International Shipping - Seafreight
Recently I was amazed to receive an ocean container shipment from Europe which was so poorly braced inside it would have been funny if it wasn't so serious.
A 40'HC container with "tall - 96" (244cm)" anvil-type cases inside which contained electronic goods valued in excess of US$700,000. The FCL shipment was roughly 3/4 full therefore, with the excess space, required blocking and bracing. All that had been used were two lengths of 2" x 2" (that's INCHES!!) piece?s of timber that apparently had simply been nailed into the floor of the container at the wheels of the last set of anvils.
Needless to say this was incredibly inefficient and after the long passage from France to Oakland, CA the items were tossed and turned like a salad. The net result was severe damage to say the least.
Point of course being, never take blocking and bracing for granted. We here at Legacy Transportation Services make serious business of properly securing our export sea freight cargo.
Whether you oversee the work yourself or are relying on the expertise of your freight forwarder, it makes good sense to have some photographs taken as the load is secured.
Another tip, always try to block and brace at intervals inside the container. This makes good practical sense so the entire load isn't pushing on one end.
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