Cargo Care

To ensure that your cargo arrives at its destination in the same condition when it left the place of origin, it is important that proper care is taken as your cargo could be subjected to various conditions during transportation where problems may arise.

Factors that may impact the condition of your cargo:

  • Long transit up to several weeks
  • Unfavorable weather conditions such as storms and ocean swells
  • Significant fluctuation in temperature

Other concerns such as:

  • Inappropriate packaging used
  • Inappropriate container choice
  • Inaccurate labelling

For some of the more common causes of damage to cargo, please find them below as well as some recommendations which may help prevent such occurrences:

Responsibility of Shipper/Packer

Classification – Customs Code

Before cargoes are shipped, APL requires the shipper to provide our local agency at the time of booking with the international Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) code. This code is compulsory for customs purposes. You can visit ASYCUDA website to find the correct code. If the cargo to be transported is regulated under Dangerous Goods for ocean freight, we will require the UN number on top of the HS code.


Container Transport Unit (CTU) adapted for transportation

To meet your different cargo needs, APL offers a range of container transport units. Please click here to select the most suitable solution for your cargo.
Container Transport Unit


Refer to the CSC plate for the maximum payload allowed

Shippers should not exceed the permissible maximum payload as displayed on the CSC plate that is affixed on the Container Transport Unit.

CSC Plate - Maximum payload authorised

Loading for Ocean Freight

Vessel Rolling up to 45°


During an ocean freight journey, the vessel may roll up to 45° under adverse weather conditions and gravitational forces (acceleration of gravity) up to 3G may occur. As such, to prevent cargoes from moving during the voyage which may result in unnecessary damages, cargoes must be correctly packed, braced, blocked, lashed and secured to the unit.

Training of shore-based crew on handling dangerous cargo

Our shore-based crew who are engaged in the transport of dangerous goods via ocean freight are highly trained and well versed with the related regulations.

Specific cargoes with risks

Specific cargoes with risks Description

Cargo care1

Protected species:
The CMA CGM Group adheres to all international and local laws and regulations, including the protection of endangered species of wild flora and fauna. We are committed to banning any transportation of shark fins.

Cargo care2

 Waste materials are products which the generators have no further use in their production, transformation and consumption, and which they want to dispose of (reference: Basel Convention; EU regulation). When transporting waste materials, we recommend our shippers to check the international regulations as well as local regulations at the ports of loading and ports of discharge.

Cargo care3

 Dangerous goods:
Some goods such as coils, stone blocks, out-of-gauge and breakbulk which are not classified as dangerous in the IMDG Code can still be hazardous during sea transport. If not properly handled, it may cause damages to the vessel or put the lives of our crew in danger.

Cargo care4

 Fumigation:
Fumigation is a hazardous operation involving chemical products which may harm the environment and human life. A fumigated container remains hazardous (IMO Class 9-UNN°3359) until it is ventilated. However, until unstuffing is completed at the final destination, the fumigation warning sign affixed to the door must remain in place.

Cargo care5

Flexitanks:
For flexitanks, the transportation of products classified as hazardous and/or hazardous for the environment is not approved. As a matter of fact, flexitank is not listed in the IMDG Code. To arrange proper stowage onboard the vessel, the container must clearly indicate that it contains a flexitank. At the time of booking, this information should be provided and a warning sign must be affixed to the container. In case of an incident involving flexitank, the risk is a total loss of contents which might cost around $500,000.

Please find some useful links below relating to cargo care:


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