One of the most challenging parts of shipping and logistics is cargo damage prevention. Every day, shipping companies in the Philippines handle different types of goods in varying volumes. Each cargo must be properly packaged, stored in an optimal position, and secured with the appropriate lashings. These steps, along with additional precautions, are essential to maintain the integrity of cargo from start to end of the voyage.
Delivering goods in pristine condition is key to maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. This is why a strategic approach to loading and storage is necessary. Improve your shipping process by adopting these smart tips on how to prevent cargo damage.
How to Prevent Cargo Damage in 7 Efficient Ways
Assess the potential risks of your cargo
Protect your items effectively by first assessing the potential risks your cargo may face. Fragile, liquid, flammable items, electronics, and machinery all have unique risks due to their varying nature. This is one significant way you can be proactive when it comes to cargo damage prevention.
Assessing your products helps you prepare specialized packaging. Electronics may need shock-absorbing wraps. Packaged liquid products may require extra sealing to prevent uncapping and spills.
Select the right type of container
Container shipment is the most common sea shipping method nowadays. Thanks to technological advancements, manufacturers have developed a broad range of containers specially designed to protect specific types of cargo. For example, choose a reefer container if you plan to ship agricultural products, temperature-sensitive and perishable goods. A standard container is appropriate for general dry cargo. Open-top containers are good for shipping out-of-gauge (OOG) or tall cargo.
Ensure containers have proper ventilation
Long-haul voyage and various environmental factors (humidity, temperature, weather conditions) contribute to the buildup of moisture, heat, and odor. To prevent this, choose a cargo container that has proper ventilation, such as fans or vents. Placing desiccants in cargo packages can also help absorb moisture.
Perform sanitary checks prior to loading
Contamination in cargo can occur when a container is unclean, has buildup of bacteria, and does not pass structural integrity standards. Coordinate with your chosen cargo shipping company to schedule a sanitary or pre-trip inspection (PTI) prior to the loading process.
A container should be free from the following:
- Dirt, dust, stains from previous shipments
- Pests (insects, rodents)
- Interior and exterior structural damage (dents, cracks, rust, holes, etc.)
- Contaminants (non-food grade chemicals)
Along with the client, a certified cargo surveyor will conduct the inspection. A successful check allows the container to be released for usage, after which the loading process begins.
Avoid mixing incompatible cargo
A good practice for cargo damage prevention is to separate goods from each other. For instance, clothing must be separate from liquids to prevent spills. Food items never be kept with toxic or potentially harmful substances, as contamination can occur.
Use the appropriate lashing and dunnage
Cargo shipping companies often secure packaged goods using lashings (chains, ropes, or straps that prevent movement) or dunnage (material used to fill in gaps or voids). These critical steps create a stable load. Otherwise, the constant shifting around of cargo can deal physical damage to goods. If you have specific securing instructions for your cargo, communicate with your logistics provider to ensure these precautions are in place.
Declare the correct total of your container and its contents
If a shipper does not declare the correct weight of a packed container, it can lead to serious accidents and damage. Follow the SOLAS regulation on declaring the VGM (Verified Gross Mass). There are two ways to compute for the VGM:
- Weighing the packed container
- Weighing the total cargo items, packages, pallets, dunnage, and lashings, then weighing the tare container mass
This is a good cargo damage prevention practice that also builds trust between the shipper and shipping company. It demonstrates your compliance with international and domestic shipping regulations.
Proactively managing your shipments is the primary step on how to prevent cargo damage. Business owners can fulfill all these steps with the help of a reliable shipping company, who can facilitate secure, efficient cargo handling from start to finish.
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Chelsea Logistics provides comprehensive sea shipping solutions in the Philippines. Through our subsidiaries Chelsea Shipping Corp., TSI, Trans-Asia Shipping Lines’s Trans-Padala, and Starlite Ferries’ Starlite Express, we offer secure and stress-free cargo shipping. Talk to us today and let us know how we can help you move your goods!
