Intermodal Container Transportation

Intermodal Container Intermodal Container TransportationTransportation

C. MaheshwarC. Maheshwar

Fleet Management LimitedFleet Management Limited

Thousands of goods are carried in containers across the seas and land to various parts of the world. All of them do not reach their destination

in the original form and quality. They end up like …..

This!This!Or This!Or This!Or This!Or This!

Or This!Or This!Or This!Or This!Or This!Or This!Or This!Or This!

VALUE OF CONTAINERISED VALUE OF CONTAINERISED CARGOCARGO

The value of this lost cargo is anything from a The value of this lost cargo is anything from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars per few thousand dollars to millions of dollars per consignment.consignment.

In a typical 40 ft Dry Container, the value of the In a typical 40 ft Dry Container, the value of the cargo is in the range of a few thousand dollars. cargo is in the range of a few thousand dollars.

In a typical 40 ft Refrigerated Container, the In a typical 40 ft Refrigerated Container, the value of the cargo can be as high as US$ 500,000.value of the cargo can be as high as US$ 500,000.THIS PRESENTATION IS A SMALL EFFORT THIS PRESENTATION IS A SMALL EFFORT TOWARDS BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND TOWARDS BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND LOSS PREVENTION OF CONTAINERISED LOSS PREVENTION OF CONTAINERISED CARGO.CARGO.

THE ROADMAPTHE ROADMAP IntroductionIntroduction Modes of Container TransportationModes of Container Transportation Stresses during Container TransportationStresses during Container Transportation Examples of Multimodal Container TransportationExamples of Multimodal Container Transportation Container Road AccidentsContainer Road Accidents Containerised Cargo DamageContainerised Cargo Damage Container-Cargo suitabilityContainer-Cargo suitability PackagingPackaging Hints for Cargo StuffingHints for Cargo Stuffing ConclusionConclusion

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION Containerization and Unitisation: Introduced in 1956.Containerization and Unitisation: Introduced in 1956. Recently completed 50 years. Recently completed 50 years. Event celebrated with great pomp and gusto.Event celebrated with great pomp and gusto.

Before Before After After

Some small facts about the Some small facts about the ‘Magic Box’‘Magic Box’

Cost of Transportation through containers is about Cost of Transportation through containers is about 1/51/5thth to 1/7 to 1/7thth of Air Cargo freight. of Air Cargo freight.

About 22 million TEUs are in use today, increasing at About 22 million TEUs are in use today, increasing at 10% every year.10% every year.

All the containers lined up would be 108,000 km All the containers lined up would be 108,000 km long, which is equivalent to a third of the way to the long, which is equivalent to a third of the way to the moon, ten times the length of The Great Wall of moon, ten times the length of The Great Wall of China, and 2.7 times the Earth’s circumference at China, and 2.7 times the Earth’s circumference at the Equator.the Equator.

Thanks to Containerization, the cost of Thanks to Containerization, the cost of transportation from Asia to Europe of a DVD player transportation from Asia to Europe of a DVD player is just about 0.8%, and of a typical TV set about is just about 0.8%, and of a typical TV set about 1.4% of the selling price to the customer. 1.4% of the selling price to the customer.

MODES OF CONTAINER MODES OF CONTAINER TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION

One of the main advantages of One of the main advantages of Containerisation is the ability to be changed Containerisation is the ability to be changed from one mode of transportation to another.from one mode of transportation to another.

Ocean TransportationOcean Transportation Highway (Road) TransportationHighway (Road) Transportation Railway TransportationRailway Transportation

The Container and the Cargo contained The Container and the Cargo contained within should be able to withstand the within should be able to withstand the stresses occurring during all these modes of stresses occurring during all these modes of Transportation and during transfer from one Transportation and during transfer from one mode to another.mode to another.


OCEAN TRANSPORTATIONOCEAN TRANSPORTATION

Whatever motion the ship is subjected to is Whatever motion the ship is subjected to is also applicable to the Container and the also applicable to the Container and the Cargo Contained inside the Container.Cargo Contained inside the Container.

