This storing protects cargoes from any damage caused by sun rays, snow, rain and by some other factors. Only a few kinds of machinery and equipment packed in boxes can be placed on quays without roof protection. Warehouses and sheds are used for storing cargoes during any periods of time before they are conveyed to the quays and loaded on board ships.
There are single-floor-, two-floor- and multifloor sheds and warehouses in a modern port. In the warehouses special care should be taken to ensure even distribution of natural and artificial lightning. Walls, roofs and columns should be painted in light colours. Floors must be strong and they must withstand considerable weight of the packages stowed. The construction of warehouses and sheds must be such as to avoid the difficulty in arranging the flow of cargoes from the various floors without interruption.
Loading cargo into warehouses and sheds involves several steps to ensure efficiency and safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide:1. Preparation
- Documentation: Ensure all necessary documentation (invoices, packing lists, etc.) is in order.
- Space Allocation: Designate specific areas within the warehouse or shed for different types of cargo.
- Equipment Check: Ensure all equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyor belts) is in working condition.
2. Receiving Cargo
- Inspection: Inspect the incoming cargo for any visible damages.
- Verification: Verify the cargo against the documentation to ensure accuracy in type, quantity, and condition.
3. Unloading
- Safety: Use appropriate safety gear and follow safety protocols.
- Method: Use forklifts, pallet jacks, or manual methods as required to unload the cargo.
- Placement: Place the cargo in the designated areas for inspection and storage.
4. Storage
- Inventory Management: Update inventory systems to reflect the new cargo.
- Organization: Organize the cargo based on factors like size, weight, perishability, and frequency of access.
- Labeling: Label the cargo clearly with relevant information such as item type, quantity, and date of storage.
5. Handling and Movement
- Training: Ensure staff are trained in proper handling techniques to prevent damage.
- Routes: Plan efficient routes for moving cargo within the warehouse to minimize handling time and reduce the risk of accidents.
6. Loading for Dispatch
- Preparation: Prepare cargo for dispatch by gathering and organizing it in a staging area.
- Verification: Double-check documentation to ensure the right items are being loaded.
- Loading: Use appropriate equipment to load cargo onto trucks or other transport vehicles.
7. Safety Protocols
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure all personnel wear appropriate PPE.
- Emergency Procedures: Have clear procedures in place for emergencies such as spills, accidents, or fires.
- Regular Training: Conduct regular training sessions on safety and handling procedures.
8. Technology Integration
- Inventory Systems: Use inventory management systems for tracking cargo.
- Automation: Implement automated systems for repetitive tasks to increase efficiency.
- Monitoring: Use CCTV and other monitoring systems for security and to oversee operations.
9. Maintenance
- Regular Checks: Conduct regular maintenance checks on equipment.
- Repairs: Address any repairs immediately to avoid disruptions.
10. Environmental Considerations
- Waste Management: Implement a waste management system to handle packaging materials and other waste.
- Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient lighting and equipment to reduce costs and environmental impact.
11. Documentation and Reporting
- Records: Maintain accurate records of all cargo movements.
- Reporting: Regularly report on inventory levels, damages, and other key metrics.
Tools and Equipment Commonly Used
- Forklifts
- Pallet Jacks
- Conveyor Belts
- Cranes
- Hand Trucks
- Dock Levelers
Best Practices
- Lean Management: Implement lean management techniques to improve efficiency.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and improve processes.
- Customer Focus: Ensure customer requirements and satisfaction are a priority in handling and storing cargo.
By following these steps and best practices, you can ensure efficient and safe loading and storage of cargo in warehouses and sheds.
Clearances between the packages stowed in the space of the warehouse must be quite sufficient for free shifting and trimming the cargo. Perishable goods such as fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, paultry, butter and some other goods are kept in port cold-stores. Port's warehouses and sheds are linked with quays by railways and asphalt roads. This makes transportation of goods from the warehouses to the ships easy and convenient.
