Throughout countless industries and supply chains, certain tasks may not always get the attention they deserve. Terms like “lumpers” and phrases like “stuffing and unstuffing” can sometimes overshadow the crucial role of freight handling. However, these tasks are essential to keeping the flow of goods moving efficiently.
The process of container stuffing starts when an empty container arrives at the warehouse yard. It is filled according to a document known as the “daily stuffing plan,” which has been prepared and approved by the transporter or freight forwarder. Once the container is inspected to ensure cleanliness and compatibility with the goods being loaded, and the appropriate temperature is set for refrigerated trucks, container loading can begin. The container is positioned at the loading dock, and the stuffing process begins.
Warehouse staff will have pre-picked the loading orders and organized them near the loading bay. The team begins the stuffing process, and if the cargo includes perishable items, such as chilled or frozen goods, these are quickly moved and loaded to prevent spoilage. Non-palletized goods are manually loaded and stacked on pallets inside the container, while palletized goods are moved using forklifts. Once inside, the goods are hand-stacked as compactly as possible to maximize space and prevent shifting during transit. Throughout the process, the team is mindful of the cargo’s weight limitations set by shippers and transport regulators, ensuring that the container is properly stuffed, but not overstuffed.
Container unstuffing at the final stage of the supply chain also requires careful planning. Before the container arrives at the warehouse, enough storage space must be made available for the incoming cargo. Once regulatory tasks are completed by receivers, the unstuffing process can begin. Whether the goods are to be stacked for storage by warehouse staff or need to be stored as part of our container unstuffing service, no request is too complex. Additionally, our services are available on-demand, which helps control operational costs.
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