Preparation of cargo for sea transportation in accordance with 4-M rules

Shipment of cargo to a seaport must be carried out in strict compliance with the current “General and Special Rules for the Carriage of Cargoes (4-M)” and the “Rules for the Provision of Cargo Transshipment Services in Seaports”. All operations are performed in accordance with the requirements of state standards (GOST), including, but not limited to, such regulations as GOST 26653-2015 “Preparation of general cargoes for transportation. General requirements” and GOST 15846-2002 “Production for transportation to the areas of the Far North and similar regions. Packing, marking, transportation and storage”.

High-quality preparation of cargo for sea transportation is the key to its integrity under challenging climatic and technological conditions. In accordance with the 4-M rules, properly packed, marked and prepared cargo significantly reduces the risk of damage and loss at all stages of the logistics chain.

Requirements for marine cargo packaging

Cargo destined for the areas of the Far North must be packed strictly in accordance with GOST 15846-2002. Packaging that does not comply with the standard is not accepted by the port and is not allowed for shipment.

Transport containers and packaging for cargo intended for sea transportation must comply with the established standards, technical specifications and working documentation for the product. Where necessary, the packaging must ensure the possibility of using and preserving seals, sealing devices, locks, control tapes and specialized fastening elements for reliable securing on the transport vehicle. In addition, containers and packaging must be adapted for fast, convenient and safe slinging of cargo when it is handled by specialized lifting and transshipment equipment.

The packaging must not contain protruding sharp elements such as nails, wire, metal straps, corners, edges and uneven surfaces that could damage transport vehicles, adjacent cargo units or injure handling personnel.

The specialists of “Malamut Trans” ensure that all work is performed in full compliance with current regulations and standards.

Key stages of cargo preparation under the 4-M rules

• Assessment of the properties and characteristics of the cargo, selection of suitable packaging and unitization means
• Carrying out measures for securing, lashing and consolidating cargo units
• Application of correct and legible marking on containers and packaging
• Verification of packaging, marking and containers for compliance with current standards
• Development of loading and securing plans, taking into account the specifics of sea transportation

Malamut Trans professionally performs packaging, consolidation, stuffing and marking of cargo intended for sea transportation to the areas of the Far North and similar regions. All operations comply with the requirements of GOST 15846-2002, which guarantees the integrity of goods and their safe transportation in harsh climatic conditions.

Types of marine packaging

• Wooden crate packaging: Used to protect goods sensitive to mechanical impacts and adverse weather conditions. Crates are manufactured individually to the dimensions of the cargo. Bubble wrap, cardboard, foam plastic and foam rubber are used to enhance cushioning. The design includes a pallet base, side walls, a lid and a securing metal strap.
• Wooden framing (skeleton crate): Durable packaging for the transportation of materials. Manufactured to the product’s dimensions and consisting of boards, beams, nails and self-tapping screws. The rigidity of the structure ensures maximum safety of the cargo.
• Wire lashing: A cost-effective method for long-length metal products. Hot-rolled wire with a diameter of 6 mm is used.
• Shrink film: Provides protection from snow, rain, sunlight and dirt. Used for additional cargo protection.
• Packing and securing in containers: Customers may purchase containers for stuffing their goods, which is especially relevant for deposits and stand-alone facilities, where containers also serve as on-site storage units.

Key regulatory documents and standards

To ensure the safety and integrity of transported cargo, Malamut Trans adheres to the requirements of the following standards:

• GOST 26653-2015 — “Preparation of general cargoes for transportation. General requirements”; establishes rules for the preparation, packaging, marking and securing of cargo.
  
• GOST 15846-2002 — “Production for transportation to the areas of the Far North and similar regions. Packing, marking, transportation and storage”; sets the requirements for packaging intended for the regions of the Far North.
  
• GOST 14192-96 — “Cargo marking”; standardizes the application of handling symbols and warning information.
  
• Additionally, the requirements of GOST standards on unitization, containerization and securing of cargo are taken into account:
  • GOST ISO 2234-2014 “Packaging. Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads. Methods of test for stacking in static load”;
  • GOST 19848-74 “Interstate standard that sets out general requirements for the transportation of cargo on box and post pallets by all modes of transport.”;
  • GOST R 57479-2017 “National standard of the Russian Federation. Dangerous goods. Marking”;
  • GOST 9570-2016 “Interstate standard entitled ‘Box and post pallets. General specifications’.”

Benefits of working with Malamut Trans

• Professional execution of all stages of preparation and quality control
• Guarantee that packaging and marking comply with marine and Arctic transportation standards
• Selection and design of securing schemes, development of design and technical documentation
• Extensive experience with a wide range of cargo categories: machinery, equipment, metal products, general and unique cargo

Malamut Trans is your expert partner for the preparation and support of cargo for sea and northern transportation in accordance with the 4-M rules and current GOST standards.