4 Key Considerations for Shipping Bulk Bags in Containers

Bulk bags—also known as FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers), jumbo bags, or ton bags—are widely used for transporting agricultural products, fertilizers, minerals, and other granular or powdered goods. While these bags offer great flexibility and cost-effectiveness, shipping them in containers comes with its own set of challenges. Poor loading methods or insufficient reinforcement can lead to damage, loss, or safety risks during transit.

Here are four key things to consider when using bulk bags in container shipping:

1. Respect Container Weight Limits
Each bulk bag typically holds between 500 kg to 2000 kg, depending on the product and the bag’s construction. However, the total weight must stay within the container’s rated capacity. For example, a standard 40-foot container can generally carry around 26 bulk bags if each holds approximately 1,000 kg.
Always check the container’s tare weight, maximum payload, and gross weight indicated on the door. Overloading a container can result in penalties, delays, and serious safety issues during transport or unloading

2. Select the Right Loading Method
There are two common ways to load bulk bags into containers:
· Direct stacking: Bulk bags are lifted and placed directly into the container without pallets. This method makes the most of the available space and is ideal for ports with bulk-handling equipment.
· Palletized loading: Bulk bags are placed on pallets and then loaded into the container. This method adds stability, makes unloading easier, and may be required by some customers or customs authorities.
Choose the method that best suits your cargo type, logistics conditions, and destination country’s handling requirements.

3. Apply Proper Loading Principles
How bags are arranged inside the container matters. There are two typical approaches:
· Centered loading: Each pair of bulk bags is aligned along the container’s centerline, with no gaps between bags, and space between bags and sidewalls is filled with padding or braces.
· Side-by-side loading: Bulk bags are placed tightly against both sidewalls, with gaps between the bags reinforced. In either case, the goal is to prevent shifting or tilting during movement
Loose or unevenly distributed cargo can cause dangerous imbalances, especially in rail transport or long sea voyages.

4. Use Reliable Reinforcement Materials
Bulk bags are flexible containers and can deform or shift if not properly secured. To stabilize the cargo:
· Use wooden bracing or frames to support side gaps.
· Insert inflatable dunnage bags to fill spaces between rows or against the container wall.
· Apply straps or nets if required for additional hold
· Proper reinforcement protects the bags from collapsing or moving, which reduces the risk of product loss or damage.

Final Thoughts
While bulk bags offer high efficiency in handling and transport, proper loading and securing practices are essential to prevent costly issues. Our bulk bags are designed to handle 500–2000 kg, with options for liners, coated fabrics, and custom sizes to fit your needs.

If you’re planning container shipments, feel free to contact our team—we’re here to help you choose the right bag and ensure a safe, efficient delivery every time.