An Overview of Loading Containers: Types of Container Loading

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Loading containers is a critical process in the shipping and logistics industry. It requires careful planning and attention to various considerations to ensure the safety of the cargo and efficient transportation. Here are some important factors to consider when loading containers.

Container Stacking and Loading

Container stacking is generally used to mean the proper stacking or loading of cargoes that need to be transported into the container. These processes mean placing the loads inside the empty containers rather than loading the loaded containers onto the ship or other transportation vehicles. The collection of products created by bringing together different loads is called a stack. Containers or cargo groups created by using different loads in partial transportation are called stacks.

In container stacking and loading operations, various security measures should be taken to transport the loads in the container more safely. Basically, the goods stacked in the container must remain fixed in the container. For this reason, the stacks must be fixed to the sides and back together with the container floor. Thus, precautions are taken against all shocks and similar situations that may occur during transportation. Rope, package, or similar systems are generally preferred for fixing the stacks inside the container. In addition to fixing the stacks, the container lids should be closed easily so that the stacks can be loaded into the container easily and unloaded at the destination port.

Container Loading Types

During the loading of stacks or goods into the container, it is necessary to select the appropriate loading type, considering the needs of these goods. All the goods loaded into the container have different stacking methods. Goods are usually loaded with methods such as packages, boxes or stretch film for safer transportation in the container. However, according to the needs of the loaded goods, different loading methods such as barrels, crates or bags are also preferred.

Container loading types can be expressed as follows:

1. Loading with Boxes and Cartons

One of the most preferred methods of container loading in logistics operations is to stack the goods in containers after placing them in boxes or cartons. Boxes are used to protect the goods in the container in bonded or duty-free transactions and to prevent them from being damaged during transportation. Additional protective materials such as foam or paper are placed in these boxes to transfer the transported goods in a safer environment.

2. Loading with Packages

Packaging made in accordance with the dimensions of the product ensures that the products move less in the container and that these products are affected by the ambient conditions at a minimum level. For this reason, one of the most preferred container loading methods today is package loading.

3. Loading with Barrels

Barrels are the loading method used for the transportation of liquid or semi-liquid fluid materials. For the transportation of liquid substances in the ADR group, these substances are first placed in the barrels and then the barrels are stacked together and placed in the containers. Various precautions should be taken to ensure that the barrels in the container are loaded vertically and that the cover parts are not opened.

4. Loading with Crates

Crates, which are generally produced specifically for the goods to be transported in containers, are preferred for the transportation of more valuable goods. Because they are produced specifically for the goods to be transported, they have high costs compared to standard loading and transportation methods. The chests are designed using different sizes, colors, and materials. In this way, the needs of the goods transported directly are also met. Crates should also be fixed inside the container and other crates for more reliable stacking of the crates during loading.