How do I reduce the possibility of cargo damage?

The last thing you want to do is have to make a cargo claim, or worse still, not make one when you know you should.

• You know that you stuffed your container properly
• You know that the container was in good condition
• But once the container is delivered to the port ready to load, it is out of your control and all you can do is hope it arrives to its final destination in perfect condition

What can you do to reduce the possibility that any damage will occur to your cargo?

First: Select the correct container for your cargo. If you have heavy cargo then a 20 foot container could be better for shipping. Bulky but lighter cargoes may fair better in 40 foot containers and fresh produce most certainly in reefer containers.

Second: You must stuff your cargo correctly using sufficient dunnage and lashings helping your cargo refrain from moving around. Be careful with stacks falling over by again making sure you have them under control so they don’t get damaged. Take photographs just in case.

Third: Selecting compatible cargoes. The last thing you want is any contamination so think about what is going into your container, for example you don’t want to have any food produce in close proximity of anything harmful if ingested.

Fourth: What route is your cargo taking? Dependent what your cargo is, could depend on what route you prefer your cargo to take, avoiding such unavoidable things like condensation.

Fifth: If your cargo is easily damaged and susceptible to wet damage, make sure you check the container thoroughly. The door seals are in good conditions and the door gaskets are not damaged. And take photographs showing this.

Sixth: Are you shipping reefer containers? It is essential you check the temperature of the container and also that you do not hot-stuff the container.

It is also important that the cargo being stowed in the container is brought to within 2 degrees of the set temperature of the container. Take photos where you can.

Happy shipping and let’s hope your cargo arrives in perfect condition and on time!