Estiba - J2 SERVID

Trends in cargo stowage and securing: what the future holds

Cargo stowage and protection is an essential part of the logistics industry, as it ensures that products reach their destination in optimal conditions. With the increasing digitization and automation of logistics processes, as well as the growing focus on sustainability and the ever-present concern for safety and security, the future of cargo stowage and protection is opening up to new trends and technologies.

Digital transformation in the logistics sector

The digital transformation in the logistics sector has had a significant impact on the stowage and protection of goods. Thanks to the digitization of processes, companies can track and monitor the status of cargo in real time. This not only improves efficiency and reduces costs, but also enables greater visibility and transparency in the supply chain, as companies will be able to identify and solve problems more quickly and accurately.

Automation

One of the most prominent trends in cargo stowage and protection is the automation of logistics processes. Robots and artificial intelligence are increasingly being used in cargo handling and packaging. These technologies enable greater accuracy and speed in the stowage of products, in addition to reducing the risk of damage during transport and will improve operational efficiency.

Sustainability

The sustainability is another important trend in cargo stowage and protection. As concern for the environment increases, companies are looking for more sustainable solutions for packaging and protecting cargo. This includes the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials, as well as the development of new packaging methods that reduce pollution and carbon emissions.

These measures will help minimize the environmental impact of logistics and comply with increasingly stringent regulations.

At J2 we have 100% sustainable products, such as Niupack, which have the possibility of having FSC and PEFC certifications, which allow us to certify that the raw material of forest origin that we use comes from forests managed according to sustainability criteria.

Security

In terms of security, companies are investing in technologies that allow for greater protection of cargo during transport. Security is a top priority in cargo stowage and protection. This includes the installation of sensors and monitoring systems to detect and prevent incidents in real time.

In addition, identification and authentication technologies are being developed to ensure that cargoes are delivered to the correct consignee and are not tampered with during transport. Euro stowage sheets are the standardized and registered document that reflects how to stow each type of cargo. These sheets must be signed and approved and comply with regulations.

From J2 we offer services for the creation of stowage cards, as well as professional advice for cargo managers.

Conclusion

The future of stevedoring and cargo protection is full of opportunities thanks to digital transformation, process automation, sustainability and security. These trends will enable companies to optimize their logistics operations, reduce costs and improve customer satisfaction. In addition, they will also help minimize the environmental impact of logistics and ensure the protection of cargo during transport.

It is essential for companies to be aware of these trends and adapt to them in order to remain competitive in today’s marketplace.

Voidfillers

Niupack

Services

ProSmart

The most common errors in stowage and securing of goods and how to avoid them

Correct packaging, stowage and securing of goods is essential to ensure the safety of products during transportation and to avoid damage or accidents that can have serious economic repercussions. However, on many occasions, mistakes are made that jeopardize the integrity of the goods and the safety of the people involved in their transportation. In this article, we will highlight the most common errors in the stowage and securing of goods and offer practical advice on how to avoid them.

Safety first: avoid errors in stowage and securing of goods to prevent accidents

Safety is the most important factor to consider when stowing and securing goods. One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the importance of proper cargo securing. This can lead to goods shifting during transport, causing serious accidents.

To avoid this mistake, it is essential to use appropriate securing systems, such as lashing straps, inflatable bags or rubber anti-skid pads for transport. In addition, it is important to ensure that the securing elements are in good condition and are strong enough to support the load. Finally, the maximum permissible weight for each securing system must be taken into account and not exceeded.

Voidfillers

Niupack

Lashing

ProStrap

Lashing

ProLash

Optimize your cargo: maximizing logistics efficiency

Efficient stowage of goods is essential to optimize space inside the vehicle and maximize logistics efficiency. One of the most common mistakes is not making proper use of available space in transport. This can lead to reduced cargo capacity and increased transportation costs.

