How to stuff cargo like a Pro?

Are you DONE to receive carriers’ rejections with the clauses “load, stow, count” when cargo arrives damaged and you try to claim losses?

Check Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code) to make sure you as a shipper comply. It provides a non-mandatory global code of practice for the handling and packing of shipping containers  (and other cargo transport units) transported by sea and land. It also gives you leverage to negotiate with the carrier or even cargo receiver and to prove that exporter DULY fulfilled requirements for cargo packaging and stuffing.

Chapter 3. Key requirements

3.1 General

• Do arrange for a safe working environment.
• Do use safe handling equipment.
• Do use appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Do check that the CTU and any cargo securing equipment are in sound condition.
•  Do not smoke, eat or drink during packing, securing or unpacking.

3.2 Planning

• Do select the most suitable CTU type to accommodate the cargo for the intended transport.
• Do prepare a packing plan when deemed necessary.
• Do select the securing methods best adapted to the characteristics of the cargo, the mode of transport and the properties of the CTU.
• Do not exceed the permitted payload limits of the unit or the maximum allowed gross mass according to the CSC2, national road and rail regulations.

3.3 Packing

• Do distribute heavy cargo appropriately over the floor area.
• Do observe all handling instructions and symbols on packages such as “this side up”.
• Do load with the centre of gravity correctly located in the CTU.
• Do not concentrate heavy cargo on small areas of the floor.
• Do not load with eccentric load distribution.
• Do not build up irregular layers of packages if it can be avoided.
• Do not stow heavy goods on top of light goods.
• Do not stow goods with tainting odours together with sensitive merchandise.
• Do not pack wet and damp goods if it can be avoided.
• Do not use securing or protection equipment which is incompatible with the cargo.

3.4 Packing of dangerous goods

• Do check that all packages are properly marked and labelled.
• Do pack dangerous goods according to applicable dangerous goods regulations.
• Do pack dangerous goods near the door of the CTU where possible.
• Do affix required placards, marks and signs on the exterior of the CTU.
• Do not pack incompatible goods which should be segregated.
• Do not pack damaged packages.

3.5 Securing

• Do fill void spaces when necessary.
• Do use blocking or lashing or a combination of these methods to prevent the cargo from sliding and tipping in any direction.
• Do secure the cargo in a way that forces are distributed over an appropriate area of a unit.
• Do secure each single loaded item independently where necessary.
• Do use non-slip surface material to refrain packages from sliding where appropriate.
• Do use hooks or shackles to fasten lashings where applicable.
• Do not secure the cargo with devices overstressing the structure of the CTU or the cargo.
• Do not overstress securing devices.
• Do not over tighten securing devices so that the packaging or goods are damaged.
• Do not fasten web lashings by means of knots.

3.6 On completion of packing

• Do determine the correct gross mass of the CTU.
• Do affix a seal when required.
• Do include the CTU number, the correct gross mass and, when required, the seal number in the appropriate documents.
• Do provide a packing certificate when required.

3.7 Unpacking

• Do check that the identification number on the CTU and, when the CTU should be sealed, the seal serial number, are as shown on the transport documentation.
• Do check the exterior of the CTU for signs of leakage or infestation.
• Do use proper equipment to cut the seal if affixed.
• Do ensure the CTU is safe to enter. Be aware that the atmosphere in the CTU may be dangerous – ventilate before entering.
• Do open the CTU with caution as cargo might fall out.
• Do record every package as it is removed noting any markings and damages.
• Do remove all securing and protection material for reuse, recycling or disposal.
• Do clean the interior of the CTU to remove all traces of the cargo, especially loose powders, grains and noxious materials and fumigants, unless otherwise agreed with the CTU operator.
• Do remove all marks, placards and signs regarding the previous consignment from the exterior of the CTU once it has been cleaned.

When next time you submit a cargo claim to the carrier, do not forget to mention that cargo was loaded under applicable, globally acceptable best industry practices and standards 🙂