Furniture container loading checklist

Before loading

1. Container number matches the booking — same number will sit on B/L and packing list.

2. Floor is clean, no protruding metal or nails — protects cartons on the voyage.

3. No holes in walls or roof — check from inside with doors closed — light leaks mean water risk.

4. Doors seal properly — door gasket intact before cargo goes in.

During loading

1. Photos: container on arrival, empty interior, loading in progress — evidence set for claims.

2. Heavy items at the bottom, mirrors and glass secured — crush and break risk.

3. Packing marks visible — orientation and fragile marks readable.

Before the doors close

1. Photos of the fully loaded container — open-door full view.

2. Seal applied and photographed — seal number readable in the frame.

3. Seal number recorded and sent — must match documents.

After loading

1. Packing list matches actual count — stop mismatches before papers leave.

2. Export declaration filed — origin customs on time.

3. Documents sent by courier — as stated on the order confirmation.

Plan before the booking

Most loading-day problems start earlier. Size the load before you book the container, agree who books the main carriage, and check the customs codes so the packing list and the papers match what goes in.

• To plan packed volume, use the furniture container loading calculator.
• For furniture shipping terms, see the furniture shipping terms guide.
• To check default customs codes, use the furniture HS code finder.
• For loads into Iraq, read importing furniture from Turkey to Iraq.
• For matching and mixed loads, see furniture sourcing and consolidation.

FAQ

Can you run these checks on my load?

Send us the categories you want to load, your destination market and the month you plan to load on WhatsApp. We confirm loading checks and the document set only on a quotation for that programme — this page does not book freight or publish rates.