6 Degrees of Freedom / 6 Basic Motions6 Degrees of Freedom / 6 Basic Motions

DEGREE OF FREEDOM MEANS DEGREE OF FREEDOM MEANS ABILITY TO MOVE OR ROTATE ABOUT ABILITY TO MOVE OR ROTATE ABOUT AN AXISAN AXIS


OCEAN TRANSPORTATION OCEAN TRANSPORTATION

3 Motions about Vessel’s Axis3 Motions about Vessel’s Axis RollingRolling PitchingPitching YawingYawing

3 Bodily Motions3 Bodily Motions HeavingHeaving SwayingSwaying Surging Surging


OCEAN TRANSPORTATION Contd.OCEAN TRANSPORTATION Contd. The resultant stresses due to a combination of any The resultant stresses due to a combination of any

two or more of these 6 motions can be extremely two or more of these 6 motions can be extremely complex for analysis.complex for analysis.

All these motions of the Ship can be restricted to a All these motions of the Ship can be restricted to a certain extent by suitable changes in Hull Shape.certain extent by suitable changes in Hull Shape.

For a Container, the Stresses can be restricted by For a Container, the Stresses can be restricted by Better Stowing, Lashing Mechanisms, Stuffing Better Stowing, Lashing Mechanisms, Stuffing Procedures etc.Procedures etc.


HIGHWAY (ROAD) HIGHWAY (ROAD) TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION Stresses are caused by the Stresses are caused by the following:following:

Acceleration and Acceleration and RetardationRetardation

Road Vibration / Bridges etc.Road Vibration / Bridges etc. Centrifugal Forces During Centrifugal Forces During

TurnsTurns Vibration from Chassis etc.Vibration from Chassis etc.

MODES OF CONTAINER MODES OF CONTAINER TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION

RAILWAY TRANSPORTATIONRAILWAY TRANSPORTATION

Stresses are caused by the followingStresses are caused by the following Acceleration and RetardationAcceleration and Retardation Road Vibration / Bridges etc.Road Vibration / Bridges etc. Centrifugal Forces During TurnsCentrifugal Forces During Turns Vibration from Chassis etc.Vibration from Chassis etc. Hard Braking during ShuntingHard Braking during Shunting

RESULTS OF STRESSES RESULTS OF STRESSES DURING VARIOUS TYPES DURING VARIOUS TYPES

OF TRANSPORTATIONOF TRANSPORTATION Shifting of Cargo - Fore and Aft, Left and Shifting of Cargo - Fore and Aft, Left and

RightRight Settling of Cargo by Compression due to Settling of Cargo by Compression due to

VibrationVibration Damage to CargoDamage to Cargo Damage to Container BodyDamage to Container Body Spillage of CargoSpillage of Cargo Destruction of Packing MaterialDestruction of Packing Material Free Surface Effect for Liquid CargoesFree Surface Effect for Liquid Cargoes

RESULTS OF STRESSES RESULTS OF STRESSES DURING VARIOUS TYPES DURING VARIOUS TYPES

OF TRANSPORTATIONOF TRANSPORTATION Pressure Increase for Vapour

Cargoes Temperature Increase due to

Friction caused by Cargo Movement

Improper Cooling of Refrigerated Cargoes

Finally, loss of containers overboard

Example -IExample -I

What are the various stages in export of What are the various stages in export of grapes from Nasik?grapes from Nasik?

Road Transportation from Nasik to Road Transportation from Nasik to Mumbai. Mumbai.

Ocean Transportation from Mumbai to the Ocean Transportation from Mumbai to the destination port.destination port.

Onward Road or Rail Transportation from Onward Road or Rail Transportation from the Port to the ultimate destination.the Port to the ultimate destination.

Example-IIExample-II

What are the various stages of import of project What are the various stages of import of project equipment to a project site in Punjab?equipment to a project site in Punjab?

