What are the measures to prevent cargo damage?
As a forwarder, shipper, manufacturer, or importer, it is critical that you take concrete efforts to limit the risk of cargo damage and save money and time. Thankfully, there are several options available today for preventing cargo damage. The following are a few of them:
- Use the appropriate container for transporting your merchandise. For example, large cargo necessitates the use of a container intended to transport such objects
- Ensure that the proper lashings and dunnage material are utilised to keep goods from moving about within the container
- Make sure that incompatible materials aren’t combined together in the container, such as garments and chemicals
- Make sure the suitable route is chosen when carrying material that is prone to moisture damage because high humidity climates may have an impact on the cargo, and condensation may cause water damage
- Before shipping, double-check that all of the container’s doors are securely shut and that all rubber gaskets are in place
- Dehydration, desiccation, fluid movement, smells, black spot, colour, and flavour changes in frozen cargoes should all be investigated, as should evidence of any upward temperature departure and subsequent re-freezing
- To avoid any damage, make sure you employ technology-enabled solutions to get real-time information on the location and condition of your goods in transit and take proactive actions to prevent future losses if cargo has already been damaged
- To speed up your claims processing, use data from these technology-enabled services
Other significant considerations while packing your goods include:
- Plan the cargo stowage in the container
- As there are repercussions for weight misdeclaration, check that all container weight constraints are satisfied according to the indications on the container
- Distribute the weight evenly inside the container, being careful not to exceed the maximum weight concentrations per square foot of deck allowed
- Heavy weights should not be concentrated on one side or one end
- For added stability, place the heaviest objects towards the bottom
- Heavy things should be placed in a box, crate, or cradle
- make certain that unsuitable cargo is not mixed together in the container
- Make sure that any goods that might leak or spill is not stacked on top of other cargo
- follow the packaging instructions for hazardous materials
The damage described above is only one example of the sorts of harm that can occur if your container is not correctly packed.
If you have any worries about how to pack your container properly, a professional packing warehouse or business is strongly advised to do so and guarantee that your cargo withstands all of the above and arrives safely at its destination.
What should you do if your items are damaged while in transit?
Make careful you photograph the damage and file a cargo damage claim.
To ensure that you receive financial assistance if your package is damaged during transportation, learn how to file a cargo claim.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have discussed what are the measures to prevent cargo damage as well as other significant considerations while packing your goods.
Finally, we also talked about what should you do if your items are damaged while in transit.
Business Director
A graduate (Business) from KDU, Jason Tan, is the current Business Director (Sales) for MGS Icestorm and has been associated with the company for the past 10 years.
With over 13 years in the shipping industry, he has had a significant contribution to Malaysia’s oil and gas industry in the engine and boat supply sector.
His expertise includes managing offshore catering business, offshore reefer containers, AI technology, offshore gas tanks, A60 pressurized cabins, etc. His contributions have helped establish MGS, in partnership (joint venture) with Thermo King and Honeywell to produce state of art Offshore Reefer Container products.