Container loading checklist: what to check and photograph
A good container loading check covers three stages: the empty container, the loading, and the seal. Photograph each stage as you go, because a missing photo cannot be retaken once the doors are closed.
1. Empty container
- Container number matches the booking.
- CSC safety plate is present and valid.
- Inside is clean, dry and free of odour, nails and old residue.
- No holes: close the doors from inside and look for daylight.
- Floor, walls, roof and door seals are undamaged, and the doors lock properly.
Photograph: the container number, the open empty interior, the floor, the roof, and any defect.
2. Goods before loading
- Items and carton counts match the packing list.
- Shipping marks and labels are correct and readable.
- Cartons are dry and undamaged.
- Calculated gross weight is within the payload and road limits.
- The verified gross mass (VGM) will be declared to the carrier as required under SOLAS.
3. During loading
- Follow the loading plan, with heavy cartons at the bottom and light ones on top.
- Spread the weight evenly across the floor and along the length of the container.
- Keep carton arrows upright and respect stacking limits.
- Fill gaps or brace the load with dunnage or airbags so cartons cannot shift.
- Count cartons as they go in, and record any shortage or damage on the spot.
Photograph: progress at regular points. LoadTrue prompts for one photo every 20%.
4. Closing and sealing
- Final carton count matches the plan, or the shortage is recorded.
- The load at the door is secured and will not fall when the door is opened.
- Seal is applied to the correct door and the seal number is recorded. Many carriers and security programmes expect a high-security seal to ISO 17712.
Photograph: the last row with the doors open, one door closed, and the seal with its number legible.
This is a general checklist. For a security inspection, see the 7-point container inspection. For dangerous goods, food, or goods with special requirements, follow the carrier's rules and the IMO/ILO/UNECE CTU Code.
LoadTrue builds these photo steps into a phone-based supervision flow and turns the result into a loading report.