How To Pack Containerized Seafreight Container

External Checks Before Packing

There should be no obvious holes, dents, bulges and tears to outside paneling. There should be no broken or distorted door hinges or locks, doors must be secure and door gaskets should be checked to see if watertight when closed. Look at Lifting Fittings at each corner of  container  to see if damaged. Look at fittings that secure  container  to trailer chassis to check if damaged. If Open-Top  container , check if fabric cover supplied is in good condition and properly secured. Any labels on outside of  container  from previous cargo (e.g. dangerous goods labels) must be removed. For Refrigerated  Containers , check temperature setting for commodity.

Internal Checks Before Packing

The Interior must be free of splinters, snags, dents or bulges.  Container  must be cleaned out and no evidence of previous cargo. Interior should be dry and free of sweat, frost etc Check for Infestation, no evidence of pests, rodents, bacteria and fungi which will avoid delays by Port Health Authorities. Immediately after opening doors, check that  container  is Taint Free and free from bad odours. The  container  must smell sweet. To check if  container  is Watertight, do the following check. Enter  container  and lock doors behind you, if any spots of light can be seen from paneling and also  container  floor, then  container  needs to be replaced.

Take note of all Instructions and Recommendations posted inside the  container . Check that all Fittings like cargo tie-down cleats or rings are well anchored and in good condition. Make sure if there are ventilator openings that they are not blocked and that they are equipped with baffles to avoid rain and seawater entry.