Loading and Unloading of Commercial Containers

The loading and unloading of commercial containers is a routine part of daily freight transportation. However, it is a procedure that is often overlooked despite its great importance in ensuring the longevity of the goods. Through this blog, we will provide a series of recommendations and useful tips to carry out this procedure safely and minimize the damage that may occur during the transportation of goods.

Loading Containers

To ensure proper loading of goods, it is necessary to conduct a thorough inspection of the container to identify any potential damages, such as issues with the doors or internal holes that could harm the merchandise. Below are some recommendations to verify the proper condition of the containers.

Additionally, before starting the loading process, the merchandise must be prepared through proper packaging and palletizing at Homesea Containers, a company specializing in merchandise preparation solutions.

Interior of the Container

• The container must be clean and dry, with no traces of dust, grease, or liquids from the previous load.
• Disinfect the container to prevent insects or pests from contaminating the goods being transported.
• Check that the container is airtight, ensuring there are no light leaks or signs of liquid infiltration.

Exterior of the Container

Make sure the container:

• • Has no holes or tears.
  • Has doors that close properly.
  • Has any labels from the previous cargo removed.

Once this detailed inspection of the container is complete, the logistics team can begin stacking and arranging the goods inside the container to prevent damage during transit.

During Container Loading

Depending on the size of the cargo being transported, consider the following recommendations:

• Prepare the goods properly, ensuring they are adjusted to the container’s capacity to withstand movements during the journey. The load must be securely fastened to prevent shifting or falling during transport.
• Verify that the cargo matches the content stated in the manifest without inconsistencies.
• Labels must be placed in designated areas without covering the container’s identification number or other important elements.
• Finally, ensure the security locks are properly fastened when closing the doors.

Unloading the Container

Once the container has reached its destination, it is important to conduct a brief inspection before unloading the goods.

• Inspect the exterior of the container for any damage that could have affected the goods.
• Ensure the container is intact and shows no signs of tampering.
• Check the labels for important information about the goods.
• Open the right door carefully in case the load was improperly secured and poses a risk of falling on the personnel.

It is always advisable to carry out all loading and unloading processes with extreme caution to ensure that both the container and the goods it transports arrive at their destination in perfect condition. At Homesea Containers, we are committed to our customers’ goods, providing peace of mind and satisfaction throughout the loading and unloading processes.