Protection of goods

Maritime transport and logistics. What are their advantages and disadvantages?

ventajas desventajas transporte maritimo

Shipping is one of the oldest and most popular ways of moving goods over long distances across oceans and seas. With the development of maritime technology and infrastructure, this mode of transportation has become central to international trade and the global economy.

Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of maritime transport, which is considered an efficient and economical option for moving large volumes of goods globally.

Advantages of maritime transport

Load capacity

One of the main advantages of maritime transport is its ability to carry large volumes of goods. Cargo ships can carry tons of goods at a time, making it an ideal option for moving large quantities or larger, heavier goods.

Cost effective

Compared to other forms of transport such as air transport, maritime transport is generally more economical. This is because the operating costs of ships are lower in terms of fuel and maintenance, which translates into more affordable shipping rates for exporters and importers.

Global connectivity

Maritime transport connects different regions of the world, facilitating international trade and the export and import of products on a global scale. Seaports act as key logistics hubs that interconnect the supply chains of different countries and continents.

Security

Despite the challenges and risks involved in navigation on the high seas, maritime transportation has international regulations and safety measures that ensure the protection of the crew, cargo and the environment itself. In addition, technological advances in navigation and communication systems have improved safety in the maritime industry.

Disadvantages of maritime transport

Speed

Although maritime transport is efficient for moving large volumes of goods, its main disadvantage lies in speed. Cargo ships tend to be slower than other modes of transport such as air transport, or land transport over medium distances, which can result in longer delivery times, especially for perishable or urgent goods.

Dependence on weather conditions

Maritime navigation is subject to weather and oceanographic conditions, which can cause delays in vessel departure and arrival times. Storms, strong winds and storm surges can affect the safety and efficiency of ocean voyages, causing disruptions in supply chains.

In addition, this can affect the goods, so in J2 we have a series of products designed to protect goods against adverse conditions. Some products require specific environmental conditions for their conservation, which is why J2’s isothermal insulators will save us the transport in a specific container for the transport of these products. The ProTerm range is created to thermally insulate the container or surface inside it.

Moisture inside shipping containers is one of the main problems and cause of complaints in maritime transport, as it can cause fungus, mold, corrosion or rust in the goods. Desiccant bags for containers are a practical solution, as they absorb moisture and make it easier for the goods to reach their destination in perfect condition.

Desiccants

ProDry

Inflatable Bags

ProBag

Voidfillers

Niupack

Customs formalities and port logistics

Maritime transport involves the coordination of multiple actors and logistical processes, from the loading and unloading of goods to customs formalities and documentation management. Delays at ports, maritime traffic congestion and bureaucratic procedures can generate additional costs and operational difficulties for companies.

While it presents significant advantages in terms of carrying capacity, cost and sustainability, it also faces challenges, many of which can be addressed with additional products and services.

It is important to strike a balance between taking advantage of the benefits of maritime transport and addressing its disadvantages by implementing innovative measures and practices that promote efficiency, safety and sustainability in this mode of freight transport.

Insulation of containers for freight transport

The transport of goods via sea containers is a fundamental part of the international and global logistics chain. However, to ensure the integrity of products during their journey, it is essential to consider container insulation.

Do shipping containers need insulation?

Shipping containers are known for their robustness and strength, as they are made with steel walls that protect goods from adverse conditions during transport. However, these same characteristics can cause containers to overheat in the summer and cool in the winter. This can cause damage to some temperature-sensitive products, such as food, chemicals or pharmaceuticals.

In addition, during their sea voyage, containers are exposed to extreme climatic conditions, such as humidity, water salinity and temperature variations. These factors can affect the quality of the products stored in the container if an adequate insulation system is not in place.

In this sense, the insulation of sea containers becomes essential to maintain the temperature and humidity within the appropriate limits, thus protecting the goods and ensuring their integrity during transport.

Insulators

ProTerm

Recorders

ProControl

Desiccants

ProDry

Benefits of insulating sea containers

Insulating sea containers has a number of benefits for both the products being transported and the logistics companies. Some of the key reasons why it is important to insulate containers are as follows:

Protection of merchandise. Thermal insulation protects temperature-sensitive products from sudden changes that could deteriorate their quality. By maintaining a constant temperature inside the container, it ensures that the goods arrive in optimum condition at their final destination.

Compliance with regulations. In certain sectors, such as the pharmaceutical or food industry, there are strict regulations on the transport of products that require specific temperature conditions. Insulating containers ensures compliance with these regulations and avoids possible penalties or losses due to non-compliance.

Cost reduction. Adequate insulation can contribute to reducing operating costs for companies, since it minimizes losses due to merchandise deterioration and avoids customer complaints due to products damaged during transport.

