Packaging and labelling a vital issue

Adequate packaging is critical

when it comes to consolidated

cargo because it’s often

handled multiple times.

“We have many instances

where poorly packaged cargo

arrives in our warehouse

and requires re-packaging

and re-enforcement to avoid

damage in transport,” said one

expert to whom FTW spoke.

Another important aspect

of packaging is accurate and

sufficient labelling. “It is vital

to display cautionary marks

(ie, fragile) as well as weights

for guidance on how to handle

the cargo.”

He said while this could be

applied to all cargo, in terms of

consolidations it was vital as it

was not just one shipper being

affected in the movement

of the goods. “If something

goes wrong because of bad

packaging it can affect all of

the cargo in a container and

that means several shippers.”

He said labelling must

also comply with shipping

regulations.

“For example the

International Maritime

Organisation (IMO) states

that it is the responsibility of

the manufacturer or exporter

to affix hazardous labels to the

cargo packaging and this is not

a function that warehouse staff

are authorised to perform. If

that cargo is then accidentally

moved in the wrong container

with non-hazardous cargo it

can have severe repercussions.”