Stacking

Stacking is a professional term in foreign trade logistics and warehousing, referring to the operation of placing goods layer by layer upward according to certain rules in warehouses, containers, or transport vehicles. Its core purpose is to maximize space utilization, improve loading efficiency, and ensure transport safety. Usage scenarios include: container stuffing, port yards, bonded warehouses, and LCL consolidation. Precautions: consider cargo load-bearing capacity, packaging strength, center-of-gravity balance, and whether inversion is allowed; heavy cargo is usually placed at the bottom, light cargo on top; different categories of goods should avoid mixed stacking to prevent contamination or damage. Unlike 'Storage', stacking emphasizes the action and method of placing, while storage focuses on the state of being kept; unlike 'Loading', stacking pays more attention to the layered structure rather than simply loading goods. In foreign trade contracts or letters of credit, if 'No Stacking' is stipulated, it means the cargo packaging cannot bear any pressure from above, and the carrier must place it separately and flat; otherwise, they may bear liability for cargo damage. Therefore, foreign trade practitioners need to clarify stacking requirements in booking, container loading, and documents to avoid disputes.