Collect this complete guide to loading containers for foreign trade export business!

This guide will walk you through the entire process of loading your goods for export from China. Save this guide—you'll definitely need it!

When you receive a message from the factory saying "Goods are ready and will be loaded soon," do you ever have these questions?

"Will my goods collapse or get damaged after floating at sea for a month?"

"Freight is so expensive, and the factory says one container won't fit and will have to be split into two. The cost is skyrocketing. Is that really true?"

"I'm just buying the product, why should I worry about such a technical process as 'loading'?"

In fact, loading is a critical step connecting production and transportation, directly impacting your costs, cargo safety, and delivery timeliness. Understanding some basic knowledge will not only help you communicate more efficiently with the factory, but also save you money and avoid potential risks.

I. Your Mobile Warehouse: Understanding Containers

You can think of containers as globally standardized "mobile warehouses." The two most common types of container sizes internationally are:

20-foot small container (20GP): With an internal volume of approximately 28 cubic meters, it resembles a small room and is suitable for bulky, compact cargo, such as ironwork, stone, and molds.

40-foot high cabinet (40HQ): With an internal volume of approximately 68 cubic meters, it resembles a large living room and is the most common and cost-effective option for bulky, lightweight cargo, such as furniture, toys, clothing, and plastics.

Weight Limits: Pay attention! The maximum gross weight (GROSS WEIGHT) will be clearly marked on the container door. This is the maximum total weight, including the container and cargo. Any container exceeding this limit will not be accepted on board or through customs. In recent years, many countries have implemented stricter weight restrictions, so a 28-ton container may only be able to hold 22-25 tons. Please confirm this with your freight forwarder when booking.

Your Key Benefits:

Choosing the right container size means immediate savings. If a small container can fit your cargo, never use a large one. The difference in ocean freight could be as high as thousands of yuan.

Avoid the risk of overweight. Each container has a maximum weight limit (usually around 26 tons). Exceeding the weight limit can result in hefty fines or even barring boarding. If your cargo is heavy, the factory has a responsibility to plan ahead to avoid overweight.

II. How to determine if a factory's loading plan is reliable? — Learn to ask three questions

You don't need to do the calculations yourself, but you can assess the factory's professionalism and protect your rights by asking these questions.

Ask: "Is the packing rate/loading plan optimized?"

Professional factories use specialized software to perform simulations, like playing Tetris, to find the most space-efficient arrangement, striving to fit all your cargo in one container.

Unprofessional factories may rely on empirical estimates, resulting in wasted space and unnecessary ocean freight costs.

Ask: "Is the weight evenly distributed? How is the cargo secured?"

Core principles: Heavy cargo at the bottom, light cargo at the top; weight distribution should be balanced.

If all the weight is stacked on one side, the truck may become unbalanced and skid during transport, which is extremely dangerous. Your goods could also collide with each other inside the container, causing damage to the entire shipment.

Be sure to ask the factory to use filler materials (such as air bags or foam) and straps to secure the goods for a foolproof solution.

Ask: "Will they take photos before and after loading?"

This is your most important "insurance"! Be sure to ask the factory to take clear photos and videos before, during, and after loading the container, and when the seal is locked.

Purposes: ① Prove that the damage to your goods was not caused during transportation; ② Prove that the container used by the factory is clean and intact; ③ Serves as key evidence in the event of an insurance claim.

III. Container Loading "Advanced Technology" and "Risk Points" You Must Consider

Container Loading Software: You can ask the factory to use it. They input your carton dimensions, and the software automatically generates a 3D loading diagram, which maximizes space utilization. This demonstrates professionalism and reliability.

Airbags: This is a magical tool for protecting your goods. When inflated, it perfectly fills the gaps between cargo, preventing them from swaying or collapsing during transport. You can proactively inquire with the factory about their use.

Seal: A "one-time lock" on the container door. Each seal has a unique number. Please ensure the factory takes a photo of the seal number after loading and sends it to you. This number will be included on the bill of lading. This is crucial documentation for cargo handover and prevents it from being opened mid-transit.

IV. Your Checklist: What to Do Before and After Loading?

When placing an order: Provide the factory with the exact product dimensions (length, width, and height) and gross/net weight. The more accurate the data, the more precise the calculation.

After the goods arrive: Proactively ask the factory for an estimated loading time and reiterate your request for photos and videos of the loading.

After receiving the photos: Check the photos to see if the goods are neatly stacked, secured, and that the door closes smoothly.

When confirming the bill of lading: Verify that the container number and seal number on the bill of lading match the photos provided by the factory.

A professional container loading operation means:

Saves you money: Maximizes space and avoids unnecessary shipping costs.

Peace of mind: Ensures safe delivery of goods, reducing post-sales disputes and hassles.

Ensures safety: Eliminates potential safety hazards during transportation.

We hope this guide will help you communicate more efficiently and transparently with your partners, ensuring that every order is delivered safely, affordably, and on time.