Stowage of cargo. What it is and its importance in transportation.

A truck slamming on the brakes. A container crossing the ocean for days. A crate that is incorrectly placed or unsecured. A small error in stowage is all it takes for all the goods to end up damaged, deadlines to be missed and costs to skyrocket.

Proper cargo stowage is more than just placing products inside a vehicle or container. It is planning, distributing and securing each package to withstand vibrations, turns, braking and movements during transport. It is a technical task, yes, but it is also critical to ensure that goods arrive in perfect condition and on schedule.

Even so, it is still one of the most overlooked or poorly executed phases in many logistics operations. In this article we explain what good cargo stowage really means, what regulations govern it and why you should pay more attention to it if you work with international transport.

What is cargo or goods stowage?

Stowage is the process of placing, distributing and securing cargo within a means of transport, whether it is a truck, a truckload, an sea container an airplane or a railroad car, so that it travels safely throughout its journey.

It is not only a matter of “loading” goods, but also of doing so with technical criteria, respecting weight distribution, stability and fastening standards.

Good stowage looks for three things:

That the load does not move during transport.
That it is not damaged and does not cause damage to other products.
That it complies with the current regulations of the country and of the means of transport used.

It is important not to confuse stowage with lashing, which is the set of techniques and materials used to immobilize cargo once stowed (such as straps, ropes, corner protectors or airbags).

Nor is it the same as palletizing which is just a way of grouping and facilitating the handling of goods, but which also requires good stowage on the pallet.

Although each means of transport has its own particularities, the ultimate objective is always the same: to prevent shifting, overturning or deformation that could compromise the safety of the load, the vehicle or the people handling it.

Why is good stowage crucial?

Stevedoring is not a secondary procedure. It is largely responsible for the success of an international transport operation runs smoothly or becomes a logistical and economic problem.

These are some of the reasons why proper stowage is essential:

🔒 1. Safety of goods and persons

When cargo is not properly stowed, it can shift, tip or deform during transit. This not only causes damage to the products, but can also put the integrity of the driver, warehouse operators or even third parties at risk in the event of an accident on the road or in the port.

📉 2. Reduction of costs and claims

Poor underwriting can result in damaged goods, returns, customer penalties or financial losses not covered by insurance. Good stowage reduces the risk of incidents and thus the associated costs.

📦 Space and weight optimization

Efficient stowage makes the best use of the volume available in the means of transport and distributes the weight in a balanced manner. This helps to avoid axle overloads, improves fuel efficiency and allows compliance with the legal limits established for each type of vehicle or container.

⚖️ 4. Regulatory compliance

Each country and each mode of transport has its own regulations on how cargo must be stowed. At the European level, for example, failure to comply with these rules can lead to penalties during technical inspections.

In addition, if an accident occurs, poor stowage may be considered negligence in certain cases, which could lead the insurer to limit or deny coverage, depending on the terms of the policy and the severity of the violation.

Stevedoring regulations in Spain and Europe

The stowage of goods is regulated by different standards that seek to ensure road safety, protect the goods and prevent accidents during transport. These regulations define not only how cargo must be secured, but also who is responsible for securing it and under what conditions it can be inspected.

🧾 Regulation (EU) 2014/47 on technical roadside inspections.

This European regulation establishes the criteria for technical roadside inspections of commercial vehicles, including load securing as a fundamental part of the control.

It introduces basic stowage principles and determines that Member States must carry out random inspections to verify compliance with these standards.

📘 Royal Decree 563/2017 (Spain)

This decree adapts Regulation (EU) 2014/47 to the Spanish legal framework. It details the obligations of carriers regarding the stowage and securing of cargo, establishing the criteria to be followed depending on the type of goods and the means of transport used.

Among other aspects, RD 563/2017 states:

How the load should be distributed in the vehicle.
What fasteners should be used.
What documentation may be required during an inspection.

It also establishes a classification of deficiencies (minor, serious and very serious) related to stevedoring, and the corresponding penalties.

📦 CTU Code (IMO/ILO/UNECE)

The Code of Practice for the Stowage of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code), developed by IMO, ILO and UNECE, provides international guidelines for proper stowage and lashing inside containers, trailers and other intermodal transport.

The CTU Code (IMO/ILO/UNECE) is not legally binding in itself, but is widely used as a reference in international trade and can be binding if incorporated into national regulations, contracts or specific inspections.

⚖️ Other applicable regulations

CMR Convention: regulates the international carriage of goods by road between signatory countries. Although it does not go into details on stowage, it does determine responsibilities in the event of damage or loss.

