Several ways to increase cleanliness of your shipments and lessen the migration of pests via cargo and containers have been brought to light by worldwide freight transport. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, pests are entering the country not just through cargo but also through business shipments and conveyances. There must be efficient strategies deployed to reduce the spread of pests and different stakeholders must contribute in some way.
What are the primary consequences of not doing so?
1. Harm to native plants, animals, and ecosystems
Invasive species damage the U.S. economy more than $1 billion annually. The emerald ash borer, a devastating wood-boring insect found in China and eastern Asia, is an example of a pest that is expensive to eradicate. It is thought that the insect entered the U.S. through tainted wood packaging that was brought from Asia in cargo ships or airplanes. Although it is known to have impacted ecosystems in 22 states, the emerald ash was initially discovered in the U.S. in 2022. The bug looks for cracks or openings beneath ash trees’ external bark to lay its eggs. As soon as they hatch, the larvae begin feeding on the outer bark and then move on to the inner tissue that gives the tree nourishment. These larvae eventually destroy the trees and lower the value of their wood by creating galleries in the phloem.
2. Mice, Rats, and Other Insects in Cargo Ships
In around a week, rats devour their own weight, making whatever food they come into contact with unfit for human eating. In their quest for resources to construct their nests, they also demolish leather, textiles, packaging, and other things. Finally, because of their liking for wires, they have the potential to harm electrical products. These rats prefer little, circular wires in particular because they are incredibly easy to hold while chewing. Companies and households alike can take numerous precautions to keep rodents from chewing on cables and wires since gnawed wires can cause chaos and electric fires.
3. Spreading Dangerous Viruses
Animals can contract diseases from invasive species that are introduced into a nation when commodities are being transported, in addition to harming plant species. For example, animals can contract foot and mouth disease after being exposed to just ten or more virus particles, and the disease spreads very fast. These viruses can travel 170 miles in the air and endure in the soil for more than 30 days. Newcastle disease, which kills birds, is another dangerous illness. This virus spread to chicken industries in California and other states during one epidemic in Southern California. Depopulating millions of birds came at a staggering cost of $181 million.
4. Slugs and Snails
Occasionally, gastropods such as snails and slugs will snag their way into containers. Together, they have the power to seriously disrupt agricultural operations. They can spread infections to humans and animals that eat tainted produce, in addition to lowering crop quality. Additionally, they can have an impact on livestock pastures since animals may refuse to graze on pastures where slime trails have taken control. Addressing the problem of pests being imported and exported in cargo and containers requires a diverse strategy. Numerous plant and animal species can be killed by pests, which can also have an effect on ecosystems. They may also cause products to be destroyed and viruses to infect humans and animals.
How can we minimize these risks when shipping?
The container operator is responsible for providing a clean container to the shipper, either directly or through a rail yard, terminal, or container depot. Each subsequent handler in the supply chain must then ensure the container remains clean and visibly pest-free upon transfer. Once the shipper or packer seals the container, however, intermediaries cannot inspect its interior. The consignee should therefore check the inside after the seal is broken.
The receiving handler must verify whether the previous caretaker met their responsibility and, if not, must notify and hold them accountable. It is also the responsibility of handlers and packers to ensure that cargo remains pest-free.
To mitigate these risks, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) has advocated for changes to container design. These improved designs aim to reduce hiding spots for pests, making containers easier to inspect and clean. While pest control at loading and unloading sites has traditionally been prioritized, the growth of international trade highlights the need for significant container redesign.
