Packing and securing goods for sea shipping to Africa requires careful consideration of various factors, including the type of goods being shipped, the distance they will travel, and the conditions they will be exposed to during transportation. Proper packaging and securing practices can help ensure that your goods arrive at their destination in good condition, while minimising the risk of damage or loss. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best practices for packing and securing goods for sea shipping to Africa from Dubai.
Top Effective Practices for Packing and Securing Goods for Sea Shipping to Africa
- Packaging materials
The type of packaging materials used can have a significant impact on the safety and security of your goods during sea shipping to Africa from Dubai. It is important to choose materials that are durable, resistant to moisture, and capable of protecting your goods from damage. Some commonly used packaging materials for sea shipping include wooden crates, pallets, and corrugated cardboard boxes.
Wooden crates are sturdy and can withstand rough handling during transportation, while pallets are ideal for shipping large or bulky items. Corrugated cardboard boxes are lightweight and can be easily customised to fit the size and shape of your goods.
It is also important to use high-quality packing materials, such as packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts, to protect your goods from scratches, dents, and other types of damage. When packing fragile items, it is recommended to use double-layered boxes, with padding in between the layers, to provide extra protection.
Here are a few things you must consider before choosing the right packaging for your goods.
– Make sure that the packaging doesn’t damage the product inside.
– Make sure that the package is strong enough to protect your goods from being damaged.
– Make sure that there are no sharp edges or corners on any part of the box or crate.
– Add extra padding or cushioning material if needed to make sure that your products don’t get damaged during transit.
- Weight distribution
Proper weight distribution is crucial when packing goods for shipping sea cargo to Africa. Uneven weight distribution can cause the cargo to shift during transportation, leading to damage or even loss of the goods. To ensure that the weight is evenly distributed, it is recommended to pack heavier items at the bottom of the container or pallet, with lighter items on top. This will help to maintain balance and stability during transportation.
- Moisture control
Moisture is one of the biggest threats to goods during sea shipping to Africa from Dubai. Exposure to moisture can cause damage to goods, including rust, corrosion, and mould. To protect your goods from moisture, it is recommended to use desiccants or drying agents that are moisture-absorbing materials, such as desiccants, silica gel packets, or clay desiccants. These materials can be placed inside the packaging to absorb any moisture that may be present. It is also important to use plastic wrap or shrink wrap to protect goods from exposure to moisture during transportation.
- Handling fragile and dangerous goods
Fragile items are very sensitive to handling and should be packed with care. Fragile items include glassware, ceramics, porcelain, mirrors, decorative items, marble products, crystal ware, etc. These items should be wrapped separately in the box and placed in a suitable cushioning material (bubble wrap or foam) to avoid breakage during transportation.
Dangerous goods include flammable liquids such as gasoline or kerosene; explosives such as dynamite; poisons or toxic substances such as cyanide; radioactive materials including uranium; compressed gases such as propane; acids and alkalis such as sulfuric acid; flammable solids such as magnesium powder; oxidizers such as potassium permanganate; organic peroxides such as benzoyl peroxide; compressed gas cylinders containing carbon dioxide (dry ice).
These items should be packed in accordance with regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The packing must conform to packing standards applicable for international air freight shipment. In addition to proper packaging requirements, these items must also be declared on the commercial invoice at the time of shipment. It’s also important to designate this task to GWC experts in dangerous goods handling in Dubai.
- Securing the goods
Proper securing of goods is essential to prevent damage or loss during transportation. It is recommended to use strong straps or ropes to secure the cargo to the pallet or container floor. This will help to prevent the cargo from shifting or moving during transportation. If the goods are fragile, it is recommended to use foam padding or bubble wrap to provide additional protection.
There are different types of strapping systems available on the market today. Here are some of them:
Rubber Strapping: This is a preferred option for heavy duty applications where you want to secure your goods tightly. It can be used for both large and small objects, but it might not work well with fragile items.
Plastic Strapping: This is another popular option because it works well on both large and small objects and it does not leave any marks on them when removed after use. Plastic straps come in different colours so it’s easy for you to tell which strap goes where as well as make sure that each strap is properly installed.
Cargo Netting: Cargo netting provides excellent support for fragile items such as glassware and ceramics, but you might want to consider using plastic straps or steel cables along with it if possible just in case there’s an accident during transit where someone could fall into your shipment and break something valuable.
Hire A Reliable Company For Sea Shipping to Africa From Dubai
Choosing the right shipping company is crucial when it comes to sea shipping to Africa from Dubai. Settle with the reputable Green Way Cargo, the best shipping company in Dubai with years of experience in handling various types of cargo, ensuring that your goods are packed and secured correctly for shipping by sea to Africa. We also have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle any challenges that may arise during transportation.
Other things you must consider before packing your cargo:
Loading and unloading can cause shock or vibration, so ensure that your goods are properly secured to prevent damages resulting from improper handling.
Make sure that there is minimal space between goods so they do not shift during transit.
In conclusion, proper packaging and securing of goods for sea shipping to Africa from Dubai can help ensure that your goods arrive at their destination in good condition, while minimising the risk of damage or loss. By following the best practices outlined in this blog post, you can protect your goods from damage due to uneven weight distribution, exposure to moisture, or rough handling during movement. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can ensure the safe and secure transportation of your cargo or freight from Dubai to Africa.
