After the container truck tows the empty container to the factory, the next key step is loading. The quality of loading directly determines whether the cargo can safely reach its destination—improper loading accounts for a large proportion of all cargo damage causes. This article will outline the key points of the complete loading process from a practical operational perspective.
I. Pre-Loading Inspection (Container Acceptance Confirmation)
After the truck driver delivers the empty container to the factory, the following checks must be completed before loading:
| Inspection Item | Key Checkpoints | Action for Non-Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Container Exterior | Any damage/dents/deformation on walls | Take photos, request container swap |
| Interior Cleanliness | Any odor/residue/moisture/pests | Request cleaning or container swap |
| Floor | Any damage/rot/protruding nails | Repair or swap container |
| Doors | Smooth operation, intact locking bars | Request repair or swap container |
| Water Tightness | Check for light leaks when doors closed | Request container swap |
| CSC Plate | Check if inspection is expired | Swap if expired |
| Container Number Check | Matches the number on the S/O | Swap if not matching |
If issues are found with the container condition before loading, be sure to take photos and request a swap. If issues are discovered after loading, liability falls on the shipper.
II. Basic Principles of Loading
Six Basic Principles
| Principle | Explanation | Consequence of Violation |
|---|---|---|
| ① Heavy at Bottom | Place heavy cargo at the bottom, light cargo on top | Light cargo crushed, top-heavy |
| ② Low Center of Gravity | Center of gravity centered and low | Risk of tipping/truck rollover |
| ③ Even Distribution | Weight evenly distributed over the floor | Asymmetric loading causing container deformation |
| ④ Even Distribution | Cargo balanced left and right inside | Maintain symmetrical left-right distribution |
| ⑤ No Gaps | Secure with dunnage to prevent shifting in transit | Cargo shifting, collision, damage |
| ⑥ Marks Outward | Marks/labels facing the container door | Difficult to identify when unstuffing |
Center of Gravity Control Details
Center of gravity control is the most important safety factor in loading. An offset center of gravity can lead to serious accidents like vehicle rollover during turns.
| Cargo Distribution | Center of Gravity Position | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy cargo below, light cargo above | Low (Ideal) | 🟢 Safe |
| Cargo concentrated on one side | Left/Right Offset | 🔴 Dangerous, prohibited |
| All heavy cargo at the tail (door end) | Backward Offset | 🟡 Needs lashing |
| All light cargo at the bottom | High | 🟡 Needs adjusting |
III. Loading Methods for Different Cargo Types
| Cargo Type | Loading Method | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cartons (Same Size) | Interlocking stack (brick wall pattern), alternate layers | Stack height not exceeding container height to prevent collapse |
| Cartons (Different Sizes) | Large boxes below, small boxes above, use separators if needed | Must use dividers |
| Palletized Cargo | Load directly with forklift, pallets placed snugly together | Secure with stretch wrap to prevent shifting |
| Drum Cargo | Stand upright, secure with dunnage | Max 3 layers high, insert dividers between layers |
| Steel Coils/Heavy Cargo | Place dunnage at bottom, secure with lashings | Requires professional bracing to prevent rolling |
| Bagged Cargo | Interlocking fish-scale pattern | Alternate direction per layer to prevent collapse |
Standard Capacity Reference
| Container Type | Standard Pallets (1200×1000mm) | Max Payload |
|---|---|---|
| 20GP | 10 Pallets | ~21 MT (Including Tare) |
| 40GP | 21 Pallets | ~26 MT (Including Tare) |
| 40HQ | 21-24 Pallets (Higher Capacity) | ~26 MT (Including Tare) |
IV. Cargo Securing and Lashing
After loading, lashing materials must be used to prevent cargo from shifting during transit:
| Material | Application Scenario | Usage Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Dunnage Bags | Filling gaps inside container | Insert into gaps, inflate to secure cargo |
| Timber/Wedges | Securing heavy cargo base | Nail to container floor to prevent sliding |
| Lashing Belts | Strapping/Cinching | Attach ends to floor lashing rings/corner fittings |
| Stretch Wrap | Securing palletized loads | Wrap around entire pallet |
V. Sealing Operation
After loading, seal the container following standard procedure:
- Close Container Doors: Confirm doors are properly closed and locking bars are locked tight
- Apply Seal: Insert the seal mechanism (Seal), press firmly until it locks
- Record Seal Number: The seal number must be recorded on the B/L and Customs Declaration
- Take Archival Photos:
- Close-up of the seal (seal number clearly visible)
- Photo of container number combined with the seal
- Full panoramic interior of loaded container
- Full frontal view after doors are closed
Sealing final checklist:
□ Container doors closed and locked bars secured
□ Seal applied, seal number recorded
□ Container number and seal photo documented
□ Container loading photos completed (pre-load/in-load/post-load)
□ Packing List completedVI. Common Loading Mistakes
| Misunderstanding | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Skipping container inspection before loading | Must inspect; you are liable for resulting container damage |
| Caring solely about fitting cargo, ignoring the CG | Extreme loads lead to rollovers and container deformation |
| Simply stuffing cardboard boxes into gaps | Use dedicated airbags/bags specifically designed for cargo securement |
| Packing until doors close | Causes the load to risk bursting the doors or container structure |
| Believing lighter cargo can go anywhere unconditionally | Keep light loads only as top tiers and should be tie checked/secured |
💡 Need loading guidance or loading services? Bofeng Logistics provides full-step loading instructions with priority total turn-key services for containers and trucking.
📞 Pack and Container Stuffs services: 13075678958 | info@zhbfwl.com
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