Road or Rail Transportation from the factory to Road or Rail Transportation from the factory to the loading port.the loading port.

Ocean Transportation from the Loading Port to Ocean Transportation from the Loading Port to the Discharge Port in India. the Discharge Port in India.

Rail Transportation from the discharge port in Rail Transportation from the discharge port in India to the main stockyard in Punjab.India to the main stockyard in Punjab.

Road Transportation from the stockyard to the Road Transportation from the stockyard to the Project site. Project site.

Basic RequirementsBasic Requirements

Strength of the RoadsStrength of the Roads Curves and Bends in the RoadsCurves and Bends in the Roads Height inside the tunnelsHeight inside the tunnels Strength and Width of the bridges Strength and Width of the bridges Surface of the RoadsSurface of the Roads Training to the DriversTraining to the Drivers

CONTAINER ROAD ACCIDENTS CONTAINER ROAD ACCIDENTS

Too many accidents have take place where Too many accidents have take place where the driver was negotiating turns at a speed the driver was negotiating turns at a speed beyond the limit.beyond the limit.

CONTAINER ROAD ACCIDENTSCONTAINER ROAD ACCIDENTS

There are cases where containers have come loose There are cases where containers have come loose from the fittings on the chassis during curves from the fittings on the chassis during curves because of centrifugal force and fell down from because of centrifugal force and fell down from bridges killing innocent bystanders underneath.bridges killing innocent bystanders underneath.

CONTAINER ROAD ACCIDENTSCONTAINER ROAD ACCIDENTS Containers have been flung off the chassis Containers have been flung off the chassis

due to sudden breaking.due to sudden breaking.

There has been relatively lesser number of There has been relatively lesser number of accidents during rail transportation of accidents during rail transportation of containers.containers.

Claims of Containerised Cargo Claims of Containerised Cargo LossesLosses

Damage to Containerised CargoDamage to Containerised CargoIn addition to the damage to the containers, we In addition to the damage to the containers, we also need to consider damage to the cargo also need to consider damage to the cargo itself. Often, the container may be undamaged itself. Often, the container may be undamaged from outside, but the cargo inside may be from outside, but the cargo inside may be damaged.damaged.

Damage to Containerised CargoDamage to Containerised CargoThis can occur because ofThis can occur because of Poor Packing of the cargoPoor Packing of the cargo Poor Stowing of packages inside the containerPoor Stowing of packages inside the container Poor stowage of containers on the mode of Poor stowage of containers on the mode of

transportation being used, more applicable to transportation being used, more applicable to ocean transportation on ships ocean transportation on ships

Damage to Containerised CargoDamage to Containerised Cargo

Use of Unsuitable container for the cargoUse of Unsuitable container for the cargo Poor condition of the containerPoor condition of the container Poor Handling of the container and cargoPoor Handling of the container and cargo

WHAT CONTAINER IS WHAT CONTAINER IS SUITABLE FOR MY CARGO ?SUITABLE FOR MY CARGO ?

QUESTIONS TO ASKQUESTIONS TO ASK Does my cargo need Refrigeration, Does my cargo need Refrigeration,

Ventilation, Special Handling Equipments, Ventilation, Special Handling Equipments, Securing Devices etc.?Securing Devices etc.?

What is the Volume and Weight of my cargo?What is the Volume and Weight of my cargo? Is it Liquid/ Solid/ Vapour?Is it Liquid/ Solid/ Vapour? What are the physical and chemical What are the physical and chemical

properties of the Cargo?properties of the Cargo?

WHAT CONTAINER IS WHAT CONTAINER IS SUITABLE FOR MY CARGO ?SUITABLE FOR MY CARGO ?

Is it Packed or is it Open?Is it Packed or is it Open? Does it generate heat?Does it generate heat? Is it sensitive to moisture?Is it sensitive to moisture? Does it need power during Storage and Does it need power during Storage and

Transit?Transit? Does it need any Special Atmospheres?Does it need any Special Atmospheres? Does it generate any fumes or gases?Does it generate any fumes or gases?