To avoid this mistake, it is recommended to use systems to maximize the available space inside the container, such as the Corfex system, which is used to increase the cargo capacity inside the container. In addition, the goods should be organized efficiently, placing the heavier goods at the bottom and the lighter ones at the top. Likewise, the size and shape of the goods must be taken into account when placing them in the vehicle, avoiding unnecessary empty spaces.

Protect your products: how to avoid damage during shipment

One of the most common errors in the stowage and securing of goods is not adequately protecting the products during shipment. This can cause damage to the goods, which represents an economic loss for the company.

To avoid this mistake, it is essential to use appropriate packaging for each type of product, taking into account its fragility and sensitivity to certain factors, such as humidity or temperature, something you can know perfectly well by using a humidity and temperature recorder. In addition, protective elements should be used, as we have already mentioned, to cushion possible impacts during transport. In addition to those already mentioned, we can add a higher degree of assurance by using protective corner protectors, or our innovative Niupack padded goods protection system.

Regulatory compliance

Another common error in the stowage and securing of goods is not complying with current road safety and transport regulations. This can result in financial penalties and jeopardize the company’s reputation.

To avoid this mistake, it is essential to know and comply with the regulations in force in each country and sector. This includes, among other aspects, the maximum weight allowed for each type of vehicle, the maximum dimensions of the objects transported and the mandatory restraint systems. In addition, vehicles and restraint systems must be properly maintained to ensure that they are in good condition and meet the required safety standards.

We explain more about this in different articles, such as The obligations in cargo lashing and Who is responsible for loading and stowage in a truck, among others.

Save money and time: practical tips

Finally, we will highlight some practical tips to save money and time in the stowage and securing of goods:

- Plan and organize transportation in advance, in order to make the best use of available space and avoid unnecessary expenses.

- Use reusable fastening systems, which are not only more sustainable, but can also save money in the long run.

- It makes the best use of the vehicles’ load capacity, avoiding the transport of unpackaged goods or goods in overly large or heavy packages.

- Train your employees in stowage techniques and securing of goods, to avoid errors and ensure the safety of all those involved in transportation. At J2 we offer stowage courses for cargo and transport professionals. In these courses, in different modalities, we offer the necessary training for your workers to know and stow the goods according to European standards.

- Periodically check the restraint systems to ensure that they are in good condition and comply with safety standards.

As we already know, the stowage and securing of goods is a fundamental aspect in the transportation of products, both from the point of view of safety and logistical efficiency. Errors in this process can have serious economic repercussions, but they can be avoided by following practical advice and complying with current regulations. It is therefore essential to prioritize safety, optimize available space to the maximum, adequately protect products, comply with regulations and look for ways to save money and time in the stowage and securing of goods. This is the only way to achieve safe, efficient and profitable transportation.

How to stow loads. Everything you need to know about it

Cargo stowage is a fundamental technique in the logistics and transportation field. It consists of properly organizing and securing goods inside a truck, container or any other means of transport. The main objective of cargo stowage is to maximize the available space, avoid damage to the cargo and provide adequate protection of goods, and ensure safety during transport.

In this article, we will discuss the keys to safe and efficient cargo stowage, stowage techniques to maximize space and avoid cargo damage, practical tips for stowing heavy and fragile cargo, safety rules for cargo stowage in trucks and containers, and the importance of proper weight distribution in cargo stowage.

Keys to safe and efficient cargo stowage

Cargo stowage requires planning and organization. Here are some keys to stow cargo safely and efficiently:

Knowing the weight and dimensions of the load: It is essential to know the weight and dimensions of the load before stowing it. This will allow determining the most appropriate way to organize the load and calculate the weight distribution.

Use appropriate equipment: It is important to have the right equipment for cargo stowage, such as lashing straps and lashing and securing systems, pallets in good condition, etc. These will secure the cargo efficiently and reduce the risk of damage during transport. This equipment will secure the cargo efficiently and reduce the risk of damage during transport.

Distribute the weight evenly: It is advisable to distribute the weight of the load evenly to ensure the stability of the truck or container. This is achieved by placing heavier loads in the center and lighter loads at the ends.

