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Frequently Asked Questions

1. General tips for shipping out of gauge shipments

The proper stowage, securing and handling of out of gauge (OOG) cargoes can present many challenges and issues. ZIM has a wealth of experience in the carriage of such cargoes and offers the following guidelines to its customers:

Flat Racks

Upon receipt, you should check the condition of the flat rack and ensure that that it is fit for your requirements. If the container is damaged do not attempt to repair and request to have it replaced with a sound container. It is important to note that the height of the end walls differs between a 40 ft. flat rack (1.943 meters/76.1”) and a 20 ft. flat rack (2.231 meters / 91.4”). So cargo that may not be over height for a 20 ft. flat rack may well be over height for a 40 ft. flat rack.

Center of Gravity

Proper determination and identification of the center of gravity for the cargo is of great importance. If the center of gravity of the cargo is not determined and taken into consideration before stuffing, the cargo may well be susceptible to shifting off the flat rack during transit resulting in cargo damage and possible personal injuries. The weight of the cargo should be centered on the flat rack. When shipping wooden crates, it is always preferable to mark the center of gravity on the exterior of the crate for handling and securing reference purposes.

Dunnage

The weight of the cargo must be properly distributed over the length of the flat rack. It is preferable that the weight be spread in such a manner that the load does not exceed 2,500 pounds per liner foot (inside dimensions) of the flat rack. Dunnage and wooden blocks must be made of hardwood and free of defects and insects. Short pieces of wood and wooden pallets should not be utilized as dunnage.

Lashing

Lashing of the cargo must be carried out in accordance with “IMO MSC/CIRC 745 GUIDLINES FOR CARGO SECURING MANUAL AND GOOD SEAMANSHIP PRACTICE”. Lashing materials (wires, chains, rods, tensioners, turnbuckles, etc.) must be of an approved time and of suitable size and capacity taking into consideration the weight of cargo to be secured. As a general rule of thumb, the combined breaking strength of the lashings to be used must be at least 1.8 times the weight of cargo to be secured. Suitable “chafing gear” and/or “softeners” is to be fitted on the lashings in way of any areas in which the lashings make contact with the cargo, other lashings or the structure of the flat rack itself in order to prevent excessive wear and subsequent failure of the lashings. All ZIM flat racks are fitted with specially designed lashing points and “eye rings”. Lashings are not to be secured to any ot

Wheeled Cargo

When preparing the stowage and securing plan for wheeled cargo, the wheelbase dimensions of the cargo must be considered in order to determine whether or not the cargo will be out of gauge. Wheeled cargo must be secured with proper lashings, however, the wheels are to be further provided with wooden blocks. The wooden blocks used for this purpose must be as wide as they are high.

Lashing Certificate

The stowage and securing of the cargo on a flat rack should be supervised by a competent cargo surveyor. ZIM will require that all Shippers of flat rack provide a lashing certificate issued by a competent cargo surveyor prior to acceptance and loading of the cargo. If the Shipper does not provide the lashing certificate, ZIM will nominate an independent surveyor to confirm safe loading, lashing and protection of the cargo against the normal risks of ocean transportation. The costs for such surveyor attendance are for the account of the Merchant.

Marking

If the cargo is over height, over length and/or over width, the protruding dimensions should marked in red or yellow paint in order to clearly identify these areas and serve to prevent possible handling damage.

Loading/Discharge

Depending upon the type, size and nature of the cargo, ZIM may require loading and discharging of the flat rack to take place under the supervision of a competent cargo surveyor. The cost of which is to be for the account of the Merchant.

Stowage

Due to the size of the cargo, certain shipments may require “on deck” stowage. In such cases, an “on deck” stowage remark must be endorsed on the Bill of Lading.