WHAT CONTAINER IS WHAT CONTAINER IS SUITABLE FOR MY CARGO?SUITABLE FOR MY CARGO?

Is it sensitive to Static Electricity?Is it sensitive to Static Electricity? Do the Loading/Transit/Destination Ports Do the Loading/Transit/Destination Ports

have necessary facilities to handle have necessary facilities to handle Containers?Containers?

Is it Dangerous/Hazardous Classified as per Is it Dangerous/Hazardous Classified as per IMO?IMO?

Does the Container meet ISO / Class Does the Container meet ISO / Class Specifications?Specifications?

PACKAGINGPACKAGING The Container itself The Container itself

is a big Metallic is a big Metallic Package of Standard Package of Standard Dimensions which Dimensions which can protect the can protect the Cargo from External Cargo from External Elements.Elements.

So, Containerised So, Containerised Cargo Packaging Cargo Packaging need not be of very need not be of very high standards and high standards and expensive.expensive.

PACKAGINGPACKAGING Containerised Cargo Packaging must be good Containerised Cargo Packaging must be good

enough to ensure following:enough to ensure following: Protect the Cargo from other CargoesProtect the Cargo from other Cargoes Protect the Cargo from other Packages of the Protect the Cargo from other Packages of the

same cargosame cargo Withstand the weight of Packages stored on topWithstand the weight of Packages stored on top Withstand Vibrations during TransitWithstand Vibrations during Transit Withstand Damage during Cargo Shifts, Moves Withstand Damage during Cargo Shifts, Moves

etc.etc.

Packing of Soft and Hard CargoesPacking of Soft and Hard Cargoes

PACKAGINGPACKAGING If the Cargo is destuffed and is expected to wait at If the Cargo is destuffed and is expected to wait at

Destination Point and left to Ambient Conditions Destination Point and left to Ambient Conditions (Wind/Rain/Sun), packages should be able to withstand (Wind/Rain/Sun), packages should be able to withstand these Conditions.these Conditions.

Voyage Duration also determines the Quality of Voyage Duration also determines the Quality of Packaging. Packaging.

Top Tiers Cargo Load should be evenly Distributed using Top Tiers Cargo Load should be evenly Distributed using Intermediate Layers of Cardboard/Plywood/ Dunnage.Intermediate Layers of Cardboard/Plywood/ Dunnage.

Packages should be able to withstand the various Packages should be able to withstand the various Climatic Changes expected during transit time.Climatic Changes expected during transit time.

PACKAGINGPACKAGINGREFRIGERATED CARGOESREFRIGERATED CARGOES Chilled Cargoes should be Chilled Cargoes should be

stored in Packages with holes stored in Packages with holes to allow Air Circulation.to allow Air Circulation.

Frozen Cargoes can be stored Frozen Cargoes can be stored in completely Enclosed or in completely Enclosed or Sealed Packages.Sealed Packages.

CAUTION: CAUTION: Plastic is a good Plastic is a good insulator. Refrigerated Cargoes insulator. Refrigerated Cargoes in Plastic Packages do not in Plastic Packages do not allow air circulation and cargo allow air circulation and cargo cooling. Paper Packages, cooling. Paper Packages, plastic nets to be used.plastic nets to be used.

PACKAGINGPACKAGINGSTACKING STRENGTHSTACKING STRENGTH

Stacking Strength of Empty Packing = Stacking Strength of Empty Packing = Wt. of 1.5 Full Packing X No. of Packages Stacked Wt. of 1.5 Full Packing X No. of Packages Stacked in Height of Container - 1in Height of Container - 1

CONDENSATION / MOISTURE CONDENSATION / MOISTURE CONSIDERATIONSCONSIDERATIONS

Due to changes in Ambient Atmospheric Due to changes in Ambient Atmospheric Conditions, Condensation may occur on the Conditions, Condensation may occur on the surfaces inside the Container.surfaces inside the Container.

