Overview

Metal cargo is dense, heavy, and sensitive to moisture, pressure, and impact. Proper packaging, load planning, and moisture control help prevent rust, dents, bending, floor damage, and handling risks.

Key Product Categories

Raw & Semi-Finished Metals

Steel coils, billets, rods, bars, sheets, plates

Fabricated Industrial Components

Machine parts, profiles, fittings

Metal Consumer Goods

Cookware, utensils, décor goods

Engineered Assemblies

Welded structures, modular frames

Key Logistics Challenges & Best Practices

Weight Concentration & Handling Safety
Why it matters: Metals are dense — improper handling can cause cargo shifts, floor damage, or accidents.
Guidelines:
  • Mark weight clearly
  • Forklift/crane planning for heavy pieces
  • Even container weight distribution
  • Strong pallets or metal skids where required
  • An uneven metal load can tilt or break container floors.
Rust, Corrosion & Moisture Damage
Why it matters: Humidity and salt air cause oxidation, rust, and stains.
Guidelines:
  • Apply anti-rust oil (as applicable)
  • Wrap using VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) film
  • Desiccant bags for ocean transit
  • Load in dry, clean environment
  • Corrosion can make metal unusable in precision applications.
Impact & Abrasion Protection
Why it matters: Metal scratches and dents easily if rubbed or struck.
Guidelines:
  • Use cardboard, rubber, or foam separators
  • Edge guards for strapped bundles
  • Strong blocking/bracing to prevent shifting
  • Ocean motion is a common cause of denting and abrasion.
Shape & Integrity Preservation
Why it matters: Long profiles and thin sections can bend under load.
Guidelines:
  • Support beams or cradles for long items
  • Crate long or slender goods
  • Heavy items on bottom, light on top
  • Deformation often happens when unsupported beams flex during transit.

Required Documents (Clear Meaning)

Document Why It Matters
Commercial Invoice & Packing List Defines HS code, weight, packing method, and product description
Certificate of Origin — confirms where the goods were manufactured (COO) Required by many customs authorities and trade programs
Mill Test Certificate (MTC) Confirms metal grade & chemical/physical properties
Packing declaration Shows pallet/crate type and protection used
Export clearance documents (if controlled grade) Some metal grades have export restrictions depending on region
Note: Most metal cargo is non-hazardous unless treated with oils, coating chemicals, or preservatives — in which case an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) may be required.

Destination Notes

United States
  • COO often required
  • Certain steel items evaluated for import tariffs
European Union
  • COO frequently checked
  • Steel materials may fall under trade control programs
Middle East
  • COO mandatory in most markets
  • Project cargo may require site coordination

Transport & Equipment Options

Mode Best For
20'/40' Dry Container Sheets, bars, boxed components
Flat-rack Oversized steel structures, beams
Open-top Tall fabricated units
Breakbulk / Bulk Vessel Coils, billets, large industrial loads
General practice: Block & brace metal bundles securely, Use wooden or steel dunnage, Heavy on bottom — light on top, Metal shipments need safe stuffing plans to prevent container floor damage.

HS Code Examples

HS Code Description
7208–7212 Steel sheets/plates
7213 / 7214 Steel bars/rods
7318 Fasteners (bolts, screws)
7610 Aluminum structures

(Confirm final 8–10 digit tariff code by country)

FAQs

Do metals always need anti-corrosion packing?

Recommended for ocean shipments — humidity can cause rust even in sealed containers.

Can steel coils load in standard containers?

Yes, if floor strength and coil cradles are ensured.

What causes damage to metal cargo?

Poor bracing, moisture exposure, and rubbing during sea movement.

Is a Certificate of Origin mandatory?

Commonly required for metal shipments due to trade controls and duty programs.

How do you ship long metal profiles safely?

Crates or frames, end-protection, proper support points, and secure tie-downs.

Need help planning metal shipments

We assist with load securing, moisture protection, documentation checks, and transport planning for steel, aluminum, and fabricated metal goods.