures. A minimal amount of time
could save you a lot of expense in the long run.
 Choosing the right container
•Containers come in several types, lengths, widths and heights. Match
this to your requirements.
•Do not pick a container that when loaded exceeds the size or weight
limit at any stage of the journey
•Do not overlook climatic changes along the route that could effect your
cargo. Choose a container type that is appropriate. It is often false
economy to avoid the additional cost of a container with a fan,
temperature control or ventilation.
•Temperatures can increase inside a container e.g. a tropical climate
can produce temperatures of 50 degrees plus which in turn causes
condensation and roasting.
•Ensure the container has enough lashing points of the strength you
require.
•Confirm your requirements in writing to the container operator
•Draw on the experience of the container operator
 Checking your container

•Be wary of residues - they could be hazardous. If in any

doubt return the container for cleaning. Note - It is
advisable not to smoke in the vicinity as there maybe
flammable liquids or vapours present.
•Watch out for structural damage such as damage to post
rails or corner castings. This can cause damage to cargo. If
in doubt reject the container.
•Check that you can securely lock the doors. If not reject the
container.
•Did you know that 1 in 5 cargo claims is due to wet damage.
Always check that the container is dry. Are there any holes
made by handling equipment that could let in moisture.
•Ensure that the gaskets aren't hard, damaged or warn.
•Look out for stains around the door area as this can indicate
a previous leak. Check for rust. Note that rust is porous.
•Watch out for leftovers from previous consignments as these
may contaminate your consignmen
•Look out for taped up vents and old labels as these can be
misleading and lead to delays
•Do a light test which can reveal small holes in the container.

Take delivery of your container with care!

Just a few minutes of your time can reduce the chance of
your cargo being damaged.
 Hints & Tips No 2

Produce a packing plan

 Most operators charge by the container load. The more goods
you can fit into the container the lower the unit price will be to
ship your goods. It is wise to draw up a packing plan to
maximise the fill factor.
 Remember less free space in the container mean less risk of
cargo shifting
 Weight must be evenly spread; side to side, end to end
 Always keep the centre of gravity as low as possible
 Never exceed the containers maximum pay load or exceed any
of the weight restrictions on route
 If cargo doesn't fill the container, start by covering the floor
space at an even height
 If you have to leave gaps try and leave them in the centre so
that the cargo can be secured by wedging them to the side walls
 If the upper tier doesn't run the full length of the container a
vertical separator can be used to restrain it
 If suitable use an interlocking stow
 Unitised cargo is often more stable and quicker to pack
 Make a point of strongly shoring and blocking the face of the
stow as this prevents the cargo from falling out when the doors
are open.
 Place the heaviest items in the centre of the container
 Place large heavy items on the bottom of the container and
lighter ones on the top
 Always place liquids underneath dry goods
 Ensure drums and barrels are stowed buns up and if possible
separated as vibration can wear away the seams and allow the
contents to escape. It is best to use a double layer of dunnage to limit
damage.
 Ensure you are aware of the safe loading limits of the lashing points
 Do not pack cargoes that are incompatible together e.g. cargoes that
are prone to sweating packed with moisture sensitive cargo
 Goods that are subject to Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) should be
stored at the door end
 Some destination countries want a packing list fixed to the inside of
the container door. Some destination countries require wood treatment
certificates attached here too.
 Declare the cargo weight accurately

