Preparing cargo for a container: checks before closing the doors

Before a container is closed, establish whether the unit suits the goods, packaging meets the agreed conditions and the arrangement and securing have been checked. Spare space inside answers none of these questions.

This is an exporter-and-warehouse work checklist. It uses the 2014 CTU, Cargo Transport Units, code of practice identified by IMO. It is not a securing design for a specific shipment. Packaging instructions, carrier requirements and competent assessment remain necessary.

Give the warehouse information in advance

Send a list of finished units with external dimensions, gross weight, orientation, stacking restrictions and product requirements. Distinguish manufacturer-confirmed information from estimates.

Assign packaging, container inspection, arrangement, securing, photographs and final document data. “The warehouse will load it” does not define that scope. The people doing the physical work need the requirements beforehand.

Check equipment before loading

Verify identity, ordered equipment type, condition and suitability for the goods. Inspection covers items such as floor, walls, roof, doors, seals and required securing points. Report damage, residues, moisture and persistent odours before use.

Do not conceal a defect with cardboard or wrapping. Record it, stop the unsuitable operation and obtain the responsible party's decision, including replacement where needed. A delay before loading is easier to explain than missing evidence of the container's original condition.

Inspection and entry must follow safe procedures. Suspected hazardous atmosphere, chemical residues or instability require proper assessment rather than entering to test the situation. Never close someone inside to check for leaks.

Packaging and stacking

Ask the packaging provider about allowable loads, orientation, humidity conditions and handling restrictions. A symbol or “stackable” statement must apply to the actual unit and journey conditions.

Fictional example: two pallets have the same height and weight, but one holds rigid crates and the other delicate cartons. Geometry may permit an identical layout without supporting identical stacking. Do not transfer packaging approval from one type to another.

Record restrictions in the cargo list and planner. Do not remove them merely to improve space utilisation. If packaging changes, revisit weight, dimensions and the securing assessment.

Plan moisture protection

Goods, timber, packaging and packing conditions can introduce moisture. Temperature changes during transport may cause condensation. Dry weather at the moment of loading does not resolve the whole issue.

Agree product requirements and moisture controls with someone competent in the goods. There is no universal desiccant count for every container. Desiccants, barriers and other measures must suit cargo, packaging and route. Adding a drying product does not automatically make wet material suitable.

Layout and securing are separate checks

Cargexo's planner checks dimensions and the restrictions entered. It does not automatically assess carton strength, securing-point suitability or all transport forces.

Give the proposed arrangement to those responsible for safe loading. They may need centre-of-gravity, floor-loading, securing-method and material data. Do not select straps or bracing quantities from an article illustration. The plan must also consider safe unpacking at destination.

Evidence to retain

Photographs record the operation and condition; they do not approve the design automatically. Take them from a safe location without disrupting equipment procedures.

Before departure, confirm that material deviations are resolved. If the arrangement changed during loading, retain the actual version and reassessment evidence rather than only the original plan.