Q&A: Loading and Packaging – What to Do with Oversized Shipments?

If goods are to be shipped from one place to another, it is not only about finding the fastest and most effective transport route. In a first step, suitable packaging and loading of the goods must be determined to ensure that the contents are secured and do not get damaged during transport. This becomes especially challenging when the cargo is particularly large or unusually heavy. Henning Behrmann, Export/Import Sea Agent at Hermes Germany GmbH, explains what options companies have and how to proceed in such special cases.

The successful transport of challenging goods starts with precise planning that requires care and expertise. First, a concept for carrying out a standard or special transport is created, which includes proposed solutions for packaging and loading issues. For this, we determine which containers are needed for transport, whether standard sizes are suitable, or if a custom solution for particularly large or bulky cargo needs to be found. The optimal utilization of special equipment is important – especially in times of constantly rising costs, this creates competitive advantages.

If the goods do not fit into a standard sea container, there are various options for properly stowing them. Flat-rack containers, for example, have two end walls but are open on the sides and top, providing more space. They are practical when the cargo needs to be handled from above or the side. At the same time, these containers have a very robust floor construction, allowing particularly heavy goods weighing up to 40 tons to be packed in them. Numerous lashing rings and the attachment of stanchions enable the contents to be secured in accordance with legal requirements.

In addition to flat racks, there are open-top containers. Instead of a fixed roof, they are open at the top and can be covered with a tarpaulin if necessary. They also provide the option to transport loads with bulky sizes, such as tall machines or components that do not fit into a closed standard container. Another alternative is to transport the shipment as break bulk loose on the container ship.

If the capacities of flat racks and open-top containers are insufficient, conventional loading is required. For this, we create individual packaging solutions tailored to the needs – whether the goods are heavy cargo, individual pieces, or entire systems. For the custom packaging, which complies with the internationally recognized standards of the freight association HPE e.V., we use various wood materials that can also be combined with other materials such as metals or cardboard depending on the requirements. We take into account the shape, weight, and volume of the shipment and label it clearly to identify and monitor it during transport.

It is also important in packaging that oversized or particularly heavy goods are protected from mechanical or climatic influences during sea transport so that they do not shift or tip over, even in rough seas. Whether flat rack, open top, break bulk, or custom packaging – sufficient lashing options for compliant securing are essential for us to ensure that the goods reach their destination undamaged. For loading, we check whether special lifting and transport equipment is needed and also consider the load-bearing capacity and stability of the loading area in the planning. We take new experiences and insights from each project. In addition, we strengthen our transport networks in the long term and continuously expand them to successfully meet the complex and dynamic demands of modern logistics and supply chain solutions. With experience and precise planning, we master the challenges of loading and packaging even for cargo that has enormous weight or unusual dimensions. When standard solutions do not work, we find a tailored solution for our customers. You ask – we answer! Do you have questions for the colleagues at Hermes International or requests for contributions to the editorial team? Then feel free to send us an email at fragennDOpwqAytGL@supplyxnZtkJqyChf.info. The processing of your personal data is carried out in accordance with our privacy policy. /*! elementor - v3.12.1 - 02-04-2023 */
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Henning Behrmann, Export/Import Sea Agent at Hermes Germany GmbH