ISO and EN technical standards: there are specific standards on fastening methods and resistance of the materials used.

Occupational Risk Prevention Law (Law 31/1995): requires that stowage tasks be carried out with safety guarantees for workers.

Types of stowage according to the type of cargo

The way goods are stowed depends largely on their nature, weight, volume, fragility and the means of transport used. There is no single correct way of stowage; each type of cargo requires specific considerations to ensure its stability and safety.

The following is a description of the main types of stowage according to the type of goods and transport:

🚢 1. Stowage in sea containers

The maritime transport usually involves long distances, sudden movements due to waves and changes in temperature and humidity. Container stowage must take into account:

Uniform weight distribution to avoid decompensation.
Use of lashings, spreaders, corner protectors and airbags to immobilize cargo.
Protection against condensation (desiccants, ventilation, protective film).
Cargo adjusted to the limits of the container (maximum gross weight and useful volume).
The CTU Code is the main technical reference for this type of stowage.

🚛 2. Stowage in trucks or trailers

In the road transport the load is exposed to braking, curves, speed changes and constant vibrations. Stowage must ensure:

The center of gravity should be stable and as low as possible.
That the weight is evenly distributed between axles.
That appropriate restraint devices (webbing, nets, bars, etc.) are used.
Compliance with roadside inspection regulations (such as RD 563/2017).

In addition, it is important to verify the compatibility between the stowage and the vehicle’s restraint systems (such as rings, guides or anti-slip surfaces).

✈️ 3. Stowage in air transport

The air transport requires extremely precise stowage, as aircraft have strict weight, volume and load distribution limits:

Each package must be perfectly identified, protected and documented.
Goods are usually consolidated in ULDs (Unit Load Devices), which group specific pallets or containers.
It is essential to avoid any displacement during flight, as this may affect the balance of the aircraft.

☢️ Stowage of dangerous goods

This type of goods requires special treatment according to their classification (ADR/IMO/IATA classes):

Approved packaging and appropriate signage must be used.
Stowage must prevent any contact or reaction between incompatible substances.
In many cases, there are specific areas of the vehicle or container where the goods must be placed (e.g. away from heat sources or separated from food products).
The personnel in charge of stowage must be properly trained and accredited.
In the case of dangerous goods, specific regulations apply depending on the means of transport, such as the ADR for road transport, the IMDG Code for maritime transport and the IATA regulations for air transport.

🌡️ 5. Stowage in temperature-controlled transport

For pharmaceutical, food or chemical products, stowage must ensure not only physical stability, but also the preservation of the cold chain:

Obstructions in the ventilation systems are avoided.
The load must not come into direct contact with walls or floors if there is a risk of freezing or heating.
Isothermal separators or heat packs are used to reinforce protection.

Elements, techniques and materials used in the stowage process

Safe and efficient stowage depends not only on how the cargo is positioned, but also on the elements used to secure and protect it during transport. The choice of materials and techniques must be adapted to the characteristics of the goods, the means of transport and the applicable regulations.

The main components and procedures used in professional stevedoring operations are detailed below:

Pallets and loading platforms

Pallets, mainly of European type (EUR/EPAL), o American (GMA) are the basis for easy handling and loading of goods.

They must be in good condition, with a stable surface and without breaks.

The load distribution on the pallet must be uniform and respect the weight limits per surface.

Dividers, corner pieces and corner pieces

They are used to protect the edges of the goods and to better distribute the pressure exerted by fastening elements such as straps or straps.

They help to avoid deformations in cardboard or plastic packaging.

Straps, straps and nets for fastening

Textile webbing with ratchet buckle is one of the most common restraint systems. They must comply with EN 12195-2 and offer adequate strength for the weight of the load.

Strapping can be made of plastic, polyester or steel, and is used to secure unit loads to the pallet.

The main applications of the securing nets are in air transport and light cargo.

Airbags or cushioning cushions

They are placed in the gaps between packages or between the cargo and the container walls to prevent shifting during transport.

They are widely used in long distance maritime and land transportation.

They must be inflated to the correct pressure and placed in stable areas.

Non-skid floors and friction mats

They are placed under the load or between layers to increase friction and prevent displacement.

Its use is especially useful in compact loads with smooth or heavy surfaces.

They can be made of rubber, textile fibers or special compounds.

Load planning technology

The use of specialized software allows the simulation of load stowage and distribution, taking into account weight, volume, center of gravity, compatibilities and regulatory restrictions.

Some systems include sensors to measure vibrations or inclinations during travel.

These tools help prevent human error and optimize space utilization.

Basic good stowage practices

Do not leave empty spaces unsecured.

