Loading Methods for Different Types of Cargo: A Complete Guide to Cartons, Wooden Cases, Pallets, Drums, Steel Coils, and Oversized Items

Different types of cargo require completely different loading methods. Using the wrong method can result in minor cargo damage at best, or serious safety incidents at worst. This article provides a detailed explanation of loading methods for six common cargo types.

I. Carton Box Cargo

Cartons are the most common form of export packaging, suitable for light industrial products, consumer goods, electronic products, etc.

Loading Key Points

Stacking Method Illustration

Staggered Stacking for Same-Size Cartons (Brick-Wall Pattern):

Layer 1: ████  ████  ████  ████
         └──┘   └──┘   └──┘
Layer 2:   ████  ████  ████
         └──┘   └──┘   └──┘
Layer 3: ████  ████  ████  ████

Key Point: Stagger the arrangement between layers rather than vertically aligning them. The stability of staggered stacking is more than 3 times higher than direct alignment.

Carton Container Loading Parameter Reference

II. Wooden Case / Pallet Cargo

Pallet Loading Standards

Pallet Loading Requirements

Correct Pallet Container Loading Method:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [Pallet 1] [Pallet 2] [Pallet 3] ... [Pallet 10] │
│ [Pallet 1] [Pallet 2] [Pallet 3] ... [Pallet 10] │ ← When double stacking
│    ↑ Secured with stretch wrap   ↑ Secured with lashing straps │
└──────────────────────────────────────────┘

Common Pallet Size Compatibility

III. Drum Cargo

Suitable for liquid cargo such as chemicals, lubricants, paints, etc.

Loading Requirements

Drum Loading Key Points

Correct Drum Loading:

Layer 1: ↗↗↗↗ All drums oriented in the same direction, wedged tightly with timber blocks between drums
Layer 2: ↗↗↗↗ Upper drums aligned with gaps between lower drums
         ↑ Wooden boards placed between each layer to distribute weight

IV. Steel Coil / Coiled Material

Steel coils are among the most difficult cargo to load. Improper handling can directly cause the container floor to be punctured or the cargo to tip over during transport.

Loading Parameters

Standard Steel Coil Loading Operation

V-Shaped Timber Cradle Securing Illustration:

┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
│        ████████                           │
│      ██ Steel  ██  ← Coil axis facing   │
│        ████████      container door      │
│       ╱▔▔▔▔▔▔╲                            │
│      ╱ V-Shaped  ╲   ← Prevents rolling  │
│     ╱ Timber Cradle╲                      │
│    ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔                          │
│    ↑ Lashing straps securing (min. 2)     │
└──────────────────────────────────────────┘

⚠️ Safety Warning: Steel coil loading is one of the operations with the highest accident rate industry-wide. It must be performed by experienced workers, and the securing plan after loading must be confirmed by the freight forwarder or shipping line.

V. Oversized / Irregular Cargo

Cargo exceeding the internal dimensions of standard containers requires open top containers or flat rack containers.

Oversized Cargo Loading Process

1. Confirm cargo dimensions and center of gravity position (accurate to cm)
2. Select appropriate container type
3. Create a pre-loading plan (including lifting point positions and lashing points)
4. Shipping line / terminal review the plan
5. Professional lifting team executes container loading
6. Secure and lash (per CSS Code standards)
7. Post-lashing inspection: simulate transport force directions

VI. Bagged Cargo

Suitable for bulk cargo such as agricultural products, minerals, chemical raw materials, etc.

Bagged Cargo Key Operations

VII. Loading Principles for Mixed Cargo

When loading different types of cargo in the same container, follow this sequence:

Loading Sequence (from container head to door):

Heavy Cargo → Heavy + Medium Cargo → Medium Cargo → Light Cargo
  ↓↓↓↓↓          ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓               ↓↓↓↓↓          ↓↓↓
Bottom Layer    Middle Layer         Upper Layer    Topmost Layer & Last Row

📖 Extended Reading:

• International Maritime Operations Handbook Part 06: Classification of Container-Suitable Cargo — Conceptual classification of whether various cargo types are suitable for container transport
• International Maritime Operations Handbook Part 08: Cargo Packaging Guide — Packaging standards and requirements

Data Note: Loading parameters reference industry-standard operational practices and shipping line loading guides. Data as of July 2026.

Have special cargo that requires a container loading plan? Send your cargo information and packaging details to Bofeng Logistics, and our professional team will customize a loading plan tailored to your needs.

Loading Plan Consultation: info@zhbfwl.com