Packing Goods on Pallets
Cargo placement during loading is a complex process that requires careful planning. Each loading scheme is developed beforehand and approved by the company’s management.
When designing a loading plan, the following factors are considered:
- Type of goods being transported
- Cargo packaging
- Mode of transport – truck, rail, air, sea, etc.
The loading document specifies all processes, including cargo distribution and securing methods, loading and unloading procedures, and allowances for potential shifting. Precise adherence to this document is essential, as deviations can lead to overloading, damage to goods, and financial losses for the company.
Types of Loading
Transport companies use two main loading methods: manual and palletized. Each has its advantages and is chosen based on specific circumstances.
Manual Loading
Manual loading involves filling the vehicle with smaller batches such as boxes, crates, packages, or sacks.
When is manual loading appropriate?
- The cargo consists of irregularly shaped items that cannot be consolidated into standardized modules.
- Goods cannot be arranged on standard pallets.
- Labor costs for manual loading are lower than palletized methods.
Drawbacks of Manual Loading:
- Low productivity and efficiency.
- High dependency on the skills of loaders, which increases the risk of human error.
- Potential for damage due to improper loading or transportation conditions.
Palletized Loading
Palletized loading is possible when goods can be grouped on standard or non-standard pallets.
Advantages:
- Faster loading and unloading processes.
- Reduced risks of accidents or injuries.
- Precise axle load calculations, minimizing the risk of overloading.
- Automated accounting and inventory management.
Automation enables the development of standardized loading schemes for frequently transported goods. By knowing the dimensions and weight of goods, logisticians can independently create efficient loading schemes while considering axle load and other specifications of the transport vehicle.
Automating Cargo Space Calculation
To streamline the work of logistics and transport professionals, we’ve developed an online tool for cargo space calculation with 3D visualization. This tool uses hybrid algorithms and artificial intelligence to:
- Maximize cargo density within vehicles.
- Prevent overloading and fines.
- Generate step-by-step loading schemes.
- Reduce downtime during loading.
By providing loaders with clear step-by-step instructions, you can significantly reduce errors and ensure efficient loading.
Problems Solved by CargoTetris
- Underutilized Truck Space:
Partial loads lead to overpayment for unused cargo space. CargoTetris helps optimize space, allowing for more goods to fit while considering all necessary parameters.
- Missed Shipments:
Incomplete loads delay shipments and lead to financial losses or reputational damage. CargoTetris ensures proper scheduling and space management to avoid such issues.
- Improper Unloading Order:
Goods requiring priority unloading often end up buried in the cargo. CargoTetris accounts for unloading sequences and organizes goods into accessible segments.
- Inadequate Space Planning:
CargoTetris calculates exactly how much space your goods will occupy in containers, trucks, railcars, or pallets.
Try CargoTetris free for 7 days and see the benefits firsthand!
Securing Cargo Inside Vehicles
After loading, securing the cargo is crucial to prevent damage during transit. Common methods include:
Wooden Braces
- Commonly used in rail transport.
- Reliable but labor-intensive and costly.
- Wood must meet specific standards: neither too dry nor too damp.
Straps
- Efficient for road transport, typically placed every 1.5 meters.
- Can reduce available cargo space due to spacing requirements.
Airbags
- Cost-effective and highly effective for preventing cargo shifting.
- Suitable for securing cargo from all sides, gaining popularity in recent years.
Combined Methods:
Transport companies often combine different securing methods to enhance cargo safety.
Proper securing minimizes movement and damage during transport, ensuring smooth unloading and intact delivery to the client.
Conclusion:
Efficient loading, placement, and securing are essential for safe and cost-effective transportation. By utilizing tools like CargoTetris and applying best practices, you can optimize logistics, reduce costs, and deliver goods securely.
Learn more and start your free trial at cargotetris.com/.