When transporting filled Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers or Bulk Bags, you must stay alert and be aware of possible risks to FIBCs, contents, and personnel.

Here’s how you can keep yourself, your team, and FIBCs safe and secure during transportation:

• Always refer to the FIBC manufacturer’s recommendations and information printed on the label or FIBC, as well as adhere to all applicable regulations and safety requirements.
• When transporting FIBCs by truck or in a freight container, stow the cargo in a safe and stable fashion. The FIBCs must not be transported with other cargo with sharp edges or rough surfaces that can damage the FIBC.
• When packed into freight containers, ensure the FIBCs are evenly distributed and secured with any spaces between bags being filed by air bags or other means.
• If filled, the FIBCs must be stacked when transported. We recommend using a pyramid or supported stacking method. Under the Pyramid Method, each bag above the first layer must rest on at least four lower bags. Each layer is tiered inward, forming a pyramid-shaped structure. Under the Supported Method, the bags are stacked against two retaining walls of sufficient strength to keep them stable.
• Use a forklift rather than a crane to load FIBCs into a ship’s cargo hold in order to (1) avoid scraping the bag against the ship’s side or the hold’s walls or opening and (2) avoid shock loading (sudden stops or jerks) to it and nearby bags.
• If FIBCs are placed temporarily on the dock to await transport, ensure the area is clear of sharp obstacles such as stones, pieces of wood, or scrap metal to avoid damage to the base of the container.
• When carried on trailers, evenly distribute, securely lash, and cover the FIBCs.

For detailed information on safe transportation and more, please refer to the FIBC Safe Handling Guidelines or contact one of our FlexSack Experts at sales@flexsack.com.