How to organize your cargo in a container

Loading and unloading a shipping container is not as simple as you might think. This requires a certain amount of organization, at the risk of damaged or even lost cargo if necessary.

Here is how to ensure in a few points that your goods will arrive intact at their destination.

Which container to choose

What type of goods will you transport? THE perishable goods such as food (meat, dairy products, etc.) absolutely require a container allowing temperature control. Likewise for the pharmaceutical products or even works of art. Refrigerated containers are therefore ideal for this type of cargo.

On the other hand, most other goods can be transported on board standard Dry containers.

The largest cargoes, such as construction vehicles, can be transported in specific containers: flat rack containers, open top container, etc.

Once you have made your choice regarding the container you are going to use, it is also important to choose the right dimensions. There are indeed containers of all sizes. The smallest are 6 feet, and the largest 45 feet. But the most used containers in the international shipping are the 20 foot containers and 40 feet.

Cargo preparation

In order to ensure the safety of the goods and that they arrive at their destination without alteration, it is essential to think about the organization inside the container in advance. Among the important points, the arrangement of the goods as well as their packaging must be of primary concern.

In case your goods can be stored in boxes (as is often the case when it comes to dry products), make sure you get boxes of different quality and sizes. You will be able to stack them from heaviest to least, and organize the interior of the container in order to limit the risk of the container falling. cargo during the transport. Preferably place the bulkiest goods at the bottom of the container. Note that the loading order you choose will impact the unloading order. It is therefore important to think about it in advance.

Container loading

Storage in boxes is perfect for items such as books or small household appliances. Larger, stronger boxes can be used for transporting furniture and bulky goods (refrigerator, oven, etc.). Also check that the most fragile items are carefully wrapped with bubble wrap.

Each box must be closed carefully, and it is strongly recommended to label them all. Be sure to distribute the weight of the goods over the entire interior surface area of the container, and place the heaviest goods at the ends.

Storing goods inside a container for transport must be done efficiently. Indeed, this is a particularly time-consuming task. It takes on average a good 3 hours to load a 20-foot container, double that when it is a 40ft container. This timing may vary depending on the type of container used.

Each load is different, not only depending on the container used, its size, but also the type of cargo that will be stored there. The team of Cubner is of course at your disposal to advise you and support you in the choice of container. Our experts will be able to provide you with numerous details on the various precautions and the right actions to adopt.