Securing cargo properly: Cargo must be secured efficiently to avoid damage and shifting during transport. It is recommended to use suitable lashings and fastenings for each type of cargo. If you have any doubts, you can always contact us.

Avoiding empty spaces: Attempts should be made to fill all empty spaces between cargoes to maximize space and prevent goods from moving during transport. This can be achieved by using different ways of protecting goods with padding, or inflatable container bags, among other methods.

Stowage techniques to maximize space and avoid cargo damage

The use of proper stowage techniques will maximize available space and prevent cargo damage. The following are some fundamental stowage techniques:

Block stowage: Consists of stacking loads in an orderly manner, forming a compact and stable block, such as our Corfex ProStack double-height stowage system. This technique is used to maximize the available space and ensure the safety of the cargo.

Row stowage: Used when the load has an elongated shape, such as pipes or beams. It consists of placing the loads in a row, one behind the other, securing them properly to prevent movement during transport.

Layer stowage: It is used to stow loads of different heights. It consists of placing the loads in layers, securing each of them with straps or belts. This technique makes it possible to take advantage of vertical space and maintain the stability of the load.

Pyramid stowage: It is used to stow cone-shaped loads, such as sacks or drums. It consists of forming a pyramid-shaped structure with the loads, securing each layer properly to prevent shifting.

Voidfillers

Niupack

Lashing

ProStrap

Inflatable Bags

ProBag

Practical tips for stowage of heavy and fragile loads

The stowage of heavy or fragile loads requires additional precautions. Here are some practical tips for stowing this type of cargo:

Use bracing: For heavy loads, it is recommended to use additional bracing, such as beams or supports, to ensure load stability.

Protect fragile cargo: Fragile cargo must be protected with special materials, such as inflatable bags, Niupacks, etc., or internally with bubble wrap or cardboard, to avoid breakage or shocks during transport.

Place heavy objects at the bottom: To avoid imbalance, heavy objects should be placed at the bottom of the load and properly secured.

Use padding: In the case of fragile cargo, it is recommended to use additional padding between the goods to avoid bumps and friction, as we have already seen.

In the case of dangerous goods, there are methods such as the Tygard gripping system, which is widely used to ensure additional protection.

Safety standards for cargo stowage in trucks and containers

Cargo stowage must comply with certain safety standards to ensure the integrity of the cargo and the safety of the people involved in the transport. Some of the most important standards are the following:

Respect the load capacity of the truck or container: It is essential not to exceed the maximum load capacity established by the vehicle manufacturer, as this could compromise safety during transport. We have an article where we explain how to secure the cargo in a truck.

Properly secure cargo: Cargo must be properly secured using appropriate lashing and securing systems. These systems must comply with established safety and quality standards.

Comply with packaging standards: Cargo must be packed in accordance with established safety and quality standards. This includes the use of appropriate materials and the correct distribution of the cargo within the packaging. It is also important to check for damage to securing and lashing straps at stowage.

Respect signaling regulations: It is important to use proper signage to indicate that cargo is properly stowed and secured.

It is also important to use the stowage sheets, and in our case the European stowage sheets.

The importance of proper weight distribution in cargo stowage

Proper weight distribution in load stowage is essential to ensure vehicle stability and avoid accidents during transport. An unbalanced weight distribution can cause overturning, sliding or shifting of the load.

It is important to keep in mind that the center of gravity of the load must be as low as possible to ensure the stability of the vehicle. In addition, the load limits established by the vehicle manufacturer must be taken into account and respected at all times.

Conclusion

In short, load stowage is a fundamental technique in logistics and transportation. To stow loads safely and efficiently, it is important to know the weight and dimensions of the load, use appropriate equipment, distribute the weight evenly, secure the load properly and avoid empty spaces. In addition, different stowage techniques can be used, such as block, row, layer or pyramid stowage, depending on the type of cargo to be stowed.

