ShankuChakraKnowledge & Industry Hub

ShankuChakra Protocol

SCP-006 — Container Loading Protocol

Revision date: 2026-09-01

ShankuChakra recommended operational protocol — this is not an official government or international standard.

Purpose

To ensure export containers are loaded in a way that protects product condition and quantity during transit, and that loading is verified before the container is sealed.

Scope

Applies to every FCL export shipment from the point packed goods arrive at the loading point through to container sealing.

Definitions

Dunnage
Bracing or protective material used to secure cargo and prevent shifting inside a container during transit.
Container rain
Condensation that forms inside a sealed container due to temperature and humidity changes during transit, which can damage moisture-sensitive cargo.

Required Information

  • Agreed packing specification (bag/carton type, pallet configuration)
  • Container type and size booked for the shipment
  • Total packed quantity and weight to be loaded
  • Moisture-protection requirement (desiccant, liner), if applicable

Procedure

  1. Confirm the booked container type and size match the shipment's packed volume and weight before loading begins.
  2. Load packages according to the agreed packing specification, using dunnage to secure cargo and prevent shifting.
  3. Apply desiccant bags or a container liner where the product is moisture-sensitive and the route/season presents condensation risk.
  4. Verify loaded quantity against the packing list before closing the container doors.
  5. Photograph the loaded container (interior, door area, seal) as a record before sealing.
  6. Apply the shipping seal and record the seal number on the shipping documents.

Checklist

  • Container type/size matches shipment volume and weight
  • Loading follows the agreed packing specification
  • Dunnage and moisture protection applied where required
  • Loaded quantity verified against packing list
  • Container photographed before sealing
  • Seal number recorded on shipping documents

Documents Required

  • Packing list
  • Container loading record/photos
  • Seal number record

Risks

  • Cargo shifting in transit due to inadequate bracing
  • Moisture damage from condensation on unprotected, moisture-sensitive cargo
  • Discrepancy between loaded quantity and packing list discovered only at destination

Common Mistakes

  • Not verifying container weight limits before loading, risking overweight issues at port
  • Skipping desiccant/liner protection on a moisture-sensitive product for a long or seasonal high-humidity route
  • Failing to record the seal number accurately on shipping documents

Verification Points

  • Does the loaded quantity match the packing list exactly?
  • Has moisture protection been applied where the product and route warrant it?
  • Is the seal number correctly recorded before the container leaves the loading point?

Disclaimer

This is a ShankuChakra recommended operational protocol, not an official government, regulatory, or international standard. It reflects common industry practice and should be adapted to the specific buyer, product, destination and contract. Always verify current legal, regulatory and customs requirements with the relevant authority before relying on this protocol for a commercial shipment.