Loading of containerized sea freight bundled cargo

Loading of Bundled Cargo in Container Shipping

Bundled cargo generally refers to cargo units that have a certain stability and regular shape formed by methods such as lashing and packing. In container shipping, the loading of bundled cargo requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as cargo protection, weight distribution, space optimization, and international safe transport standards. This article introduces the loading methods for bundled cargo in container sea transport.

1. Pre-loading Preparation

• Cargo Inspection: Check the integrity of the outer packaging of bundled cargo to ensure there is no damage or leakage, and that labels are clearly visible.
• Understand Cargo Characteristics: Familiarize yourself with information such as cargo weight, dimensions, stacking restrictions, and whether it is dangerous goods.
• Choose the Right Container: Select standard or special specification containers, such as refrigerated containers, open-top containers, etc., based on the type and quantity of cargo.

2. Loading Principles

• Weight Balance: Place heavy cargo at the bottom and light cargo on top to ensure even weight distribution inside the container, preventing tilting or damage during transport.
• Stable Stacking: Stack reasonably according to packaging strength, using wood or other suitable materials as padding and dividers to reduce direct contact and movement between goods.
• Space Optimization: Load horizontally or vertically, flexibly adjusting according to cargo shape and container dimensions to maximize space utilization.
• Securing Measures: For bundled cargo that may shift, use straps, locks, or special securing devices to ensure transport stability.

3. Packaging Forms and Cushioning

Baled cargo varies considerably in packaging form depending on the type of goods. For example, after cotton cloth, textiles, and similar items are bundled, they generally need an outer wrapping of kraft paper or burlap. Baled cargo is heavy and bulky, so mechanized operations are usually employed during container loading. To prevent dampness on the container floor from adversely affecting the cargo, and to facilitate forklift or crane operations, the cargo should generally be lined with wooden planks. For baled cargo with bulging sides, to avoid the pile collapsing and blocking the container door due to swaying during transport, a fence made of square timber should be installed at the door to protect it.

4. Special Considerations

• Dangerous Goods Loading: Comply with the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code), and take measures for segregation, marking, and securing of dangerous bundled cargo.
• Overweight or Oversized Cargo: Assess the feasibility of using special equipment such as open-top containers and flat racks, and adopt corresponding safe loading plans.
• Ventilation and Moisture Protection: Leave appropriate gaps during stacking according to cargo requirements, or use breathable materials to prevent moisture and mold.

Efficient loading of bundled cargo is a key step in ensuring the safety and economy of container shipping. Strictly following loading principles and taking appropriate measures based on cargo characteristics can reduce transport losses and improve overall logistics efficiency.

Further reading: Typical cargo loading compares boxed/cartoned goods; Overlength cargo loading covers oversized cargo; Refrigerated cargo loading covers temperature-controlled cargo.

Bundled Cargo Loading FAQs

Q: What are the principles for loading bundled cargo?

A: The four principles are weight balance (heavy at the bottom, light on top), stable stacking (with padding and separators), space optimization, and securing measures (straps and locks); dangerous goods in bundles must also comply with the segregation, marking, and lashing requirements of the IMDG Code.

Q: How should bulging bundled cargo be loaded?

A: A fence made of square wooden strips should be placed at the container door to protect it, preventing collapsed stacks from blocking the door due to swaying during transport; the container floor should be lined with wooden boards for moisture protection and to facilitate mechanical handling.

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Disclaimer: This article was compiled by the Bofeng Logistics team and verified as of August 2026. Cargo loading practices may change with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), carrier policies and industry standards; always refer to the carrier's current requirements for your container loading.