Things to Know about Cargo Damage – and How to Avoid it or Minimize Chances

People involved in the business of trading frequently encounter the situation of cargo damage. As shipments typically travel great distances in large containers, it is not always easy to eliminate the possibility of damage. Even if you have devised a proper plan and adopted important preventive measures, your shipment can still get damaged by human errors or other uncontrollable factors such as natural disasters.

So, what is considered a cargo damage? When a buyer receives their consignment in a condition that is worse than what it was when sent by a seller, it is regarded as damaged. Cargo damage not just causes financial loss for a business, but it impacts their reputation and the relationship they have with their customers & trading partners. There are different kinds of cargo damage that occur due to a variety of reasons. But don’t fret, as this guide will provide you a bunch of tips and effective measures that you can follow to eliminate or minimise the chances of damage.

5 Types of Cargo Damage

The following are the five different types of cargo damage that transportation companies typically face:

• Physical damage
• Contamination
• Infestation
• Water damage
• Reefer related damage

1. Physical Damage:

If you have received cracked, broken or dented goods, it is described as physical damage. Physical damage is usually caused due to the severe forces exerted on the cargos during transit via road, rail, or sea. Amongst the different modes of transport, sea freight is the most vulnerable to physical damage of cargos. When ships go through rougher or stormy seas, it poses increased risks of cargo damage.

Tips to Prevent

• Use the right type of container. If your cargo is large or heavy in nature, choose a container that is capable of carrying heavy items.
• Use the necessary materials for lashing such as wires and ropes, and dunnage to properly secure the cargo.

2. Contamination:

Perishable goods such as tea, coffee, flowers, tobacco, and other kinds of cargo such as cotton, shoes and clothing are easily vulnerable to contamination. Contamination damage is usually caused by bad odours. If the cargo is stinky, or you notice that it is affected by something poisonous, it is not fit for use or consumption. Remember that odour can easily transfer to other materials, causing further damage.

Tips to Prevent

• If you are transporting liquid cargo, make sure to get a Tank Cleaning Certificate that specifies when the tanker was last cleaned.
• Hire a professional to examine the container tank before loading the liquid cargo.
• When transporting solid goods, ask for a food grade container designed to transport these items safely.

3. Water Damage:

Water damage simply means that the cargo is damaged due to wet conditions or water exposure. As the container passes through different climatic zones during transit, the moisture inside the container condenses to become what is known as Container Rain. Sea water ingress is another common reason for wet damage.

Tips to Prevent

• Make note of the physical route that your cargo will travel through from source to destination, and take necessary precautions.
• While it is not possible for us to control weather or climatic conditions throughout the route, take important measures to reduce the effects of moisture and condensation.
• Make sure the doors of the container are sealed properly and that the rubber seal gaskets are in place.

4. Infestation:

If the container or warehouse is not clean enough, insects or rodents will make their way into your goods. Besides causing cargo damage, this could also lead to the spread of diseases. Infestation damage is usually found in the transportation of agricultural goods. Insects could also move from one container to another to cause more damage.

Tips to Prevent

• Request a food grade container to transport food products
• Fumigate wooden dunnage and pallets to reduce infestation of pests

5. Reefer Related Damage:

Refrigerated containers or reefers are used to keep cargo such as agricultural products in good condition. Despite taking the protective measures, it is sometimes possible for the cargo to degrade during transit. Reefer related damages include bruising, discoloration, decay, over ripening and more.

Tips to Prevent

• Inspector the container to make sure that the cooling unit and temperature control devices are working perfectly.
• Check for structural damage and ensure the container is clean.
• Avoid loading the container in humid and open environment.

How IoT Cargo Monitoring Solutions Can Help?

Leading IoT device manufacturers such as Eelink offers superior cargo monitoring and tracking solutions that not only ensures your goods arrive right on time, but in good condition. IoT devices are capable enough to monitor the location and condition of your shipment such as temperature in real time. Alerts will be sent to you when something goes awry. For instance, when the container diverts from the planned route, or your shipment goes beyond the required temperature, IoT trackers will allow you to take quick decisions in such circumstances. Using next generation IoT tracking solutions can certainly reduce the chances of cargo damage by many folds.