Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, you’ll agree that cargo damaged in transit is a major headache. Between sudden movements, jolts, twists and turns and exposure to adverse conditions such as heat and humidity, there are a number of external factors that can cause serious damage to your loads.
While buyers have to deal with the damage and potential financial loss, sellers are also usually affected as they take responsibility for the damage, costs and other repercussions that affect their reputation and reduce customer satisfaction.
In today’s article, we’ll look at the most common causes of cargo damage and how to avoid them.
1. Containers and pallets
- It must be ensured that cargo is under the best security conditions along the route.
- The weight, dimensions and characteristics of the cargo must be taken into account when selecting the container
- Damaged containers and inappropriate pallets should be avoided at all costs.
2. Stacking the goods
- The weight must be evenly distributed so that the maximum weight per square metre is not exceeded.
- All products that do not support other goods on top of them must be properly marked. There must be no gaps between them.
- The weight limits of the goods must correspond to those indicated on the container.
3. The Incoterm
- Make sure that the Incoterm you choose is appropriate for the transaction as it will determine who is responsible for the goods at different points in the process and whether or not you are protected from possible claims.
4. Insurance
- Although insurance does not prevent damage to cargo, it is an essential measure to protect you from unexpected risks.
5. Labeling
- The labels that are part of the cargo can be used to make decisions while the cargo is in transit, namely during loading and handling. Simple measures such as labelling goods with the word “fragile” or indicating which side is up and which side is down can make all the difference.
6. Temperature
- When containers are loaded in more tropical locations and then moved to colder areas, a certain amount of humidity and condensation builds up inside them, which can cause serious damage to the cargo.
7. Packaging
- One of the main strategies for avoiding damage to cargo is to choose the most appropriate packaging. Depending on the weight, shape and size, you should choose the most appropriate packaging – box or pallet – that is free from damage, holes or cracks.
8. The Logistics Operator
- When it comes to preventing damage to loads, your choice can make all the difference;
- At Olicargo, we try to mitigate all the risks that cargo is exposed to. Our professionals are dedicated to securing your cargo in the best conditions, monitoring it in real time and anticipating all possible scenarios.
- We take the pressure off logistics planning so you can focus on your business.
Sources:
Icontainers. (n.d.). How to prevent shipping damage. Consulted on September 21, 2023, at: https://www.icontainers.com/help/how-to-prevent-shipping-damage/?utm_source=ln&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=shippingdamage
MGS Offshore. (n.d.). What are the measures to prevent cargo damage. Consulted on September 21, 2023, at: https://mgsicestorm.com/what-are-the-measures-to-prevent-cargo-damage/
Eurolog Packing Group. (2017). How to Prevent Cargo Damage and Freight Damage . Consulted on September 21, 2023, at: https://epgna.com/prevent-cargo-damage-freight-damage/
