Here are the ways to load cargo in export and import shipments in a 20ft or 40ft Container:
- The container must be sound (no holes, protrusions on sides or floor, etc.)
- Cargo must be secured to prevent any movement in any direction
- Heavy cargo must not be stowed above lighter cargo
- Liquids must be stowed below dry cargo
- Empty spaces must be avoided; when there is empty space, cargo must be well-secured to prevent its movement into the space
- Weight should be evenly distributed
There are various service configurations in the container trade. These include:
- FCL (full container load), where the cargo occupies a complete container, the exclusive use of the full container by one shipper.
- LCL (less than container load), where cargo does not fill or occupy a complete or full container and that is shipped with other cargo in a shared container with many shippers.
A further description of services includes:
- CY (container yard), referring to either a facility at the ocean port or an inland rail or truck facility for the handling, receiving or release of containers
- CFS (container freight station), referring to a facility at an ocean port or, more commonly, at an inland location where LCL cargo is handled (packed into or unpacked from a container). Freight forwarders frequently operate such facilities to accommodate their customers’ needs.