Cargo can get damaged because of Rust or Cargo can get damaged because of Rust or Mould.Mould.

Cargo itself may generate some moisture.Cargo itself may generate some moisture. Ensure such different Cargoes are kept not in the Ensure such different Cargoes are kept not in the

same Container and seperated with suitable same Container and seperated with suitable material like paper, sacking etc. material like paper, sacking etc.

MOISTURE / HUMIDITY MOISTURE / HUMIDITY CONDITIONSCONDITIONS

CONDENSATION / MOISTURE CONDENSATION / MOISTURE CONSIDERATIONSCONSIDERATIONS

Some Cargoes may need Ventilation with specified Some Cargoes may need Ventilation with specified number of Air Changes.number of Air Changes.

Ventilation may be Natural or Forced.Ventilation may be Natural or Forced. Suitable Ventilation Devices to be provided for such Suitable Ventilation Devices to be provided for such

Containers.Containers. Some Cargoes may need maintenance of a certain Some Cargoes may need maintenance of a certain

amount of Humidity inside the Container amount of Humidity inside the Container throughout the duration of the voyage. Such throughout the duration of the voyage. Such Containers need Humidification Systems installed in Containers need Humidification Systems installed in placeplace

Hints for Container StuffingHints for Container Stuffing

CENTRE OF GRAVITYCENTRE OF GRAVITY Distribute the weight of the Cargo evenly over the Distribute the weight of the Cargo evenly over the

entire length and width of the Container to take entire length and width of the Container to take care of Centre of Gravity and avoid risk of tipping care of Centre of Gravity and avoid risk of tipping it while being lifted causing damage to cargo and it while being lifted causing damage to cargo and Container.Container.

Caution to be taken especially when loading units Caution to be taken especially when loading units such as heavy machinery or cargo of relatively such as heavy machinery or cargo of relatively small sizes.small sizes.


Keep Centre of Gravity of the Cargo near Keep Centre of Gravity of the Cargo near to the Centre of Container to prevent to the Centre of Container to prevent imbalance and toppling during transport imbalance and toppling during transport and handling.and handling.

Wherever possible, provide a marking of Wherever possible, provide a marking of the approximate location of CG of the the approximate location of CG of the loaded Containers so that the loaded Containers so that the loading/handling equipment chosen can loading/handling equipment chosen can compensate for the uneven CG.compensate for the uneven CG.

Centre of GravityCentre of Gravity

Hints for Container StuffingHints for Container StuffingHEAVY AND LIGHT GOODSHEAVY AND LIGHT GOODS Place heavy goods at the Bottom of the Place heavy goods at the Bottom of the

Container and lighter goods on top.Container and lighter goods on top. If unavoidable, place dunnage on the lighter If unavoidable, place dunnage on the lighter

goods before loading the heavier cargo.goods before loading the heavier cargo. It is preferred to install in-between floor in the It is preferred to install in-between floor in the

Container to separate the heavier and the Container to separate the heavier and the lighter goods.lighter goods.


HEAVY AND LIGHT GOODSHEAVY AND LIGHT GOODS Do not store heavy goods next to light Do not store heavy goods next to light

goods. If unavoidable, take special goods. If unavoidable, take special precaution to prevent damage due to precaution to prevent damage due to shifting of cargo.shifting of cargo.

Use Dunnage Boards between light and Use Dunnage Boards between light and heavy loads to distribute the pressure heavy loads to distribute the pressure caused by vessel movement. caused by vessel movement.


SPACES IN BETWEEN SPACES IN BETWEEN Fill in the space between cargo and container Fill in the space between cargo and container

sides using suitable material like Dunnage sides using suitable material like Dunnage planks, used tyres, empty cases/ cartons or planks, used tyres, empty cases/ cartons or disposable pallets.disposable pallets.

