What shippers must know before packing containers

Doors fully operational

Container doors should be fully operational. It is recommended that both doors are opened to confirm operability and the ability to lock and seal the right-side door.

Cargo volume

Containers are subject to impacts during operation, which may cause dents and bows to the steel structure. Container owners and operators set tolerances for these distortions. Since containers get damaged during movement, it is advised to verify that the internal cubic capacity is not significantly reduced.

Shippers/packers must also note and comply with maximum gross mass of specific container sizes and the cargo, dunnage and securing materials’ combined mass do not exceed the “net” mass displayed on the right-side container door.

Water tightness

Dry van containers are built to keep cargo dry under normal operations. Shippers/packers should check the interior floors for signs of water puddling and light coming through the roof and sides, which are signs of cuts and cracks in the container’s steel skin. It is also advised to check the integrity of container door gaskets.

Cleanliness

The container should be clean, dry and free of residue and/or persistent odors from previous cargo.

The shipper/packer should ensure, prior to commencement of packing, that both the exterior and interior of the container, as well as the cargo, are free from visible pest contamination.

Odors

When opening the container doors, the shipper/packer should be alert to obnoxious odors inside the unit. Strong odors may indicate that cargo residues remain inside the container and further cleaning is required.

Markings and CSC plates

Container markings consisting of four letters, six numbers and one check digit should be legible on the doors. A CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) plate should also be affixed to the door.

Floor integrity

When verifying the interior condition of the container, shippers/packers should look for any significant floor waviness between crossmembers that may indicate floorboard delamination and weakness.

Containers endure a range of wear and tear during use. The existence of certain types of damage and nonconforming repairs does not necessarily mean that repairs are required.

“Container owners and operators maintain their fleets under preestablished conditions to ensure the safe transport of cargo and the cargo worthiness of the equipment prior to loading,” Gonçalves said. “However, all stakeholders in the supply chain are responsible for the safe transport of containers and safety of personnel involved with the operations.”

Click for more FreightWaves/American Shipper articles by Chris Gillis.