Loose cargo
| Loose cargo |
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| See also |
Loose cargo in transportation and logistics is understood as[1]:
- cartons,
- boxes,
- packages,
- crates,
- other occasional unit loads.
It might be divided into two basic categories: small items which might be handled manually and large ones which needs support of machinery[2].
In ports, when goods are after customs clearance, they might be loaded. Loose cargo is one of the way of loading, among using container or road trailer. Here special cargo-handling equipment as stevedores are used to assembly the cargo[3]. If it happens, due to some reasons, that loose cargoes would land in customs warehouse in ports, they might be put up for bidding after some time[4].
In aerospace industry, for example civil flights, positions of passages and loading of cargo are two separate areas (two different levels of the aircraft). Loose cargo, as well as rolling stock do not have any restrictions in terms of segregation requirements of netted palletized cargoes. Passengers can sit in front of, behind or directly across rolling stock or loose cargo[5].
Why it is important to optimise loose cargo loadings
Operating loose cargo impacts cargo handling itself, people and machines who operate it and space around. Each of these parts might be optimised. There are employees who control and operating manually loose cargo. For example, personnel who takes care about loose cargo often receives poor payment, is not good trained and not motivated properly therefore damages of loose cargo or damaging structure of transport vehicles is possible. Then, consequently, the cost of repairs are raising. Beneficial to optimise operations is automation and mechanisation of loose cargo transportation, conducted without any person, so that cargo is transported from or to cargo hold. Personnel might be then protected from health risks of manual job. Cargo hold could be optimised with increased availability of loading points, spatial dimensions, geo metrical configuration or position of opening. Also, some technical support might be used, such as[6]:
- suitable sensors,
- cameras,
- control circuits,
- artificial intelligence.
Examples of Loose cargo
Loose cargo in transportation and logistics is a term used to describe goods that are not packaged or secured in any way before being transported from one location to another. This type of cargo can pose a significant risk to the safety of the transportation process, as well as the goods themselves. Examples of loose cargo include:
- Unsecured items such as furniture, appliances, and other bulk items.
- Goods packed into boxes or crates that are not properly secured to the pallet, container, or truck they are being transported on.
- Unpackaged items such as fabric rolls, glass sheets, and other materials that are not placed into a box or crate.
- Any other items that are not secured to each other or to any other form of transportation equipment.
Advantages of Loose cargo
Loose cargo in transportation and logistics is understood as goods that are not packed, loaded, or secured in any way. There are several advantages to using loose cargo in transportation and logistics, such as:
- Cost savings - Loose cargo is generally cheaper to transport, as it does not require any additional packing or securing materials.
- Flexibility - Loose cargo is easier to customize and can be changed more quickly to fit the needs of the customer.
- Increased safety - Loose cargo is more likely to remain secure, as it does not require any additional fastening or lashing materials.
- Easier loading and unloading - Loose cargo can be quickly loaded onto and unloaded from a vehicle without the need for additional equipment or personnel.
Limitations of Loose cargo
Loose cargo in transportation and logistics refers to goods that are not packaged, bundled, or otherwise secured, and thus move freely within the transportation container. There are several limitations associated with loose cargo that can affect the safety and efficiency of the transportation process:
- Damage: Loose cargo can be easily damaged from shifting, sliding, or spilling during transit, resulting in costly and time-consuming repairs for the shipper.
- Lost items: Unsecured cargo can also be lost during transit, either due to theft or accidental misplacement.
- Over-packing: Without containment, there is a risk of over-packing a shipment, resulting in a container being overweight and causing delays in transit.
- Security: Unsecured cargo can also be a security risk, as it can be more easily accessed by unauthorized personnel.
- Insurance: Loose cargo can also be more difficult to insure due to the heightened risk of damage and loss.
Loose cargo in transportation and logistics can be addressed in a variety of ways. These include:
- Making sure that the cargo is correctly secured before it is moved. This can involve the use of safety straps, belts, chains, and other specialized equipment to ensure that it is held in place and cannot move around during transit.
- Ensuring that the container or trailer that the cargo is stored in is structurally sound and is able to support the weight of the cargo during transportation.
- Using specialized containers that are designed to help prevent movement of the cargo during transit. These can be made of steel or plastic and can help to keep the cargo in place and prevent damage.
- Using tracking devices to monitor the location of the cargo and to ensure that it is not lost or stolen during transit.
In conclusion, addressing loose cargo in transportation and logistics involves making sure that the cargo is correctly secured and using specialized containers, tracking devices and other measures to ensure that it remains safe during transit.
Footnotes
References
- Branch A., (2012), Elements of Port Operation and Management, Springer Science & Business Media
- Carlson N.J., Reiman A.D., Overstreet R.E., Douglas M.A., (2017), Load planning processes to enhance cargo compartment utilization. in "Journal of Defense Analytics and Logistics, 1(2), pp.137-150"
- Helmner A., (2014), System for loading and unloading loose cargo in a cargo hold, preferably of a plane, and intermediate conveyor means or conveyor unit herefor. U.S. Patent 8,647,039., Telair International AB
- Republic of Kenya, (2011), Kenya Gazette
- Šušteršič G., Prebil I., Ambrož M., (2014), The snaking stability of passenger cars with light cargo trailers. Strojniški vestnik in "Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 60(9), pp.539-548"
- United States Wright Air Development Division, (1957), WADD Technical Report, University of Michigan
Author: Kinga Kutek
