Much has changed about ocean freight shipping over the years, especially with the advancement of information and technology. However, despite the advancements, transporting goods through the ocean still comes with inevitable risks due to the harsh environmental factors the waterways are subject to wreaking havoc on goods that are not effectively secured or protected. Most shipping and moving companies try to combat and minimise these issues mainly as a strategy to make their range of shipping services stand out in the industry.

Unless you’re going for a full container load (FCL), your cargo will only take less than a container load (LCL), which will typically share the storage space with other shippers’ cargo, as all the goods are consolidated into one container. LCL is the most common shipping method used unless it’s for commercial purposes. According to some insights gathered from professional international movers, here are some simple ways to make your valuables get through ocean transport for an LCL.

1. Always Use Strong And Sturdy Boxes

In LCL, you won’t know what the other shippers are sending through the container space you’re sharing. So it’s always best to play it safe using sturdy and strong boxes that minimise the risk of breakage. Keep in mind that how you package the product has to be suitable for its nature. For example, how you pack fragile goods like glassware and artwork, electronics, food, and books are not necessarily the same and call for specific packaging guidelines.

2. Double-Walled Boxes

These are basically simple heavy-duty boxes that come with two layers of stacked corrugated cardboard. They are mainly used for goods that need added security to reduce the risk of possible damages. They are stack-friendly and will provide sufficient protection for your valuables to make it smoothly through ocean transport in shared container space.

3. Tape Gun And Packaging Tape

Shipping goods exposes your goods to extreme temperature fluctuations. So if your goods are temperature-sensitive, ensure the packaging tape is of high quality and is not easily removable. Also, remember that cheap quality tape can lose its stickiness during transit, increasing the chances of the boxes or packaging collapsing.

4. Palletise Your Cargo

Where possible, ensure your goods are palletised properly for easy handling with forklifts. Always put the heaviest cargo at the bottom and the lightest on top when palletising.

5. Wrap Smartly

When sharing container storage space in a shipment, it’s generally advised to wrap in black shrink wrap to conceal the nature of your cargo – in case somebody nearby has the urge to steal it. Also, wrap tightly from bottom to top to avoid movement during transit.

6. Label Correctly

Make sure to label your cargo clearly and as appropriate according to the nature of your goods. For example, if your goods are fragile, label them accordingly and mark them on the packaging. This lets loaders, unloaders, and movers in your shipping company know how to handle your package, reducing the chances of mishandling and damage.

7. Be Mindful Of Wood Packaging

The wood packaging is considered highly prone to the spread of pests. To reduce this infestation spread, you must comply with the international treatment guidelines adopted by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).