For heavy or fragile cargo, additional precautions must be taken, such as using reinforcements, protecting fragile cargo, placing heavy objects on the bottom and using additional padding. In terms of safety regulations, the load capacity of the truck or container must be respected, the cargo must be properly secured, packaging regulations must be complied with, and appropriate signage must be used.

Finally, proper weight distribution is essential to ensure vehicle stability and avoid accidents during transport. Complying with these keys and recommendations will allow loads to be stowed safely, efficiently and maximizing the available space.

European stowage sheets. What they are and what they are used for

The Euro Stowage Card, also known as the European Stowage Card, is a document used in the field of transport and logistics to provide information on the stowage and distribution of the cargo of a container or transport vehicle.

The European stowage sheet is designed in accordance with the standards set by the European Union and the main responsible agencies, and relate to Directive 2014/47/EU adopted by the European Parliament and of the Council with the aim of improving safety conditions on the European Union’s transit routes. This directive is in turn collected in the Royal Decree RD 563/2017, of June 2, which regulates the technical roadside inspections of commercial vehicles circulating in Spanish territory.

In order to meet this objective, European stowage sheets were created, adapting them to current regulations and with the aim of improving safety during the transport of goods, avoiding possible accidents or damage due to poor load distribution.

What is contained in the European stowage form

The European stowage form contains detailed information about the cargo, such as its weight, dimensions, packaging characteristics and stowage requirements. In addition, it may include specific instructions on how the cargo should be positioned and secured inside the container or vehicle to ensure a balanced and safe distribution.

The Euro Stowage Sheet is particularly useful for transport operators, logistics managers and commercial vehicle drivers, as it provides them with clear and accurate information on how to handle cargo safely and efficiently.

It also facilitates communication between all parties involved in the transportation process, such as shippers, carriers and consignees, by establishing common stowage and cargo distribution standards.

What is the difference between a J2 Servid Euro Stowage card and a J2 Servid Eurofiche?

It is important to know that J2 Servid’ s Euro stowage sheets are elaborated and signed by the creators and co-chairs of the EUMOS 40674:2021 Technical Committee, providing a plus of quality and original knowledge, which other certification bodies lack.

Our company ‘s Euro stowage sheets not only comply with the minimum EUMOS 40674:2021 regulatory content and guarantee traceability, but also optimize costs, legal compliance, safety and 2030 sustainability in the logistics chain.

At J2 Servid we have the guarantees that our European stowage tokens meet all the necessary requirements to comply with safety and legal standards for safe stowage.

If you want to know more, don’t hesitate to write!

Lashing

ProStrap

Services

ProSmart

Inflatable Bags

ProBag

What are stowage cards

Stowage sheets are documents used to help cargo operators perform their tasks efficiently and safely. These sheets contain detailed information about each shipment, including weight, volume and contents of the packages as well as the type of lashing required to secure the goods to be used in each case.

Stowage slips also contain information on the carrier designated for delivery, contact details and safety documents required for transport.

In addition, the stowage sheets contain legal information on the responsibilities of each of the contracting parties. This information is used to determine that the cargo complies with current regulations and is properly stowed and to ensure that all safety and quality standards are being met.

They also contain information on packing and packaging standards for the goods. This information is used to ensure that the goods are well protected during transportation and to ensure that the product arrives at its destination in optimal condition.

Characteristics of the stowage cards

Stowage slips are designed in accordance with international standards to ensure that the information is clear and easy to read. This means that the formats and sizes of the stowage forms are the same in all parts of the world. The aim is to facilitate the exchange of information between companies and transport services.

They have a variety of different sections for recording information about the goods. These sections include the name of the shipper, consignee, total weight, number of packages, type of shipment, container number, shipment number and invoice number. This information is necessary to ensure that the goods are delivered to their destination. They may contain additional information such as the marking of the goods, the name of the transportation company and the details of the transportation company. This additional information is essential to ensure that the goods travel safely and arrive at their destination on time.

