Optimising distribution: Managing weight limits and streamlining the packing process
At Stockwells, we make packing and unpacking containers easier and more efficient. Our team specialises in optimising space, reducing the risk of damage, and streamlining the distribution process.
We understand that managing weight and volume limits can be tricky, but with the right knowledge and equipment, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re shipping goods for the first time or managing regular shipments, we’re here to help.
Rick Wisbey, our Warehouse Manager, shares expert tips on how we make the whole process smoother and more cost-effective for your business.
“Partnering with Stockwells provides clients with experienced staff equipped with the right tools to measure, weigh, and distribute weight properly, ensuring loads are strapped and secured to minimise damage during transit,” Rick said.
Without an understanding of weight and volume limits—and without the equipment to stay within them—managing shipments can be tricky and lead to avoidable costs.
“We have experienced staff who have access to specialised equipment such as forklifts with weight scales to weigh the products before loading to distribute the weight correctly across a load, whether it be a container pack or truck and trailer load,” Rick added.
“We also use the correct equipment to secure a load such as strapping and dunnage bags to secure container loads, and correctly weighted dogs and chains or ratchets and straps to secure truck and trailer loads.”
Optimising the packing process
We employ several strategies to optimise the packaging process and maximise space utilisation in containers.
“We distribute the weight evenly across the whole container so all the weight is not all down one end of the container. We also try to use as much space in the container as in doubling up lighter and smaller pallets on heavier more durable pallets to maximise all the space in the container as safely and securely as we can,” Rick explained.
Maximising load utilisation when shipping goods is key to our approach.
“We try to maximise load utilisation to ship goods safely and securely so we help the client save money on having to pay for extra containers to fit the required load or extra money on transport for truck and trailer loads,” Rick added.
Maximising container utilisation is crucial for efficiency, yet many companies find it challenging to do so effectively.
“Maximising container utilisation contributes to efficiency as you are consolidating the load safely and securely into less containers saving money on hire of extra containers and extra transport to cart the containers to the wharf.”
“Companies may struggle with this if they don’t have the right equipment to weigh and measure the load to distribute the weight and volume across the whole container evenly so it is safe to transport.”
Practical tips for managing shipments within limits
New to freight forwarding? Rick offers these practical tips for managing shipments within weight and volume limits:
“Lay out your load next to the container you are putting it in to get a visual on how you want to load it and what can fit, and weigh and measure each item so you can distribute the weight evenly across the whole container, you don’t want all the heavier products down one end of the container or all on one side as it will make the loading and transportation of the container dangerous and big fines can occur if trucks are loaded over weight.”
If you have questions about managing shipments or need help navigating weight and shipment limits, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted team member today!