The second step of securing wheeled units is to secure the cargo to the container. Whether you use straps, blocks or bars within the wheel, or custom-made transportation brakes, securing the wheel itself before securing the cargo is a helpful added security measure. The first step involves inhibiting the wheels from spinning. Whenever shipping units with wheels (cars, lawnmowers, snowblowers, bikes, etc.) it is a good idea to block and brace the cargo in two steps. Although there are no specific legal requirements, these are a few recommendations as to how you can secure your cargo. There is no one way to block and brace cargo – in fact, it’s a rather loose term that can describe any cargo that has been kept in place by means of wooden, plastic, or medal obstacles to keep cargo from sliding. Here are general guidelines to blocking and bracing your cargo. In addition, it is always a good idea to insure your cargo, and know your insurance options. Taking these precautions can help you to steer out of harms way. This method greatly reduces your risk of damaged goods and helps to eliminate accountability in the case of a damaged cargo incident. Blocking and bracing cargo involves the use of wooden and metal beams to hold cargo in its place whilst in its shipping container. When goods are loaded onto a container, they are highly susceptible to sliding around in their container (assuming your cargo does not max out the internal width and length dimensions of a shipping container.) The goal of blocking and bracing your cargo is to keep the goods from shifting length-wise (front-to-back.)Ĭargo accident reports indicate that 25% of all damaged goods incidences have been linked to improper securing of cargo. The Importance of Blocking and Bracingīlocking and bracing cargo is a way of securing cargo to keep if from being damaged in transit. One method of securing your cargo is blocking and bracing. You can rarely trust that truckers, ports, draymen, and anyone else touching your cargo while in transit will be as gentle with it as you’d prefer, but there are precautions you can take to ensure your cargo remains safe while traveling. In studies conducted by Interlog USA’s marketing departments, the number 1 complaint issued by logistics managers and other transportation controllers was damaged goods. Blocking and bracing can help you avoid this. However, simply because your goods have finally made their way into an international shipping container and are sitting on a vessel ready to move doesn’t mean they are shielded from damage during the transport. Getting your cargo onto a shipping container often feels like the last “concern” you should have in the shipping process.