In order to reduce the number of claims from the carriage of scrap metal the Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) published a set of guidelines to ensure that this type of cargo is properly packaged, declared and carried.
Metal scrap is recyclable materials left over from product manufacturing and consumption, such as parts of vehicles, building supplies, and surplus materials. Metal scrap is considered waste, and shippers are required to make sure their shipments are in compliance.
Heavy pieces of metal scrap might damage soft sidewalls and floors of containers if the incorrect sizes of metal scrap are loaded or the wrong loading method is used. Scrap containing radioactivity is a further issue.
Below you can see CINS guidelines regarding packaging and carrying of cargo:
- Metal scrap is usually shipped in standard dry freight containers. It is recommended to select older container units for the carriage of such commodities.
- Metal scrap might be shipped in an open top container, making the stuffing possible by way of a peel grab. The container operator or carrier must explicitly permit the use of an open top container.
- For metal scrap in bulk, the container walls and floor should be protected by plywood or similar, depending on the nature and shape of the scrap.
It is important to make sure that the cargo will not push against the doors during transport. - Stuffing by way of pouring scrap into the container tilted on its front end is extremely damaging to containers and is not allowed. The scrap must be loaded into the container in a horizontal position, for example by means of a bob cat.
- Cargo must be loaded and/or secured in such a manner that it is not able to move during transportation. The container payload must not to be exceeded.
- Discharging a container must be done in a horizontal position as well. Tipping the container to empty metal scrap damages the container floor and side walls.
For further information regarding the carriage of scrap metal, click the PDF herebelow