Not to exceed the payload or volume limits of the means of transport.

Place the heaviest goods at the bottom and as close as possible to the vehicle’s center of gravity.

Periodically check restraint systems during the trip, when possible.

Risks and consequences of poor stowage

Incorrect stowage not only compromises cargo safety, but can also have serious operational, legal and economic consequences. In the context of international transport, where multiple players, means and regulations are involved, minimizing the risks associated with improper stowage is essential to ensure business continuity.

⚠️ 1. Damage to merchandise

When the load is not properly secured or distributed, it can shift, tip over, crush or suffer shocks during transit.

This is especially problematic for fragile, perishable or dangerous goods, where an incident can result in the total loss of the product and put other cargo at risk.

🚧 Occupational and traffic accidents

An improperly stowed load can alter the behavior of the vehicle, affect its stability or cause rollovers in curves, braking or abrupt maneuvers.

It also increases the risk of accidents during loading and unloading operations, both in warehouses and on docks or logistics platforms.

In some cases, these accidents can be fatal.

🛑 Inspections, sanctions and blockades

Traffic and customs control authorities can inspect stowage on the road or in ports. If deficiencies are detected, they can immobilize the vehicle, impose financial penalties or even prohibit the continuation of transport until the errors are rectified.

📄 Insurance problems and legal liabilities

In the event of an accident or damage to the goods, insurers may refuse to cover the costs if it is proven that improper stowage was the cause.

In addition, poor stowage can lead to disputes between shipper, carrier and consignee, especially if it is not clearly established who assumed responsibility in the contract of carriage.

💰 5. Logistics costs and loss of trust

In addition to direct damage, poor stowage can lead to delays, the need for re-shipments, stock-outs, contractual penalties and loss of customer confidence.

In sensitive sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals or e-commerce these errors can have a direct impact on the company’s reputation.

Across Logistics: ensuring safety, compliance and efficiency in every shipment

Proper stowage management is only one part of a safe, efficient and compliant logistics operation. In this context, relying on a global operator like Across Logistics is a guarantee of control, expertise and reliability at every stage of the supply chain.

Across Logistics works with companies in highly demanding sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, automotive and chemicals. These sectors require not only operational efficiency, but also strict compliance with technical, sanitary and customs regulations.

Among the elements that define Across Logistics’ professional approach are:

✅ Technical supervision of critical processes, such as stowage, lashing and specialized handling of goods.

🚢 Adaptation to multimodal transport, ensuring that each change of medium maintains the required levels of protection and support.

📋 Compliance with international standards, thanks to certifications such as AEO (Authorized Economic Operator), IATA or GDP, among others.

🌍 Global presence with local control, allowing us to act with agility in ports, airports and key international logistics centers.

🔎 Commitment to sustainability and traceability, with solutions that integrate technology for transparent and responsible management of shipments.

In complex operations, it is not enough to rely on documentation or fastening systems. Real safety is ensured with experience, well-defined protocols and a team that understands what is at stake in every cubic meter of cargo.

And that is precisely what Across Logistics offers.

Frequently asked questions about cargo stowage

Who is responsible for cargo stowage?

It depends on the type of transport contract and the Incoterm used. In many cases, the responsibility falls on the shipper (the company that prepares the goods), but if an integral logistics operator is contracted, it usually assumes the entire process, including stowage in accordance with regulations.

In road transport, the driver may refuse to circulate if he detects that the cargo is not correctly stowed, provided that he notifies the situation to the shipper or carrier and complies with the procedures established in regulations such as the CMR Convention or Royal Decree 563/2017.

Is stowage the same as lashing?

No. Stowage refers to how cargo is organized, distributed and placed within the conveyance. Lashing is the process of securing that cargo by means of elements such as straps, ropes, bars or nets. They are two complementary and equally important phases.

What happens if the cargo moves during transit?

A shift can cause damage to the goods, affect the stability of the vehicle and put people and property at risk. In addition, it may be considered a violation in case of inspection and lead to penalties. If the movement is due to improper stowage, the insurer may refuse to cover the claim.

Is stowage the same for all modes of transport?

No. Each mode of transport – sea, land, air or rail – has different physical conditions, regulations and requirements. Therefore, stowage must be adapted to factors such as the type of cargo, the duration of the journey, intermediate handling or expected movements (vibrations, turns, accelerations, waves…).

What are the penalties for improper stowage?

According to Royal Decree 563/2017 in Spain, improper stowage can result in penalties classified as minor, serious or very serious, depending on the risk generated. In addition, the authorities can immobilize the vehicle until the situation is corrected, leading to operational delays and additional costs.