How to avoid container damage:

The shipping industry is an essential component within the sphere of global trade & commerce. Similarly, container shipments play a valuable role in this regard and on odd occasions can be subjected to damage. Though, unavoidable at times, certain steps and protocols can be taken and adhered to in an attempt to mitigate the risk factor such as those listed out below.

What exactly is container damage?

The above occurs when the structural integrity of the container is placed in a compromised state owing to human error, the forces of nature or a combination of both. A broad spectrum of reasons can be the root cause of container damage for which adequate and suitable measures must be taken by the parties to the contract of sale.

Where does responsibility lie?

The area of accountability is fundamentally subjective and thus, can point directly to the nature as well as the cause of the damage. In a general sense, the owner and the user of the container can be held liable but this too would need a closer and detailed perusing of the facts and circumstances.

Primary reasons for container damage

Understand that the process of shipping involves multiple stages and parties with equally important functions to oversee and manage accordingly. Given the complicated nature that underpins the delivery of consignments from one corner of the world to the other, container damage can take on the following forms. These include but aren’t necessarily limited to poor stowing, contamination of containers, mishandling when loading and unloading the goods and of course, bad weather!

Avoiding container damage

As an example, broken container doors are a common occurrence and can be attributed to mismanagement and improper handling of the container during the process of loading your goods. Even though road accidents can bring about the above and prevent such a scenario from taking shape, a thorough check of the container frames must be conducted within the terminal itself. Where you are unable to repair the container, the shipper ought to be notified long before the time draws near for its dispatch. Further, a dented or scratched container would suffice to set off the alarm bells in the mind of the buyer which can significantly impact one’s business dealings. Scraping can be caused by containers rubbing against each other and the lack of understanding when utilising forklifts. To stay well clear of such situations, the frames of the container must be checked at all dispatch points while crane operators and drivers should be educated on relying on better judgment and acceptable handling procedures. Going by the understanding that “prevention is better than cure,” one must also be well-placed to prevent containers from being dropped when they are being transported. However, the above can occur through an overloaded container or faulty forklift which is why the containers must always be stacked symmetrically while container casting conditions must be gone over with a fine tooth comb as part of standard terminal operations. Holes in your container can be prevented by following the proper maintenance procedures and utilising ways and means to minimise wear and tear across a certain period. If transporting goods within a defined territory and that too via road, drawbacks in the likes of poor road conditions, bad weather and driver fatigue will have to be dealt with appropriately. In light of this, proper stowage must be guaranteed before one gets on the road and the whole, and the transporter must be expected to act professionally and with due regard for the consignment. During sea transit, entire consignments can be impacted and worse, lost to the ocean for several reasons. While adverse weather can play spoilsport so that the ship begins swaying to and fro which can cause containers to fall over, the bad stacking of containers can be easily avoided. Against such a backdrop, the ship’s crew would be required to inspect the lashings and inquire into the conditions of these lashings at the very outset. On a concluding note, having the services of a sound and secure container terminal can work wonders for you and in this sense, partnering with facilitators in the likes of South Asia Gateway Terminals would be to your benefit.