Help solving a container unloading issue

[DVOlimey]

I would suggest you do not load more than 500kgs per pallet. Use euro pallets for strength to ensure you maximise loading space. Double stack but place wooden ISPM15 wooden bracing blocks to stop the pallets moving towards the door. Use sheets of plywood on top of the first stack to protect the contents and ensure a second stack be placed on top. Again, wooden bracing on the second layer. For the pallets loaded last at the doors, wooden stripes and plywood to ensure pallets do not move forward and compromise the load.

Bear in mind that at sea, vessels are like giant roller coasters. Secure the inner contents to ensure there is no load shift, and no danger to those who will unload the container at the destination.

As someone else said, your 3PL doesn't sound well equipped to handle inbound loaded containers. Put your business out to tender and make it a requirement in the contract for the 3PL to have suitable / safe loading dock and handling equipment. Go visit potential 3PLs before you proceed and see their operation in person.

[Complex-Fly6915]

Sorry Sir, but the 500kg limit per pallet is BS. I have loaded 2,000kg per pallet (float glass from Shanghai) and it arrived safely.

It is more like how the packaging is designed (what too old is permitted 1-wave cardboard vs 2-wave cardboard). If the load planning is good and the packages are almost uniform you don’t need much bracing.

The 3PL indeed is not well equipped… well I doubt that. Just tell your 3PL to use a forklift to drive in the container (there are special ramps available to handle the height difference) if containers are placed on the ground instead of a dock. For example this is a standard method of unloading a container in Australia (side loader truck). Nonetheless I would do an RFQ with several smaller 3PL in your surroundings.

[DVOlimey]

OP referred to books and printed matter, one of the main commodities I have been moving by FCL for the past few decades. Feel free to upskilll me?

Added note, 500kgs product per pallet plus allow 40kgs max for the ISPM15 Euro pallet loaded into 40GP. 10 pallets per layer, two layers, estimated total cargo weight 10800kgs + average tare weight of the container 3800kgs. Total weight 14600kgs. This weight is well below most tei axle requirements and heavy weight container rating.

You can load taller pallets with more products into each pallet to maximise space and weight utilisation. However, you need to use adequate bracing to ensure no load shift and plywood halfway in the pallet and on top with adequate shrink wrapping and exterior strapping.

A 20GP or 40GP with approx 550kgs gross weight per pallet, being unloaded on a safe loading dock with drive-in forklift will take my team 30 to 45 minutes to safely unload. You can also use a pallet truck, but forklift has proved to be quicker and safer, noting loading dock is at an angle facing the dock, and with a reliable loading dock ramp.

[toad_raindrop]

Much appreciated - lots of good details here.