Air cushions comprising of rubber bags Air cushions comprising of rubber bags available in various sizes when inflated by available in various sizes when inflated by compressed air can be used again and again.compressed air can be used again and again.

Hints for Container StuffingHints for Container StuffingBAGGED CARGOBAGGED CARGO Secure Cargo from all sides to prevent shifting - Secure Cargo from all sides to prevent shifting -

bottom, sides and front.bottom, sides and front. Bagged Cargo tends to shift more. Use Block Bagged Cargo tends to shift more. Use Block

Stowage or else, such cargo which has shifted puts Stowage or else, such cargo which has shifted puts pressure on the container walls and likely to burst pressure on the container walls and likely to burst out of the container when the doors are opened up out of the container when the doors are opened up which could be a potential hazard for the which could be a potential hazard for the labourers.labourers.


BAGGED CARGOBAGGED CARGO Wherever possible, secure the sacks to Wherever possible, secure the sacks to

disposable pallets before storing them in the disposable pallets before storing them in the container.container.

Shrinkwrap paper bags. It not only Shrinkwrap paper bags. It not only prevents it from shifting but also protects it prevents it from shifting but also protects it from damage due to use of hooks and from from damage due to use of hooks and from condensation.condensation.


LIQUID CARGOESLIQUID CARGOES Do not load a leaking package with liquid Do not load a leaking package with liquid

cargo into the Container.cargo into the Container. Use double tier of dunnage under package of Use double tier of dunnage under package of

liquid cargo to reduce damage to package in liquid cargo to reduce damage to package in case it develops leak during the journey.case it develops leak during the journey.

Solids should be stored above liquids to avoid Solids should be stored above liquids to avoid possibility of damage due to leakage.possibility of damage due to leakage.

Hints for Container StuffingHints for Container StuffingHAZARDOUS CARGOHAZARDOUS CARGO Clearly label hazardous cargo containing Clearly label hazardous cargo containing

Containers using IMO Code labels.Containers using IMO Code labels. Failure could lead to accident and large Failure could lead to accident and large

third party claims.third party claims.


MISCELLANEOUSMISCELLANEOUS Do not overload the Container beyond its Payload Capacity.Do not overload the Container beyond its Payload Capacity. Take into account the Road Regulations for Containers and Take into account the Road Regulations for Containers and

Chassis in the Countries through which the Container will Chassis in the Countries through which the Container will pass during its voyage.pass during its voyage.

Clean and Seal Container Doors and Roof Covers properly Clean and Seal Container Doors and Roof Covers properly using Seals and heavy gauge wire.using Seals and heavy gauge wire.

Use the right type of ISO Container Seals.Use the right type of ISO Container Seals.

STUFFING OF CONTAINERSSTUFFING OF CONTAINERSCUSTOMS SEALSCUSTOMS SEALS Customs Seal can be broken only by a Customs Seal can be broken only by a

Custom Officer.Custom Officer. Inform the nearest Custom Officer if a Inform the nearest Custom Officer if a

Customs Seal is found broken accidentally Customs Seal is found broken accidentally or otherwise en route.or otherwise en route.

ConclusionConclusion

Multimodal Transportation through Multimodal Transportation through Containers cannot be taken for granted. Containers cannot be taken for granted.

It consists of several individual elements It consists of several individual elements which need to be taken care of.which need to be taken care of.

Only then, the cargo will reach its Only then, the cargo will reach its destination without damage.destination without damage.

Any weak link in the chain could be a cause Any weak link in the chain could be a cause for damaged cargo.for damaged cargo.

THANK YOUTHANK YOU

AcknowledgementsAcknowledgements

International Institute of Container Lessors, International Institute of Container Lessors, USA.USA.

Container Manual by Shipping Corporation Container Manual by Shipping Corporation of India Ltd.of India Ltd.

Fleet Management Limited.Fleet Management Limited. Container Handbook, GDV.Container Handbook, GDV. UK P & I Club.UK P & I Club.

Intermodal Container Transportation

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