Key Takeaways
- Cargo handling is a series of processes for handling goods during shipment, starting from receiving the goods from the shippers, storing, fleet selection, unloading and loading, documentation, and tracking.
- According to load characteristics and treatment, cargo is divided into general and special cargoes.
- The benefits of cargo handling are reducing delays in shipment and increasing customer satisfaction.
The goods' quality received by customers is not only based on the production process but also on the logistics management, especially in storing and shipment. One of the important aspects that supports these processes is cargo handling.
If cargo handling is crucial, then what are the steps and benefits? Find the answers in this article before implementing it in your business!
What Is Cargo Handling?
Cargo handling is the entire process related to goods handling during shipment. In the port logistics context, cargo handling aims to maintain the condition and oneness of the loads, ensure personnel safety, and maintain port operation efficiency.
Cargo Handling Steps
In general, the cargo handling process involves the following stages:
1. Receiving Goods
In the first stage, logistics staff receive goods from the shipper and thoroughly inspect them to ensure they match the information on the shipping documents. The staff should check the physical condition of the goods, the quantity and type of cargo, and the completeness of supporting documents (such as the delivery note and packing list).
2. Storing Goods in the Warehouse
Once the inspection is complete, the logistics company stores the goods in the warehouse based on its storage system.
Storage is not only about the goods' security but also about grouping and arranging them by type, size, characteristics, and handling requirements. This is important to ensure that the goods are easy to unload when needed and distributed more efficiently.
Related reading: Understanding Maritime Logistics and Its Various Challenges
3. Choosing the Appropriate Transportation
The third stage is selecting the mode of transportation. Logistics companies may use land, sea, or air fleets depending on the characteristics of the cargo and the destination. Once the fleet is determined, the goods can be loaded onto the carrier, rechecked, supplied with shipping documents, and distributed to the destination.
4. Unloading and Loading Goods
Loading and unloading include offloading, moving, and hauling cargo from or onto a particular fleet. However, before unloading the goods, staff should check the documents and prepare the equipment as part of loading and unloading management. In ship cargo handling, loading and unloading can use cranes, hand pallet trucks, or conveyor belts.
5. Documenting and Tracking Goods Distribution
In this stage, staff must complete the documentation and comply with applicable regulations. For example, when handling dangerous goods by sea, a company must follow the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.
The IMDG sets specific codes for classifying dangerous goods, establishes packaging requirements, and regulates labeling and documentation procedures. Complete documentation makes customs clearance easier. Non-compliance and incomplete documents can lead to delays, fines, and legal sanctions.
Types of Cargo
Every shipment has different characteristics and handling needs. Based on these factors, cargo is classified into two main categories:
1. General Cargo
General cargo is freight that does not require special handling procedures, such as refrigeration or supervision of hazardous materials. Even so, every item must be handled according to general safety provisions to minimize the risk of loss or damage. Examples of general cargo include clothes, household goods, books, packaged food, and sports equipment.
2. Special Cargo
In contrast to general cargo, special cargo refers to freight that requires special handling due to its characteristics, value, and level of risk. It may involve temperature and humidity control, using specific packaging, additional security, or handling by specially skilled personnel. Examples of special cargo include:
- HUM (Human Remains): The body or remains of a deceased person.
- VAL (Valuable Cargo): High-value goods, such as jewelry, noble metal, or banknotes.
- DG (Dangerous Goods): Goods that could pose risks to health, safety, property, and the environment, such as pressurized gases, chemicals, and batteries.
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Benefits of Cargo Handling
With proper cargo handling, companies can gain the following benefits:
- Protecting the goods' condition: Goods are better protected from damage or spoilage, reducing costs and insurance claims.
- Reducing the risk of shipping delays: Efficient cargo handling ensures goods can be loaded, documented, and transported quickly, reducing the risk of bottlenecks at various logistics facilities.
- Improving operational cost efficiency: Well-organized handling prevents wasted time and reduces labor and storage costs. As a result, business profitability can potentially increase.
- Increasing customer satisfaction: Goods that arrive on time and in good condition can improve customer satisfaction, potentially building long-term loyalty.
Supporting Industrial Logistics, CDI Group Offers Port and Storage Services
Cargo handling involves a series of interrelated processes. To ensure each stage runs smoothly, coordination among personnel and adequate port facilities are essential.
If your company needs a partner that safely and efficiently supports cargo handling activities in the port, PT Redeco Petrolin Utama (RPU), a subsidiary of PT Chandra Daya Investasi Tbk (CDI Group) in the port and storage pillar, is worth considering.
RPU provides 70+ tanks with a total capacity of 125,000 m3, as well as 2 jetties (each with an LOA of 200 meters) capable of serving vessels of up to 35,000 DWT with a 10-meter draft.
In addition, RPU provides a Centralized Fueling Station (CFS) suitable for various types and sizes of tankers, as well as a Customer Order System (COS) for custom-made product pickup plans.
Besides efficiency, RPU also pays attention to safety and environmental protection by implementing international standards for safety and fire prevention, including oil booms that handle oil spills and minimize their impacts on the environment.
Ready to make CDI Group and RPU #YourGrowthPartner and begin a safer, more efficient, and more profitable logistics journey? Contact us to consult and get the best offer!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To deepen your understanding of cargo handling, see the list of frequently asked questions and their answers below:
1. What Are the Ship Loading and Unloading Procedures?
Ship loading and unloading begins with preparing the berth area and equipment, followed by unloading according to safety procedures, checking the conditions and quality of the goods, and storing them in tanks or warehouses.
2. How Many Types of Cargo Are There?
Based on the fleet, cargo is divided into air cargo, container cargo, and Ro-Ro cargo. Meanwhile, based on its nature, there are dry bulk, liquid bulk cargo, refrigerated cargo, livestock cargo, and others.
3. What Are the Ship Loading and Unloading Documents?
Ship loading and unloading documents include the Bill of Lading (B/L), Delivery Order (DO), cargo manifest, Loading and Unloading Approval Letter (SPBM), packing list, and invoice.