Safe Shipping with Sea Freight
When it comes to international shipping, there are a variety of guidelines and regulations in place to ensure the safe transport of goods. This is especially important when relocating overseas or shipping commercial cargo by sea, as the risks and challenges involved in these types of moves can be considerable.
To ensure that your storage units are transported safely and securely, it is recommended that you work with a professional international moving company that is well-versed in the various rules and regulations that govern international shipping. This includes guidelines established by international courts such as The Hague, as well as individual rules and regulations established by each country.
One important piece of legislation that affects international shipping is the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, which was enacted by the US Congress in 1999. This act requires higher reimbursement to shippers whose freight is damaged or lost than was previously required, providing greater protection to those who rely on international shipping services.
To ensure the safe transport of goods, it is important to follow proper packing, labeling, stacking, and weighing procedures. This is especially important when goods are stuffed into containers, as proper packing techniques can help to prevent damage to fragile or sensitive items. In addition, it is essential to monitor the level of fluids in the ship’s tank at regular intervals, as well as to check the ship’s cargo for leakages, lashing steadfastness, and shifting of containers to maintain the ship’s stability and equilibrium.
It is also important to properly stack both standardized shipping containers and custom crates to ensure that the fit is tight and that heavier containers are not crushing lighter ones. Firm lashing of the cargo is crucial to maintain the stability of the ship and prevent movement of the containers, which can cause damage to the goods inside.
Because of the constant movement of the ship, it is essential to periodically check for possible movement of the containers to avoid leakage of dangerous liquids or damage to the storage unit. Self-monitoring by the crew of the rule enforcement for safe shipment protects goods from much damage. Motivation to check the condition of the shipping containers is high because failure to do so endangers the lives of the crew.
In addition to these precautions, temperature-sensitive freight is stored in reefer containers that must be checked twice daily for any possible malfunctioning. This ensures that goods remain at the proper temperature throughout the shipping process and arrive at their destination in good condition.
To provide additional protection for your goods, it is recommended that you purchase open cargo or shipper’s interest insurance. This type of insurance, which is a division of marine insurance, covers the shipper’s goods and pays for the true value of the shipment, not just the legal amount the carrier is liable for. At SDC International Shipping, we are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and we can provide you with all the necessary information when shipping overseas. We know what documentation needs to be filled out when using sea freight shipping, and we are committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient international shipping services.
In summary, international shipping involves a complex set of guidelines and regulations to ensure the safe transport of goods. Proper packing, labeling, stacking, and weighing procedures, as well as careful monitoring of the ship’s cargo and regular maintenance checks, are all essential to ensure that goods arrive at their destination in good condition. Working with a reputable international moving company and purchasing open cargo or shipper’s interest insurance can provide additional peace of mind and protection for your valuable goods.
