Prioritizing product integrity during its transportation prevents losses in time and money in supply, production, and marketing operations. It is crucial to understand that cargo security is an action whose objective extends beyond delivering products undamaged.

With full responsibility, we emphasize the importance of conducting safe journeys by applying appropriate blocking and reinforcement techniques. 

The Importance of Cargo Safety in Transit

Quality logistics services result from optimal cargo management. In other words, at every stage of the process (loading, transportation, and unloading), it ensures the integrity of the product and enhances the profitability of operations.

Shipping security also ensures transit safety and driving safety. In fact, there are legal regulations that require safeguarding the cargo to prevent risks, such as:

• Objects falling onto the road.
• Impacts and sudden movements inside the vehicle that can disrupt the driver’s concentration or lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
• loss of vehicle control.

Considering these factors is highly necessary. Thus, it becomes possible to guarantee the positive outcome of operations and strengthen the transportation company’s good reputation.

Understanding Blocking and Reinforcement

Various cargo securing techniques can be applied to ensure transportation protection. Some of these techniques involve blocking and reinforcement of the cargo items.

Through the blocking technique, cargo stabilization is achieved by placing structures or materials that prevent forward and backward movement. These are secured on the rear and front sides of the packaging to counteract acceleration and braking movements of the vehicle.

For reinforcement, sets of damping and fastening components are used to prevent lateral movement caused by curves, road defects, and bumps. Generally, these practices complement each other to safeguard the product’s integrity on a larger scale.

Techniques for Safe Product Transportation

The purpose of the blocking and reinforcement methods is to secure the cargo without leaving spaces between the cargo and the vehicle. They are also used to prevent collisions between the transported elements. For the cargo’s security through blocking, certain components are used, such as:

Wood

It is one of the most commonly used materials. It provides cross, longitudinal, diagonal, and vertical blocking and can be reinforced with cables, chains, tapes, or airbags. Moreover, it allows for multiple packagings.

Airbags

Which are used to fill the spaces between the loads. They also facilitate cushioning forces during movement. They can be more cost-effective than using wood or other special materials.

Straps and bands

These are used to better secure pallets or provide an effective seal. They also facilitate the fastening of loose items.

Foam padding

Its function is to fill gaps, cushion impacts, prevent scratches, and protect sensitive surfaces (edges and corners). It can be costly but requires less storage space.

Customized boxes and containers

They provide tailored packaging based on cargo specifications. Their cost is higher.

The combined action of two or more components allows cargo to be secured for a safe journey without damage. Of course, the cost-protection level relationship for packaging must be evaluated.

Ensuring Items Arrive Intact

During transit, cargo is affected by forces such as braking, cornering, and acceleration. As a result, boxes can slide, shake, impact, or collide with other items in the vicinity.

All of these force magnitudes, movements, and friction moments can be minimized or eliminated by using suitable blocking structures. Undoubtedly, ensuring best shipping practices is a commitment and obligation.

Preventing Damage through Proper Cargo Handling

Incorrect cargo securing can impact objects, activities, resources, and individuals in a mild, severe, or even fatal manner. Incidents of this kind cause damage to products, pedestrians, and other involved elements such as container floors and walls, tires, and road access.

On the other hand, improper stowage practices are the main cause of multi-million losses in cargo transportation. It’s time to get it right!

The Role of Best Shipping Practices

Preventing damage through proper cargo handling is the reason for implementing safe procedures. There are international phytosanitary guidelines that promote the safety of commercial activities.

For example, the NIMF 15 from the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) provides conditions for the disinfection of wood used in commerce.

ISO 3676:2012 establishes sanitary conditions for the storage and mobilization of pallets. Of course, implementing these and other regulations requires the expertise of a professional in the field.

Technological advances in cargo securing

Thanks to the advancement of technology, it is possible to ensure the integrity of the product from the moment of dispatch to its destination. Currently, transport companies can monitor this entire route using GPS.

There are also weight movement detection systems through special sensors. The so-called load cells, for example; They are tools that allow greater care to be taken in calibration, lifting and measuring excess weight. It's interesting, isn't it?

Compliance and cargo security regulations

The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and EN (European Standards) standards regulate the practice of adequate stowage. The first include aspects related to:

• Specifications of ISO tanks or containers,
• Stabilization of cargo transported by private and multipurpose vehicles.
• Stowage methods for merchandise transported in vans

On the other hand, the EN regulation considers matters related to:

• Determination of the reference fixation points.
• Assessment and types of tests for mobile containers.
• Calculation of clamping stresses and body resistance
• Specifications for fixing materials such as: straps, chains and cables.

Organizations must comply with both local and international regulations. Although this is a challenge, its compliance guarantees the development of safer and more efficient commercial activities.

Avoid the worst moments

Making secure shipments is a compromise decision. You must assess the importance of securing cargo during transit if you want to get rid of:

• Legal responsibilities.
• Increases in insurance costs.
• Total or partial loss or mistreatment of cargo.
• Claims and damages to external agents.
• Delays in commercial processes and activities.
• Negative positioning for your company's reputation.

The good news is that you are not alone. If you want to make the best decisions to protect the integrity of the product, contact our team of experts.