Euro Stowage Check Card (ESCC)

The Euro Stowage Card (ESCC) is a transport document used for cargo management in international transports. This sheet is used in the European Union for the identification of the goods being transported, their description, the carrier, destination, security requirements and details of the transport documents.

This allows carriers and consignees to verify information about the goods and ensure that security requirements are met and helps carriers reduce the risk of cargo delivery error.

The ESCC differs from other stowage or freight bills of lading because it is a transport document specifically designed for the European Union. It is used to document cargo information for domestic and international shipments.

This means that carriers and consignees can verify information about the goods being transported and ensure that security requirements are met.

J2 Servid’s Euro stowage sheets are elaborated and signed by authorized agents and comply with the EUMOS 40674:2021 Technical Committee standards, providing a plus of quality and original knowledge.

On the other hand, they contain the basic requirements of the EUMOS 40674:2021 standard, and comply with Law 07/2022, of April 8, on waste and contaminated soils and their impact on plastic packaging, in addition to using blockchain technology or virtual collaborative platforms 4.0. with stowage video sheets and microtutorials for their dissemination, signature and use by the parties, providing them with security, traceability and immutability.

In Spain, the responsibility for stowage and lashing lies with the shipper (the shipper is the one who contracts the transport).

If you contract the transportation and you do not have a written, express and previous stowage agreement prior to the presentation of the vehicle, you will be:

Responsible for road penalties (200 euros per deficiency).
Responsible for carrying out the stowage and its calculations, and the resulting indemnities.
In addition, calculations and stowage certificates made by the same company are not valid in court (as already indicated by Supreme Court jurisprudence).

Cargo stowage regulations

Freight stowage regulations are a set of rules that must be followed to ensure the safe transport of goods. These rules apply to all types of transport, from land transport to sea transport.

Freight stowage regulations are based on the prevention of risks, such as spillage of goods, damage to containers, damage to other equipment and worker safety. These rules apply to all types of transport, although they may vary depending on the type of transport.

The new truck stowage regulations in Europe, RD 563/2017, establishes a series of requirements to which carriers must conform to ensure cargo safety:

Secure stowage is required to prevent loss, damage or shifting of cargo during transport.
Proper stowage planning is required to ensure that the vehicle is not overloaded.
Specific requirements are established for the stowage of different types of cargo.
Specific requirements are established for the stowage of cargo in containers.
Specific requirements are established for cargo stowage on open platforms.
Carriers are required to document and record stowage details for later control.

This legislation on road stowage applies to all trucks circulating in the European Union. This legislation is important to ensure cargo safety and to prevent accidents. In addition, this legislation also helps to reduce the environmental impact of trucks.

In sea or air transport, cargo stowage regulations state that goods must be securely fastened in containers to prevent them from moving during transport. In addition, the weight, volume and type of goods must be taken into account to avoid overweight and overloading. In addition, temperature, humidity and water level must be taken into account to avoid damage to the cargo.

Services for the creation of stowage cards

At J2 we offer services for the creation of stowage cards and professional advice for cargo managers:

Stevedoring Courses and Training

We offer a variety of training courses for people interested in learning how to stow and unload cargo safely and efficiently. Courses focus on the basics of stevedoring, workplace safety, planning and logistics, as well as modern technology and stevedoring equipment. It also offers advice and resources to help stevedores improve their performance and meet safety standards.

e-Learning Platform

We have an online training platform for cargo stevedoring. This platform offers a variety of content to help professionals improve their skills, including tutorials, videos, interactive exercises, assessments and resources. This platform also offers a variety of management tools to help companies manage and monitor the training process, and the opportunity to improve their skills in order to improve efficiency and safety in the cargo stowage process.

Creation of stowage cards for cargo

J2 Servid offers users the possibility to create and create stowage cards quickly and easily. This can be done in person or on-line. Our consulting team will be able to help you in each case.

Lashing

ProStrap

Services

ProSmart

Inflatable Bags

ProBag