1、 How to handle the issue of overweight containers?
(1) Container weight limit
There is information on the maximum weight limit on the opening door of each container, such as MAX GROSS: 30480KGS. It means that your box with cargo cannot exceed this weight. Tare weight -20GP: 2200KGS, 40: 3.720-4200KGS, some HQ may have MAX GROSS: 32500KGS.
This is the maximum strength that the container body can withstand. Loading beyond this limit may cause deformation of the body, detachment of the bottom plate, bending of the top beam, and other damage. All losses arising from this will be borne by the shipper. At present, most professional container terminals in China have installed automatic weighing machines, so as long as the container loading exceeds the weight limit of the container, the terminal will refuse to accept the container. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone carefully check the weight limit on the container before packing to avoid unnecessary repackaging operations.
If the goods are indeed overweight and cannot be divided, then you can choose an overweight box. Here, there will be an additional weight selection fee. Generally, the dock/yard will stack the ordinary dry containers of the shipping company together. If you want to choose a special weight container (such as the 20 weight containers mentioned earlier), the dock and yard must search for each one, and the resulting container selection fee is generally the same as the specified container fee.
Container transportation is a collaborative process involving multiple departments, so in addition to the weight limit of the container itself, there are also some other factors that need to be considered.
(2) Shipping company weight limit
Generally, each shipping company's weight policy is different, and the approximate standard is not to damage the container.
Considering the balance between cabin space and weight. Each container ship has certain cabin and weight limitations, but on a specific route, the cabin and weight are not always just balanced out. Contradictions often occur in the North China region where heavy cargo is concentrated. The weight of the ship has arrived, and there are still many fewer spaces. In order to compensate for this loss of space, shipping companies often adopt a price increase strategy, which is to charge additional freight after the weight of the cargo exceeds how many tons. There are also shipping companies that do not use their own ships, but instead purchase cabins from other shipping companies for transportation. The weight restrictions will be stricter because the trading of cabins between shipping companies is calculated based on the standard of 1TEU=14TONS or 16TONS, and those exceeding the weight will not be allowed to board the ship.
During the period of cabin explosion, the shipping company will lower the weight limit for each box type according to the heat of the route.
When booking, it is necessary to inquire with the freight forwarder about the weight limit of the shipping company at the latest when shipping. If there is no confirmation and the goods are heavy, there is a risk. Some shipping companies, after being overweight, do not have any room for communication and directly ask the shipper to tow, depart, pick up the goods, and then weigh them again. These expenses are difficult to control.
(3) Port area weight limit
It mainly depends on the mechanical equipment load of the dock and yard.
After container ships dock, they usually need cranes from the dock for loading and unloading operations, and then they are towed by trucks to the container yard and lifted down by forklifts. If the weight of the container exceeds the mechanical load, it will cause difficulties for the operation of the port and yard. Therefore, for some small ports with relatively outdated equipment, shipping companies generally inform the port of the weight limit in advance, and those exceeding this limit will not be charged.
(4)Supporting feeder ships or road weight limits
Those who have worked as inland points in the United States have a deep understanding that the weight limit for highway transportation in the United States is very strict, because many containers need to be towed inland by truck after unloading at the port. Therefore, highway weight limit has also become a reason for shipping companies to limit the weight of containers. Of course, this limit is not applicable to containers that only reach the port.
The weight requirements for goods arriving on the US route are very strict, and the weight limit is mainly affected by the weight limit on the inland roads in the United States. Generally, small containers weigh 17.3 tons and large high containers weigh 19.5 tons. However, different ports also have different weight limit requirements.
(5) Route weight limit
According to different routes, the shipping company's transportation capacity is arranged according to the order of cargo loading and unloading at the port, as well as the types and heat of cargo exports. In addition, due to the load issue of equipment operation at the destination port, the weight limit of different routes' container sizes naturally varies.
2、 What if I'm overweight?
This mainly includes overweight in the port area, overweight in the shipping company, and overweight in the destination port
(1)Shipping company overweight
Discuss with the shipowner to make up for the overweight fee, and proceed as usual for others;
(2)The port area has its own regulations for overweight
If overweight is found upon arrival at the port, it is necessary to negotiate with the port area and pay the overweight fee plus manual handling fee or unload and reload;
(3) Overweight at destination port
If the general destination port is overweight within a certain range, paying a fine can solve the problem; If the weight is severe, the crane along the way cannot load and can only be unloaded at nearby ports or returned along the same route.
3、 Policy and Impact
Starting from July 1, 2016, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will implement the relevant requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regarding the weight verification of export containers. This regulation clearly requires that from that day on, shippers (cargo owners) must declare the total weight verification (VGM) for all export containers, and containers without verified total weight will not be loaded.
(1)New regulations will improve shipping safety
The new regulations will improve shipping safety. Misreported container weights have a serious impact on the stability of ships, trucks, and terminal equipment, and can pose a threat to the safety of workers in the industry, even endangering their lives. Misreporting weight seems to be a common phenomenon, and when containers are weighed after an accident, the total amount obtained often differs from the data on their cargo manifest. The long-standing dispute over this issue has led to the revision of the SOLAS Convention to ensure accurate declaration of all container weights.
(2)All containers should be weighed
The principle stipulated in the new SOLAS Convention is simple, starting from July 1, 2016, all containers must be forcibly weighed before loading. The weight of a container can be determined using one of two methods. The container can be weighed after it has been loaded, or it can be replaced by weighing all the contents of the container, and this weight can be combined with the tare weight of the container for calculation. Regardless of the method used, subjective calculation of its weight is not allowed.
(4)The entire supply chain will be affected
Actively participating in all aspects of the container supply chain will be affected to some extent by this new regulation. Ship operators and terminal operators are required to apply verified container weights to the stowage plan. In order for them to receive information in a timely manner, the shipper will have to share the verified weight with the booking agent or freight forwarder. This clearly requires reaching new agreements on procedures and modifying existing information technology (IT) systems.
4. Providing accurate weight is the shipper's responsibility
The shipper (or a third party under the shipper's responsibility) is required to weigh the loaded container or its entire contents, depending on the method chosen. The weighing equipment used must meet national certification and calibration requirements. The amendment to the SOLAS Convention requires that the weight verification program must be signed, and specific personnel must be named and determined based on the weight calculation accuracy program that has been verified on behalf of the shipper. The carrier may rely on this signature to verify the weight as accurate.
5. The details of the declaration process may vary depending on the specific situation
The total weight of container verification must be declared in a signed shipping document. This document may be a part of the shipping company's loading instructions, or it may be a separate document, such as a declaration containing a weight certificate. In any case, the document should clearly state that the total weight provided is the verified total weight. The carrier will provide the shipper with relevant information on the deadline, during which the carrier must receive the required container verification weight from the shipper for the ship's stowage plan. These deadlines may vary depending on different carriers, operational procedures or requirements of different terminal operators, and may vary depending on the port. Containers without verified total weight shall not be loaded on board.
