# Cargo securing in a container

*Last updated: 2026-06-18*

> Shippers, freight forwarders, and container operators share responsibility for cargo securing inside a container, since under international maritime law the party that packed and stowed the unit is liable for damage caused by inadequate securing.

Shippers, freight forwarders, and container operators share responsibility for cargo securing inside a container, since under international maritime law the party that packed and stowed the unit is liable for damage caused by inadequate securing. Common methods include lashing straps, anti-slip mats, dunnage, blocking and bracing, and tight stowage that eliminates voids. The IMO and the CTU Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units set binding minimum standards governing load distribution, stacking heights, and permissible forces. Poorly secured cargo shifts during the rolling and pitching motions of a sea voyage, risking product damage, compromised vessel stability, and potential general average contributions. This is distinct from container securing on board, which refers to locking containers to the ship's deck or cell guides.

**Source:** [https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/CargoSecuring.aspx](https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/CargoSecuring.aspx)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Cargo securing in a container |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 123 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-18 |
| Source | https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Pages/CargoSecuring.aspx |

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