Processed foods should go into a clean, dry, odour-free container, in strong cartons, with heavy goods at the bottom, no gaps for loads to shift and protection against condensation. Glass jars and cans need the most care.
Most damage claims trace back to weak cartons, poor stacking or moisture inside the container. All three can be prevented at loading.
Check the container first
- No holes: stand inside with the doors closed and look for light.
- Clean and dry floor, walls and roof, with no residue or smell from earlier cargo.
- Doors, seals and locking bars in working order.
- A food-grade container if the shipping line offers the choice.
Packing that survives the voyage
- Cartons of the right strength for the weight and stack height, with partitions for glass jars.
- Shrink or stretch wrapped pallets with corner boards, if palletised.
- Pallets that meet your country's wood packaging rules, usually heat treated and marked under ISPM 15.
- Labels and batch codes visible on the outer cartons.
- Pouches and snack packs in cartons, not loose in bags, to avoid crushing.
Stowing the load
- Heavy goods such as cans and jars at the bottom, light goods such as snacks on top.
- Never stack cartons beyond their rated height.
- Fill gaps with dunnage, airbags or bracing so the load cannot shift.
- Keep liquid products away from dry goods where possible.
- Spread weight evenly along the container floor.
Condensation control
Containers travelling from a humid Indian port into a cooler climate can collect condensation, often called container rain. It soaks cartons, blurs labels and causes mould. Desiccant bags or strips, kraft paper lining and dry pallets all help. Do not load cartons that have been sitting in rain or damp warehouses.
Heat is the other risk. Chocolate-coated snacks or fat-rich products may soften in a hot container. Ask whether a reefer or insulated liner is needed for your product and route.
Record everything
Photograph the empty container, each stage of loading, the final row, the closed doors and the seal number. These records support any later claim. Record the carton count by product and the position of each product in the container, so damage found on arrival can be traced back. Share the report with your insurer and broker. Mixed loads need extra planning, as covered in mixing processed food products in one container. If something does go wrong, see what should I do if a supplier misses the shipment date for how to handle disputes in writing.
How Creston & Co handles this
Our inspectors check the container, count and inspect cartons and supervise stowing for each processed food shipment. You receive a photo report with the seal number before the container leaves the factory. Ask for a free sourcing review.