How to Load and Secure Cargo in a Shipping Container: A Practical Checklist

A container may travel by truck, terminal equipment and vessel before reaching its destination. During that journey it is exposed to braking, cornering, vibration, rolling and pitching. A loading plan must therefore do more than fit the maximum number of cartons: it must distribute weight, protect the cargo and prevent movement throughout the intermodal journey.

Inspect the empty container

Before loading, confirm that the container number matches the booking. Check the roof, walls, floor, doors, locking bars and seals for holes, contamination, strong odor, moisture or structural damage. The container should be clean, dry and suitable for the cargo. Photograph its condition before the first package is loaded.

Confirm cargo data

Prepare a packing list that shows the dimensions, gross weight, center of gravity and handling method for each package. Identify dangerous goods, liquids, fragile items, high-value cargo and packages that cannot be stacked. Do not rely only on net product weight; pallets, crates and securing materials contribute to total weight.

Distribute weight correctly

Heavy packages should generally be placed low and spread across the floor rather than concentrated at one point. Keep the load balanced from side to side and avoid excessive weight at the doors. The payload must remain within the container’s marked limits, while the completed transport plan must also comply with truck, rail, terminal and route restrictions.

Prevent movement

Empty spaces allow cargo to accelerate and collide with the container or other packages. Use suitable blocking, bracing, dunnage, straps, airbags or friction materials according to the cargo and transport forces. Securing equipment must be compatible with the container’s lashing points and must not damage the cargo. Never improvise with weak materials for heavy machinery.

Protect against moisture and contamination

Load only dry cargo and packaging. For moisture-sensitive goods, consider liners, barrier bags, desiccants or corrosion protection based on the route and season. Keep incompatible cargoes apart and verify that previous-cargo residues or odors will not affect food, textiles, furniture or other sensitive products.

Complete the final checks

• Verify package count, marks and loading sequence.
• Confirm doors can close without pressure from the cargo.
• Record the container and seal numbers.
• Take photographs of key loading and securing stages.
• Determine the verified gross mass through an accepted method.
• Submit documents before carrier and terminal cutoffs.

Who is responsible?

Responsibilities vary by contract, but the party packing the cargo transport unit must have competent personnel and reliable cargo information. The IMO/ILO/UNECE CTU Code provides guidance for packing and securing throughout the intermodal chain, including those who receive and unpack the unit.

How China Vast Logistics can help

China Vast Logistics supports warehouse receiving, inspection, consolidation, loading supervision and international transport from China. For machinery, oversized cargo or dangerous goods, a shipment-specific engineering and regulatory review should be completed before loading.

Reference: IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units.