Reputation enhancement. Ensuring the quality and integrity of transported goods helps build an image of trust and professionalism with customers and business partners. A reliable and secure transport service can generate positive recommendations and customer loyalty.

What is isothermal insulation?

Isothermal insulation involves the installation of specialized materials in the walls, roof and floor of sea containers in order to control heat transfer and maintain a stable interior temperature. These materials offer thermal insulation properties that prevent heat loss in winter and overheating in summer.

Isothermal insulation also helps to regulate humidity inside the container, preventing condensation and mold formation, which could damage the stored goods. In addition, this type of insulation can be complemented with refrigeration or heating systems to maintain specific temperature conditions according to the needs of the transported products.

In J2 Servid we have isothermal insulators, our ProTerm Container model, specially designed for 20′ and 40′ containers. We also have the ProTerm Palet pallet covers, ideal to avoid sudden temperature changes during your shipments in groupage or air transport, available in different formats and with the possibility of custom manufacturing. More info here or contact us.

We also have a temperature, humidity and location recording system, ProControl, which is ideal for use in sea container shipments. We can monitor and review temperature and humidity changes during transport with ProControl Temperature, a temperature data logger, and ProControl Humidity + T, a temperature and humidity data logger. And if we are looking for something more complete, with ProControl Track, it provides data and reports on temperature, humidity, light and location.

As we can see, the insulation of freight containers is an indispensable measure to ensure the quality, safety and integrity of products during their journey. The use of specialized materials and the implementation of good practices in handling and monitoring temperature and humidity are key to ensure efficient transportation and protect the supply chain.

The importance of training personnel in stowage and protection of cargo and goods

The stowage and protection of cargo and goods is a fundamental aspect in the transportation and logistics industry. Proper stowage ensures not only worker safety and accident prevention, but also cargo integrity and customer satisfaction. For this reason, it is crucial that the personnel in charge of these tasks receive adequate training.

Ensuring efficiency and safety in cargo stowage: training as a key to avoiding accidents and material damage

Cargo stowage is an activity that involves a series of complex tasks, such as the selection and proper use of securing materials, the distribution of the cargo inside the vehicle or container, and the correct securing of the cargo. Poor stowage can lead to accidents on the road, damage to the goods and even the total loss of the cargo.

Ensuring customer satisfaction and business success

A transportation or logistics company that invests in the training of its personnel in cargo stowage and protection is investing in the quality of its service. A trained staff is able to carry out efficient and safe stowage, thus ensuring customer satisfaction and the long-term success of the company.

Reduced costs and increased productivity

Training in the proper handling of goods not only involves proper stowage, but also the handling and care of the cargo during handling. Trained personnel in this aspect is able to reduce the risk of damage to the goods, which in turn translates into a reduction of costs for losses and claims.

In addition, trained personnel are more efficient in their tasks, which translates into increased productivity and optimized loading and unloading times.

In addition to being a necessity to ensure safety and quality of service, training in cargo stowage and protection is also a legal responsibility of transport and logistics companies. Failure to comply with stowage regulations can result in fines and even loss of operating license.

Likewise, companies have the responsibility to take care of the integrity of workers and customers. Training in cargo stowage and protection helps to ensure the safety of workers and prevent accidents that could endanger their health or even their lives.

Loss prevention, environmental care and compliance with international standards

Having personnel trained in cargo stowage not only offers advantages in terms of safety and quality of service, but also has an added value in other aspects.

As we were saying, correct stowage guarantees a lower incidence of losses and damage to the merchandise, which translates into greater profitability for the company. In addition, good stowage contributes to environmental protection, since it avoids spills of toxic or polluting products.

Finally, training in cargo stowage and protection enables companies to comply with international transport and logistics norms and standards. This is especially important for companies that operate internationally and need to comply with country-specific regulations.

Stevedoring courses

In J2 Servid we offer the necessary training for your workers to know and stow the goods according to European standards: Stowage courses for cargo and transport professionals.

Conclusion

In short, training in cargo stowage, protection and lashing is essential to ensure safety, efficiency and quality of service in the transportation and logistics industry. It is the responsibility of companies to invest in the training of their personnel, not only to comply with legal and moral standards, but also to ensure their long-term success and contribute to the care of the environment.

What is the economic impact of not ensuring proper stowage of goods?

Stowage of goods is a fundamental process in the supply chain, as it ensures that cargo is transported safely and efficiently. However, it is often not given the importance it deserves, which can have serious economic consequences. In this article, we will analyze the economic impact of not ensuring proper cargo stowage.

