Dong Fang International Containers
Dong Fang International Containers

Sea Freight Container Packing Guidelines

The packing and shipping rules of containerized goods need to comply with the rules specified by IMO (International Maritime Organization) and ILO (International Labor Organization). Different from the packing of road transport, the packing of sea freight needs to take into account the ups and downs of the ship during the voyage. It is very important to avoid the movement of the goods in the container. The best way is to have no gaps between the goods. If the gap cannot be avoided, it is recommended to use air bags or cushioning materials to ensure the stability of the cargo. If a single piece of goods is packed, then strapping materials must be used to secure the goods in the sea freight container.


Ⅰ. Inspection of sea freight containers before loading


Each container has an international container safe transport nameplate, on which is marked the basic information about the container, such as the container number, maximum load and other information. Customers are advised to do the following checks before packing:


1. There are no gaps and holes outside the 40rh container, the container door can be opened and the door lock is available.


2. The customs seal remains intact.


3. There are no signs of the previous goods around the container, such as dangerous goods signs.


4. Frame box: both ends of the frame box can be folded or fixed.


5. Open top box: the top beam must be complete.


6. Freezer: Check whether the electrical equipment can be used, whether the refrigeration and the fan are running.


Ⅱ. Internal inspection of sea freight containers


1. Check the waterproofness of the container: walk into the container, close the door of the container, and check whether there is light penetrating into the container to confirm whether there is water leakage.


2. The interior of the sea freight container should be clean and dry. Any condensation, frost, and icing should be removed, as well as dust and odors.


3. There are no sharp objects in the container that may scratch the goods.


4. If the goods are packed in SOC boxes, you should check whether there is a CSC nameplate.


Ⅲ. Inspection of sea freight containers after packing


1. The packaging of the goods can withstand the pressure during transportation.


2. The weight of the cargo does not exceed the maximum load of the container.


3. A copy of the packing list is attached to the container for customs inspection.


If wood is used as packaging and reinforcement materials, the country's inspection and quarantine regulations should be followed, and fumigation-free materials should be used or fumigation certificates should be provided.


Ⅳ. Shipping containers and reinforcement materials and equipment


1. Lining material: Before packing, confirm whether the goods can be placed directly on the container floor according to the load per square meter of the sea container.


2. Pallet: All kinds of small packaged goods are placed on the pallet to facilitate quick loading and unloading, and the goods are tied tightly with strapping straps. Pallets effectively distribute the weight of the cargo evenly across the bottom of the container. But the disadvantage is that there will be gaps in the middle of the pallet goods, and the space in the container cannot be maximized, and the cost of pallets is not low.


3. Anti-skid material (rubber): Rubber is a commonly used anti-skid material, such as waste rubber tire sheets, etc., which can increase friction to prevent goods from moving.


4. Wooden squares and planks: According to the size and weight of the goods, adjust the size of wooden squares and planks, which are the most convenient padding and reinforcement materials for adjustment.


5. Securing materials: Securing materials are generally used to fix goods and prevent them from moving.


6. Nylon rope/strap: it is the most common binding material to avoid direct contact of nylon rope with sharp edges.


7. Steel wire rope and rope clamp: Steel wire rope is also a common binding material, which is often used to bind bulky goods that are naked. Once the wire rope is used as the binding material, it needs to be equipped with binding tools such as turnbuckles, hinges and rope clips.


8. Filling material: In order to prevent the movement of the goods and the collision around the 40rh container, the use of filling materials before the goods and the container can better protect the goods. Commonly used are wooden strips and air bags.