It is important that a shipping container is loaded the correct way if being used for export use. In this article we will explain some of the issues to consider, but before we take a general look at the correct loading methodology, we must advise those new to shipping goods overseas and this advice relates solely to the shipping container itself.
Firstly, only standard ISO containers can be used for export purposes. The standard lengths of ISO containers are 20ft and 40ft. They can be standard height (8ft 6) or high cube (9ft 6). There are some 45ft containers around but not many. There are also some 10ft and 30ft containers in circulation, but most shipping lines will not ship a 10ft or 30ft container making making export impractical or not cost effective. Frankly, given the cost of 10ft units, it’s cheaper to buy a new or used 20ft container, and for the cost and reduced availability of 30ft containers, 40fts will commonly work out cheaper overall.
The second point is that your container must have a valid CSC (Container Safety Convention) plate otherwise it will be refused. The prime objective of the CSC plate is to ensure safety of human life which basically means the unit meets common international safety requirements for its structural design, it’s on-going maintenance and inspection. In simple terms, its like an MOT certificate for the shipping container. Any shipping container that’s been modified in any way will be given a CSC plate nor would it be allowed for export use had it been modified even if the CSC plate was still valid.
Loading the container for shipping purposes very much depends on what you are exporting. If your goods are on pallets, then this is fairly straightforward. Simply load each pallet and use ratchet straps connected to the upper and lower lashing points within and then tighten the straps sufficiently to stop the load moving during transit.
If you’re emigrating, you can pack a container yourself but, in our experience, you’d be better off using a professional removals company who deal with export and overseas removals. They are experts at this. They’ll evaluate what size of shipping container is needed and they’ll pre-pack everything in the right size and strength of box ready to be packed in to the shipping container. And once it has been packed, they’ll take it to the port ready for export on the ship that they booked and they’ll arrange for a local removals company to collect the container when it arrives in your new country of residence. They’ll also deal with all the paperwork needed for export and once cleared through customs, the local removals company will bring the container to your new home, off-load all the boxes and take the empty container away.
If you are considering doing everything yourself, please consider that you will need to buy the right size container, load it, arrange to transport it to a port, deal with the shipping line who’ll export your goods, sort out the customs paperwork and then arrange for an overseas removals company to collect your container, deliver and unpack the load! Maybe this is all something you feel confident in doing but, it is time consuming and stressful. Make one mistake and you’ve got a serious issue, plus you’ve got to get rid of an empty shipping container when your all done.
I’m afraid we can’t give advice on how to pack specific items in a container for export or otherwise due to the huge variety of goods and items that you could be loading. This is why our advice is to get a professional do it on your behalf. They are experienced in packing and dealing with all aspects of export.
If you have any questions about this article, our products or service please call our friendly team for free on 0800 999 8988 any time 08:30-17:00 weekdays or send us a message via the contact form on this website and we will get back to you.