Shipping containers are crucial in global trade. They ensure that goods are safely transported and allow them to travel long distances efficiently. Properly packing and loading shipping containers takes skills and experience to ensure efficiency and the safety of items during transit. When shipping containers are packed incorrectly, products can be damaged and space can be wasted. In this article, we’ll discuss the shipping container packing and loading process! If you have any questions about shipping container loading or are looking for a company that offers shipping container loading & unloading services, please contact our team at Extreme Packing Solutions today!
Preparations
Before getting started, it is important to lay out a packing strategy to avoid wasting time and space or improperly loading. Here is how to prepare:
- Inspect the Container: Check for damages, leaks, or rust that could compromise the shipment.
- Choose the Right Container Type: Standard 20ft or 40ft containers are common, but refrigerated, open-top, and high-cube containers can also be used for specialized cargo.
- Weigh and Measure Cargo: Ensure the total weight stays within the container’s limits, preventing overloading and potential fines.
Arrangement
To ensure that the cargo space is maximized, it is important to get the cargo arrangement right. Some key packing principles include:
- Heavier Items First: Load heavy cargo at the bottom and center to maintain balance and prevent shifting.
- Stacking Strategically: Use a brick-stacking pattern rather than a column stack to improve stability.
- Using Cushioning: Pallets, airbags, and foam help absorb shocks and prevent movement.
Securing
Once properly packed and loaded, crates and packages should be secured to withstand movement that is bound to happen during transportation. Some securing methods include:
- Strapping: Heavy-duty straps, ropes, or chains are used to secure cargo to the container’s walls.
- Blocking & Bracing: Wooden blocks, metal bars, and braces prevent movement by creating barriers.
- Load Bars & Cargo Nets: These help distribute pressure evenly, preventing stacks from toppling.
Balancing
If weight is unevenly distributed, there is the risk of instability, cargo damage due to excess pressure, and difficulty offloading the container safely.
- Center of Gravity: Keep heavy cargo low and near the container’s center of gravity.
- Weight Distribution: Distribute similar-weight items evenly across the floor space and avoid overloading one side of the container.
Sealing and Labelling
Once all items are packed, secured, and balanced, the last step is to make sure all of the following check out:
- Closing and Sealing the Container: High-security bolt seals or electronic seals are used to prevent unauthorized access.
- Labeling the Container: Important labels include destination, weight, handling instructions, and hazardous material markings if applicable.
- Filling Out Shipping Documentation: Proper paperwork, such as bills of lading and packing lists, ensures customs clearance.
Contact Extreme Packing Solutions!
If you have any questions about shipping container loading or if your business in Massachusetts is looking for a company that offers affordable & reliable packing, crating, cross-dock, unloading, and loading services, please contact our team at Extreme Packing Solutions today! Call us at (978) 232-9190 or fill out the contact form on our website, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible!