GUIDE TO CONTAINER SPECIFICATIONSA container is a ship’s hold in miniature. Therefore the goods loaded into or onto a container are subject to the same stresses and strains as in a ship’s hold, on a truck or railway wagon. This means that considerable forces occur during transportation, and that cargo must be securely stowed, lashed and protected in/on the container. A container should not be seen as being suitable for transport by itself nor o�ering adequate protection to the goods in transit.

Before loading, ensure that the container is dry and watertight and that the door seals are in a good condition. Do not load cargo into defective containers and reject them

Loading

Do not smoke in the container

Secure the cargo at the bottom, sides and front of the container, especially towards the doors; use the built in lashing points, block and brace the cargo with clean and dry dunnage

Do not stow goods together that can damage each other; avoid wet cargo on cargo

Stow your cargo as tightly as possible; �ll empty spaces between cargo and the container sides with dunnage or airbags as required

Keep within the maximum payload as shown on the containerdoor; never overload as this presents a safety hazard

Distribute the weight of the cargo evenly over the bottom of the container; place heavy goods on the container �oor, lighter goods on top.

A�er Loading

Upon receipt

A�er discharging

Close and carefully seal the container doors and also the roof tarpaulincover in case of an Open Top Container.If the container is loaded with dangerous goods, label it with the legally required labels to identify the nature of the cargo.If in doubt as to a containers mass, check it before handing it over to the shipping line for shipment.

Check if the container seal(s) is unbroken and is the same as the one re�ected on the bill of lading and / or delivery note.Check that there are no obvious signs of external damage to the container; if so noted, endorse the delivery order accordingly. Stand to the sides when opening the container doors in case cargo has shifted in transitBefore starting to unpack, check that there are no obvious signs of cargo damage or shifting. If damage is noted, advise your insurer or insurance broker immedi-ately.

Remove all debris from and clean the inside of the container before returning it to the shipping line.If shipment has been an Open Top, ensure that the tarpaulin is undamaged, repositioned, secured and all battens are in place for return to shipping line