Dos and Donts While Shipping Cargo Containers Using Desiccant Material

We all know the sheer scale of the cargo shipping industry, valued at a staggering $16.7 billion. However, its disturbing to learn that $500 billion of goods are lost yearly due to container damage, with at least 10% of these losses caused by moisture!

Moisture damage is real, and it requires a 100% effective solution. It affects not only your goods but also your reputation. Container desiccants are famous worldwide for protecting goods against moisture-related damage. Many people make the mistake of thinking that buying container desiccants is enough, but its just half the work done; half depends on using it correctly!

However, the effectiveness of container desiccant hinges on adhering to certain dos and dons. Failure to use them correctly could result in substantial losses.

Here are some essential dos and donts for using desiccant materials while shipping cargo containers:

Do s While Shipping Cargo Containers Using Desiccant Material

1.Select The Right Desiccant

Though all types of desiccants serve the same purpose - moisture absorption, all differ when it comes to properties and advantages; depending on the needs of your cargo container and the goods inside, you need to choose the appropriate one

• Silica Gel absorbs up to 40% of its weight. It is ideal for goods needing precise humidity control, such as electronics, clothing, footwear, pharmaceuticals, and packaged food. It is best in moderate humidity.
• Calcium Chloride absorbs up to 300% of its weight. It is perfect for high-moisture environments like ocean freight or rainy seasons. It is also suitable for bulk cargo such as machinery, metal parts, and large shipments.

Pick the right desiccant to safeguard your goods efficiently!

2. Strategical Placement

Mindlessly placing the desiccant is like defeating the purpose of protection. Proper placement and even distribution of container desiccant do wonders in not just absorbing moisture but also preventing the potential damage that can be caused by "container rain."

One pro tip is to place the cargo desiccant on the corners of the container, as moisture accumulates more in these parts. Some desiccants come with a cutting-edge hook, making quick installation easy.

3. Properly Seal your Container

Desiccants require a space that is sealed properly in order to work efficiently. So leave no room for mistakes and make sure that the doors are properly locked. For safety, make sure that the container is in good condition, with no dents, rust, or cracks. Also, inspect the containers floor, roof, and side.

4. Track Temperature Shifts

Mother nature is unpredictable, and so is the temperature, especially during the shipping journey. With changing locations from one state to another, temperature changes, too, which can lead to "container rain." Maintaining the temperature inside the container or adjusting the desiccant amount are two ways to mitigate this issue.

5. Pre-Conditioning

Pre-conditioning improves a containers reliability before embarking on a long voyage in extreme weather conditions. This involves drying the inside of the container before loading by either airing it out, using dehumidifiers, or applying desiccants.

Donts While Shipping Cargo Containers Using Desiccant Material

Container desiccants offer powerful protection against moisture for goods, regardless of the duration and weather conditions faced during the journey. However, they cannot safeguard against improper usage of the desiccant.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while shipping cargo containers using desiccant material -

1.Avoid Using Low-Quality Desiccants

Many desiccants are available in the market, but choosing the right one should be a top priority. A high-quality container desiccant made with high-grade material and ultrasonic sealing is crucial to prevent moisture damage. Using cheap desiccant will lead to condensation and potentially damaging cargo.

2.Dont Assume the Quantity!

When it comes to the desiccant required for your cargo needs, dont just assume the quantity; consider factors such as the level of moisture protection required, shipment duration, and climate conditions because too much or too little could lead to goods damage or wastage of cargo desiccant.

3.Skip Replacing Cargo Desiccant Regularly.

The shelf life of cargo desiccant is 1 to 5 years, depending on the type and quality of packaging. Their effectiveness reduces significantly within 48 hours after being exposed to air. Its very important to keep an eye on the shelf life of your cargo desiccant for effective moisture protection of your goods.

Dont worry if you forget to note the manufacture date. A visual inspection can also tell us much about the desiccants efficiency. For example, if the cargo desiccant beads are crumbling or brittle, they must be replaced.

4.Improper Placement

Strategic placement is required when placing the container desiccant inside the container. To absorb 100% of the moisture, keeping a distance between the goods and desiccant bags is crucial. You must also ensure the cargo desiccant can be properly and easily removed upon arrival.

5.Skip Desiccant Inspection Post-Arrival

It is necessary to inspect the desiccant once the journey is over if you dont, you will never know the performance of your cargo desiccant, the saturation levels, or whether it was the right choice!

These were some dos and donts for the successful shipping of cargo containers using desiccant material!