If you want to know how to deal with overweight containers in sea transportation, first we need to clarify that in international shipping, there are several different factors related to weight limits. Generally speaking, the container itself, the shipping company, different ports and routes may have a certain impact and requirements on the weight limit, and the specific handling also needs to be based on the actual situation.
1. Container weight limit regulations
Each container has its maximum weight limit, which is usually marked on the door, which means that the total weight of the container and the cargo cannot exceed this weight. The tare weight of a 20-foot container is about 2200KGS, the tare weight of a 40-foot container is between 3720-4200KGS, and the maximum weight limit of some high cabinets (HQ) can reach 32000KGS.
The strength of the container is limited. If the loading exceeds the weight limit, it may cause damage such as deformation of the box, detachment of the bottom plate or bending of the top beam. All losses will be borne by the loader. Most professional container terminals are equipped with automatic weighbridges. Once the container is overweight, the terminal will refuse to accept the container. Therefore, be sure to check the weight limit of the container before loading to avoid unnecessary reloading operations.
2. Shipping company weight limit policy
The weight policy of different shipping companies varies, but it is usually based on not damaging the container. Due to the balance of space and weight, each container ship has certain space and weight limits. In areas with more heavy cargo, the weight of the ship may have been reached, but there are still many fewer spaces. In order to make up for this loss of space, shipping companies often adopt a price increase strategy, that is, to charge additional freight when the weight of the cargo exceeds a certain tonnage. Some shipping companies may purchase space from other shipping companies to transport goods, and the weight limit will be more stringent, because the space trading between shipping companies is usually calculated according to the standard of 1TEU=14TONS or 16TONS, and the cargo exceeding the weight will not be able to board the ship.
3. Port weight limit
The load of mechanical equipment in the port area is also an important factor in limiting the weight of containers. After the container ship docks, the crane at the dock is required for loading and unloading operations, and then it is towed to the container yard by a truck and then lifted down by a forklift. If the weight of the container exceeds the mechanical load, it will cause difficulties for the operation of the dock and yard. Therefore, for small ports with backward equipment, shipping companies usually inform the weight limit of the port in advance, and those exceeding this limit will not be accepted.
4. Route weight limit
The capacity arrangement of international shipping companies on different routes is determined according to the order of cargo loading and unloading ports and the types and popularity of cargo exports. In addition, the load problem of equipment operation at the destination port will also affect the weight limit of large and small cabinets on different routes.
5. How to deal with overweight?
Overweight at the shipping company: discuss with the shipowner and pay the overweight fee, and handle the rest according to the normal process.
Overweight at the port: If it is found to be overweight when entering the port, you need to negotiate with the port, pay the overweight fee and pay the labor cost or unload the container and reload.
Overweight at the destination port: If the destination port is overweight, it can be solved by paying a fine within a certain range; if the overweight is serious, the cranes along the way cannot bear the load, and it can only be unloaded at a nearby port or return by the original route.