Transporting imported goods via shipping container is relatively cost-effective, if slow. Provided that importers can wait for raw materials or merchandise to arrive, they can limit transportation costs through maritime cargo transportation.
However, goods shipped over the open ocean are at risk of sustaining damage in a variety of circumstances. Overfilling a shipping container is one way that exporters could damage goods or materials and undermine the quality of what the importer eventually receives. Underfilling a shipping container can be equally dangerous to the contents of the container.
Empty space allows for movement
While it may seem counterintuitive to assert that underfilling a shipping container can damage the contents, the possibility of the contents moving is a potential source of damage. As large shipping vessels traverse the open ocean, waves and storms can cause unexpectedly aggressive movements.
If there is too much empty space inside the shipping container and the items within are not fully secured, they may end up moving in unpredictable and damaging ways. Individual containers of raw materials can end up spilled and degraded.
Manufactured products can end up cracked or shattered. Importers may have major cargo losses to address, and the exporter who packed the shipping container might ultimately be liable. There could also potentially be insurance to help cover the cargo loss.
Importers dealing with complicated international shipping issues may need assistance documenting their cargo losses and looking at different options for compensation. Working with an experienced international trade attorney can help frustrated importers limit their financial setbacks after an exporter improperly loads an individual shipping container and causes preventable cargo losses.