Cargo Handling
Stuffing, destuffing, transloading
Container stuffing and destuffing at every WCL hub; transloading between carriers; CFS pick-and-pack.
Cargo handling is the in-between work that the customs broker doesn't do and the carrier doesn't do — stuffing, destuffing, transloading, palletising, and moving cargo between modes. It's invisible when it works and catastrophic when it doesn't (think: container stuffed wrong-end-first, breakbulk damaged from improper dunnage, transloaded cargo missing 3 cartons).
WCL operates cargo-handling teams at every WCL hub — Mumbai (JNPT/BPT), Ahmedabad (Sanand, Khodiyar, Thar and Sabarmati ICDs), Gandhidham (Mundra/Kandla), Jodhpur (CONCOR, Rajsico and THAR Dry Port), New Delhi (TKD, Patparganj, Dadri and Sonipat ICDs). We supervise the physical movement of cargo with the trained labour, equipment, and discipline that protects against shrinkage, damage, and carrier disputes.
Particular depth in stuffing and destuffing complex loads — fragile cargo, breakbulk, project cargo, palletised loads, and FBA-compliant cartons. We work with surveyors from London Salvage / Lloyd's-approved firms for high-value cargo where independent attestation is required for insurance.
Everything we cover for Cargo Handling
Our process — step by step
Pre-handling brief
We review the cargo manifest, packing list, cargo type, fragility, and any handling sensitivities (e.g. food-grade, pharma, fragile electronics).
Pre-stuffing inspection
Container interior inspected for cleanliness, dryness, damage. Suitable-for-cargo certified.
Stuffing or destuffing
Trained team executes the operation under our supervisor. Each carton scanned (where bar-coded), weighed (where needed), photographed.
Sealing / handover
On stuffing: container sealed with carrier seal + WCL custody seal. Seal numbers recorded. VGM declaration filed. On destuffing: cargo handed to onward transporter or warehouse with delivery receipt.
Documentation handover
Photos, weight records, seal numbers, and any anomalies (over-package, under-package, damage) documented in the handling report.
Why exporters / importers pick us for Cargo Handling
- Trained handling teams at every WCL hub (not subcontracted labour)
- Surveyor relationships with Lloyd's / London Salvage approved firms
- Photo + video documentation at every handling milestone
- Combined handling + customs + freight = no finger-pointing between vendors
What we'll typically need
Questions clients ask us about Cargo Handling
Why use a third-party handling team instead of carrier-supplied labour?
Two reasons. (1) Quality — WCL handling teams are trained, supervised, and accountable to you, not to the carrier. (2) Independence — if damage happens during stuffing, the carrier-supplied labour's records protect the carrier, not you. Our records protect you.
Do you handle hazardous / DG cargo?
Yes — IATA DGR-trained handlers for air-side DG (lithium batteries, chemicals), IMDG-trained for sea-side DG. Proper segregation, labelling, marking per the regulations.
Can you supervise stuffing at the supplier factory in another country?
Yes — our overseas inspection team (see Overseas Cargo Inspection service) covers stuffing supervision at supplier factories in China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Turkey, UAE. Same WhatsApp updates and photo evidence.
What if cargo is damaged during handling?
Handling report documents damage at point of occurrence. Surveyor report (where engaged) provides independent attestation. Insurance claim filed within 24 hours. We don't hand cargo to the next leg with un-noted damage.
Ready to move on this?
Tell us the shipment specifics — we'll turn around a binding quote in under 4 working hours.