Shifting cargo and uneven weight distribution are one of the

most common cause of cargo damage
Hints & Tips No 3

Packaging goods

 The forces exerted on a containers contents in transit by road, rail,

ship or gantry crane are considerable. If the contents are not
properly secure, no matter how heavy, damage will occur.
 Most shippers tend to undercut costs by not packaging their goods
properly which often leads to crushed, unsalable goods. Appropriate
packaging should be used to protect your investment.
 Remember free space in a container increases the risk of cargo
shifting. Packaging that fits in exactly (i.e. Cardboard boxes) will
reduce dead space and reduce the cost of dunnage. All loose items
must be chocked / lashed.
 Stretch or shrink wrap is great for protection against wet damage.
It's not cheap but could save you money in the long run.
 Use dunnage to protect non unitised cargoes from
damage.
 Dunnage: Materials of various types, often timber or
matting, placed among the cargo for separation, and hence
protection from damage, for ventilation and, in the case of
certain cargoes, to provide a space in which the tynes of a
forklift truck may be inserted.
 Ensure that dunnage is not wet or made from unseasoned
wood as this may cause condensation and damage. Be
careful to check the quarantine regulations in the port of
destination as they may require the dunnage to be treated
or fumigated.
 Airbags are a modern method which are easy to use than
conventional shoring. Remember not to place them where
they can force open the doors.
 Security
•No seal can stop a thief. It's main function is to signal where and when a
container has been broken into.
•Bolt seals are the best.
•Always check the seal and ensure it is the right type.
•Always record the date and the seal number and keep these records safe
•Never leave the sealing of a container to a third party. Who knows how
honest they are?
•Tug the seal to ensure that it is properly locked.
•Enter the seal number on all shipping documentation and lock the papers
somewhere safe.
•Arrange a convenient time for your cargo to be delivered as this reduces
the time the container is exposed to the elements and the risk of theft.

Good procedures, tightly enforced, deters fraud!

 Hints & Tips No 4

Safety and unpacking

•Always look at all external notices/labels before you open the

container
•If the contents is hazardous and appears to be leaking you
should evacuate the area immediately
•If the container is exceptionally hot move it to a safe place
and call the fire service
•If gas is present let it dissipate before entering the container
•Always document the external appearance of the container.
Are there any dents, holes, rust....
•Inspect the internal contents of the container for damage and document
any found.
•It is always best to take photographs where possible as this could assist
any claims.
•Always check the seal is the right type and that the serial number agrees
with the documentation.
•Always keep both parts of the seal until you have checked that all the
cargo is present and correct.
•Safety goggles and overalls should be warn.
•A useful idea is to use a strap tied round the door stanchions. This will
prevent the doors from swinging open and goods falling on you. Once
you know you are safe you can remove the strap and open the cont. fully.
•Doors can easily cause damage if the wind slams them - secure them
open.

One last thing! It is the consignees responsibility to clean the container to a

level that one would wish to receive it.
 Onus on the shipping line

•Officers are always on deck supervising local stevedores

who are not familiar with the vessels
•Lifting and lashing equipment is regularly examined to
ensure that it is in good working order, to manufacturers
guidelines. All damaged equipment is removed
immediately. Spares are always carried on board.
•A stowage planner is only as good as the data he receives.
We ensure that stack and weight limits and complete
stowage position plans are made available for the crew.
This ensures that container racking limits are not
exceeded, hatch covers and tank tops are not
overstressed and stows are safe and secure. Staff
routinely monitor the stow throughout the voyage.
 A SOLAS cargo securing manual (UN regulatory
publication - 'Safety of life at sea') is present on all
our vessels and is kept up to date incorporating the
most recent stowage methods.
 A thorough examination of all stowage methods are
made prior to sailing such as checking twist locks,
galvanised rods, securing points and base sockets.
 Dangerous goods are segregated as per the IMDG
code, national legislation and the ships dangerous
goods document of compliance. Hazardous goods
are always checked once loaded to ensure it is
safely stowed and there are no leaks.
 Reefer containers are stowed only where they can
be connected to electricity power supplies. All
reefers are set to the temperatures as specified by
the shipper and staff make systematic checks
throughout the voyage.
 Non containerised cargo is given a protective stow
 Stack weight limits are not exceeded
 Heavy containers are stowed in tiers so that late
arrivals which are heavy do not end up on deck or on
top of the stack
 If an accident/damage does occur it is recorded
immediately