The importance of proper stowage of goods to prevent economic losses

The main objective of proper stowage of goods is to ensure that the cargo arrives in perfect condition at its final destination. This involves, among other things, making sure that the products are well secured and adequately protected to prevent damage during transport.

Incorrect stowage of goods can cause products to shift, hit each other or even fall off the transport vehicle. This damage can result in a total or partial loss of the cargo, which implies a serious economic loss for both the supplier and the end customer.

Voidfillers

Niupack

Lashing

ProStrap

Lashing

ProLash

How improper stowage of goods can negatively affect the supply chain

Poor stowage of goods not only affects the supplier and the end customer economically, but also has an impact on the entire supply chain. On the one hand, it can lead to delays in the delivery of goods, which can lead to business losses and a bad reputation for the supplier.

In addition, if products are damaged in transit, returns or claims may have to be made, which entails additional costs in terms of money, time and resources. This can create tensions within the supply chain and negatively affect business relationships between suppliers and customers.

The economic impact of damage caused by improper stowage of goods

Damage caused by improper stowage of goods can have a significant economic impact. Firstly, it involves the loss of the cargo, which implies an additional expense to replace the damaged goods. This can be a significant financial outlay, especially if high value products are involved.

In addition, damage to merchandise may involve additional costs in terms of repairs or replacements, as well as the need to handle returns or claims. All this means an increase in operating expenses and a decrease in the profitability of the operation.

Finally, damage caused by poor stowage of goods can also have an impact on a company’s reputation. If products arrive damaged at their final destination, it can affect customer confidence and decrease the chances of future sales.

Why investing in proper cargo stowage is key to minimizing economic losses

Given the economic consequences of poor cargo stowage, it is essential to invest in ensuring that cargo is transported safely and efficiently. This implies having trained personnel and the right tools and equipment to perform proper cargo stowage.

In addition, it is important to establish protocols and procedures to ensure that best practices for cargo stowage are followed. This involves, among other things, ensuring that the right protective materials are used, as well as using secure and reliable securing and lashing systems.

Investing in proper stowage of goods not only helps to avoid economic losses, but also contributes to strengthening the supply chain and improving business relationships with customers. This means greater efficiency in operations, reduced operating costs and improved customer satisfaction.

At J2 we offer a variety of products and services aimed at improving safety and ensuring proper stowage.

The different types of packaging and their impact on the stowage of goods

The process of transporting goods is essential for any company. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the packaging of these goods. Packaging has a dual function: to protect products during transport and to facilitate handling and stowage.

It is important to keep in mind that different types of packaging can affect the stowage of goods differently. In this article, we will analyze the different types of packaging and how they affect the stowage of goods, providing tips to avoid damage and minimize risks during transportation.

Types of packaging and their protection

There are different types of packaging available on the market, each with unique characteristics and properties that affect the stowage of goods. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of packaging and how they influence stowage:

Cardboard boxes: Cardboard boxes are one of the most widely used types of packaging due to their versatility and economic cost. However, their strength and stability can be compromised if the box is not adequately secured.

There are different ways of securing these types of boxes during transport, one of the most common being inflatable bags and protective corner protectors, although one of our best products, Niupack, is gaining more and more prominence, offering an ecological and sustainable alternative for different types of separation and protection needs of goods.

Plastic containers: Plastic containers are light and strong, making them particularly suitable for transporting delicate or perishable goods. However, their shape and size can make efficient stowage of goods difficult.

Metal drums: Metal drums are ideal for transporting liquids and chemicals due to their robustness and corrosion resistance. Their cylindrical shape can hinder efficient stowage if not properly positioned in the unit load.

Metal drums are sometimes used to transport corrosive or flammable chemicals that may be considered hazardous. An effective way of securing them is the Ty-Gard grip system.

Pallets and containers: Pallets and containers are packaging that facilitate the handling and stowage of large volumes of goods. However, it is important to ensure that they are properly secured and that the load is evenly distributed to avoid shifting during transport.

All the protection systems mentioned so far can be used for transport protection on pallets and containers.

Optimize the stowage of your goods with suitable packaging: learn about the best options

To optimize the stowage of goods, it is essential to choose the most suitable type of packaging for each product. The most common options to consider:

- Modular packaging: Modular packaging allows the size and shape of the packaging to be adjusted according to the needs of each product, facilitating efficient stowage and reducing empty space in the unit load.

- Securing systems: securing systems, such as straps or lashing straps and load separators, help to secure the packaging to the unit load, preventing movement and shifting during transport.

Reusable packaging: Reusable packaging, such as pallets and containers, is not only a more sustainable option, but also facilitates the stowage of goods as it is designed to fit snugly together.

