What Is Container Loading and Unloading?
In the emerging field of logistics, terminology can be confusing. “Loading” and “unloading” are just two examples of the many logistics terms used.
Loading and unloading refer to the loading of goods into a container, while unloading is the opposite: removing goods from a container.
In 2020, approximately 85% of the $17 trillion in global merchandise trade was transported in intermodal containers. The terms “loading” and “unloading” are typically used to refer to ocean containers.
However, they are also used to refer to loading and unloading goods from other modes of transport, such as open trucks or large boxes used to package and transport goods.
Several factors need to be considered when loading and unloading goods. We’ve already covered ocean freight. Let’s first look at unloading.
Every warehouse has a daily stowage plan, typically developed by warehouse staff. Container stowage typically coincides with the port’s published stowage date for a specific vessel, where the container is expected to be loaded.
Stowage Date and Container Stowage
The stowage date is the date published by the port based on the vessel’s estimated arrival time. These dates are published to allow shippers to bring loaded or empty containers to the port for loading. Stowage dates range from two to five days, and designated containers must arrive at the port by these dates.
Timely container stacking is crucial to meeting the port’s stowage dates and, more importantly, ensuring that ships sail on schedule. Stowage dates help the port store, transport, and load containers in an orderly manner. Failure to adhere to stowage dates may result in containers being denied entry to the port, leading to missed sailings.
Preparing for Cargo Loading
Loading is often referred to as loading, but it also goes by many other names, such as storing, packing, and so on.
The loading process begins when empty containers arrive at the warehouse yard according to the daily loading schedule agreed upon with the carrier or freight forwarder. The container must first be inspected for condition, cleanliness, and completeness.
There may be incompatible cargoes that should not be loaded together in a container, such as detergents and food. Loaders must immediately inform the warehouse supervisor of any planned omissions so that necessary action can be taken.
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Certain types of cargo must be loaded into pre-cooled containers (refrigerated containers). In these cases, receiving personnel must inspect and ensure that the containers are pre-cooled and set to the required temperature.
When containers arrive at the warehouse, the necessary equipment and personnel must be in place. Empty containers are then placed at designated loading docks, ready for loading.
If multiple containers need to be loaded, warehouse operations planners may arrange for multiple loading docks, material handling equipment (MHE), and appropriate personnel. This saves time, but requires additional space, equipment, and manpower. Loading multiple containers using a single dock takes longer to complete.
Warehouse staff must ensure that the cargo is picked and stored at the nearest available marshaling yard to the loading dock, ready for loading.
Cargo must be packaged and labeled according to the agreement between the buyer and seller and the requirements of relevant authorities.
Toxic substances, certain types of medications, and other items have special packaging requirements. Goods may need to be palletized and wrapped in plastic wrap, or packaged in cardboard or wooden boxes. Electronic equipment and other fragile items may require shock-resistant packaging to prevent damage during handling and transportation.
Goods to be boxed must be labeled according to the legal requirements of the exporting and importing countries. Exporters/shippers must ensure that their information is complete and accurate. All cartons or units must be labeled in accordance with all standards.
Most warehouses collect loading orders in advance and store them at a consolidation yard near the loading dock to facilitate loading and unloading. Upon arrival, these pre-selected goods are transferred to the container.
When transporting refrigerated or frozen goods, the goods must be collected from their storage location and loaded directly into the container. Leaving these goods outdoors is not recommended as it may cause damage or deterioration.
Small and medium-sized individual packages that are not prepared on pallets are typically collected manually.
Typically, individual, unpalletized packages, regardless of size, are collected manually and stacked on pallets. Palletized cargo is easily handled by forklifts. However, these packages must be manually stacked once they are in the container. Palletized and plastic-wrapped cargo is collected by forklifts and stacked directly in the container. Manual or electric forklifts can be used for this purpose.
Cargo can be manually stacked in unpalletized containers to maximize space utilization. In this case, the container must be completely filled to prevent cargo movement during transport. Palletized and plastic-wrapped cargo helps control cargo and minimize movement within the container during loading, unloading, and transport.
Loaders must ensure that cargo is handled carefully in the container and stacked in a balanced and compact manner. They must be aware of the weight limits set by the relevant shipping agency or shipping line.
The deadweight of a container varies depending on its size and type. Deadweight refers to the weight a container can safely carry. Typically, a 20-foot general purpose container (GP) can carry 21,450 kg of cargo, while a 40-foot GP truck can carry 26,850 kg.
Unloading
Unloading (also known as emptying the container) requires the same planning as loading. The loading area must be prepared to receive the container. Warehouse staff must ensure that there is sufficient storage space within the warehouse for the incoming cargo.
Receiving personnel must ensure that the arriving container is in good condition and that the seal is intact. Container seals are single-use locks installed on the container door by the original shipper of the cargo. They are typically removed during unloading in the presence of customs officials at the warehouse.
If customs inspection is required at the receiving port, the container seal is cut at the port in the presence of customs officials. After the inspection is completed, the consignee or receiver locks the container and delivers it to the warehouse.
When opening the container door, be aware of any damage. For high-value cargo that is vulnerable to damage during transportation, it is recommended that an insurance representative be present during the unpacking process. The representative can immediately document the damage and other details to facilitate insurance claims in the event of an insurance claim.
Unpacked Containers
Warehouse staff record the receipt of goods and send this information to inventory management for record keeping.
Goods arriving at the warehouse may be palletized. These goods must be properly stacked on pallets (whether or not they are plastic-wrapped) before being moved to designated racks and storage locations.
In some warehouses, cartons are sometimes stacked directly on the floor without any stacking. When goods are stacked on the floor, locating and preparing them can be a hassle, especially with large inventory volumes.
Since most modern warehouses use a warehouse management system (WMS) and WMS order picking standards, they prefer to store goods on easily accessible racks rather than on the floor. If incoming goods require labeling, this must be completed before they can be placed on the racks.
Loading and Unloading
Loading and unloading is a time-saving and cost-effective way to transport goods. During loading and unloading, goods are unloaded, inspected, and immediately loaded onto vehicles for delivery to customers or their final destination. This process doesn’t involve warehousing, as post-unloading and pre-shipping activities take place in the warehouse’s staging area or staging area.
Loading and unloading enables goods to be shipped to customers immediately after receipt.
Warehouse staff responsible for packing, unloading, and cross-docking must be well-trained to handle all types of goods using a warehouse management system (WMS). These tasks are not easy; they are part of a carefully planned process that requires experienced and dedicated warehouse management personnel.