Voidfillers

Niupack

Lashing

ProStrap

Inflatable Bags

ProBag

Keys to avoid damage and loss during the stowage of your goods

In addition to choosing the right type of packaging, there are some steps you can take to avoid damage and loss during the stowage of goods. Here are some important keys to keep in mind:

Distribute the load correctly: make sure to distribute the weight of the load evenly on the load unit to avoid shifting and tipping.

Protect goods: use padding materials, such as inflatable bags or padded goods protection systems such as Niupack, to ensure that goods do not move or get knocked during transport.

Secure the packaging: use securing systems, such as straps or straps, to secure the packaging to the unit load and prevent it from shifting.

Minimize risks and ensure efficient transport of your products

Proper packaging plays a key role in the stowage of goods and the safety of their transportation. By choosing the right type of packaging, distributing the load correctly and using securing systems, you can minimize the risks of damage and loss during the transport of your products. It is important to remember that using reusable packaging and optimizing space in the cargo unit can also contribute to more efficient transportation.

The importance of packaging in the company’s logistics process should not be underestimated and the necessary measures should be taken to ensure the safety and stability of the goods during transport.

Load securing methods

Cargo securing methods are a combination of devices, equipment, materials, procedures and technologies used to secure cargo during transportation, with the aim of ensuring the safety and protection of goods.

Load securing: some of the most common methods

While the primary goal of cargo securing is to ensure safety, those responsible for cargo must also ensure that the goods can be transported in the safest means. Below are examples of some of the most common load securing methods.

Lashing method

Using a load securing lashing method is a common and safe industry practice for handling large and heavy loads. It is a widely adopted practice in warehouses and suppliers to secure cargo to a device and to prevent loads from moving during transportation and storage. This practice also reduces the risk that cargo may shift or slip during transport, prolonging the useful life of the cargo and providing a higher level of safety.

Lashing systems for securing cargo must be suitable for each application, they must be inspected to verify their operation, and each load must be examined before lashing to verify the devices that are needed in each case.

All load securing systems and lashing devices used, such as lashing straps, must be checked immediately after completing the work to ensure the safety of people for a new use. Lashing systems are good industry practice to minimize risks associated with handling large and heavy loads.

This practice provides a variety of benefits, such as a longer useful life of the load, a better level of safety, reducing the risk of accidents and improved protection, as well as greater safety for the operator and the goods.

Local lock

Local blocking in securing goods refers to the use of appropriate materials to secure loads with the aim of preventing or avoiding the movement or fall of the load being transported. This practice is essential for transport safety, since an unstable or uncontrolled load can cause serious damage to goods or people.

Fastening material usually ranges from polyester tape and steel cables to some other material specially designed to securely hold a specific load. Some items need to be secured with special fastening buckles or clamps, while others are easily secured with a simple adjustable strap. A good local lock job allows for safe transportation of goods.

Global lock

Global locking in securing goods is a method used to keep the load of a unit stable to prevent damage from occurring during transport. It is made up of a variety of systems and tools designed to secure and secure cargo.

There are many ways, but among them we could name inflatable bags, which are very useful to avoid lateral and longitudinal movements during transport, or the goods protection system with padding to avoid the domino effect during transport.

Mooring methods

Which load securing method to choose? This will depend a lot on the type of merchandise and the means of transport. There are many types of lashing, such as top lashing, direct lashing, and locking lashing.

Top mooring. Push-friction lashings offer extra force, which is applied between the bottom products of the load and the stacking surface. To ensure that the angle is the highest possible, the tie-downs are located at the top of each load unit. These devices provide greater union, protecting the transported products.

Direct mooring. Direct lashing is a form of manual lashing, carried out with fastening means such as tapes, harnesses or cables, used to secure a specific merchandise or load within a vehicle or transport space. This technique ensures adequate control of a load, preventing movements or falls that could damage it or affect the safety of the operator.

Materials

There are also some essential materials, both for securing and protecting loads. One of these materials is protective corners, very appropriate to prevent damage to the covers of merchandise packaging.

Rubber anti-slip pads for transport are also essential for many types of loads, to avoid unnecessary movement of loads during transport, whether by sea, air or road.

Conclusion

Cargo securing is one of the most important tasks for any transportation company, since it guarantees the safety of the merchandise and the people involved during the transportation process. Therefore, it is essential to be clear about what methods will be used depending on the nature of the load, the packaging used and the chosen means of transport.

Likewise, you must take into account the existing regulations and restrictions in each country or region. Using appropriate cargo securing methods will not only reduce risks on the road but will improve business competitiveness by reducing transportation times.