Container devanning is an often overlooked but deeply essential step in a successful supply chain process. It is the process of unloading and sorting goods from a container that has been transported by sea, road or rail and then acting as a middleman/quality check during the container’s journey from the distribution centre to the customer. Container devanning is a labour-intensive task, but it ensures that the right goods are distributed to their intended destination quickly and efficiently and that any damages are reported and sent back far quicker.
What is Devanning?
Devanning is the process of unloading goods from containers or trailers once they arrive at a warehouse or distribution centre. It involves carefully removing and sorting cargo with agility, whether they are packed as pallets, boxes, cartons or loose items. This process is essential to avoid delays and reduce additional transportation time and costs associated with damaged items or demurrage charges.
At LTS Global Solutions, our container devanning services are designed to handle both standard and complex freight efficiently, with a focus on safety, accuracy and minimising disruption to the supply chain.
How are Containers Devanned?
Container devanning starts by taking delivery of the shipment and transferring it safely into our logistics centre. The items are subject to sorting based on their final destinations and are then quality checked. These checks are to spot any dents that could have damaged the items or any openings where items could have gone missing.
These checks are meticulous, and any abnormalities will be reported to you to raise with the distributor at an earlier stage. Once all checks are complete, the freight is stored safely and correctly, ready to make the next stage of its journey from us for you.
The Devanning Process
Receiving Goods in the UK
The first step of the container devanning process is receiving the delivery in the UK. Whether by air, port or road, the containers will be checked and cleared through customs. Then they make their way to our logistics hub where the devanning process can begin.
Container Unloading Procedures
We have a team of experienced warehouse and logistics workers who go through regular training to ensure that there will be no damage to your products during unloading onto our shopfloor. The unloading procedures involve sorting items into product type for effective storage, or they could be sorted into delivery zones, and making sure that consignments with multiple pallets/boxes across their order stay together.
Counterbalance Forklift Operations
A counterbalance forklift is designed with a heavier weight on the back end of it to offset the bulk load being carried by the forks at the front. These are the most suitable vehicles for nearly all warehouse freight management, including container devanning. They are used for loading and unloading lorries, moving stock around the shop floor and are essential for heavy palletised goods.
Counterbalance forklifts require all drivers to pass numerous tests on their safe use and is a highly desirable certification that is taken seriously by those who carry it, so you can be sure that your items are in good hands.
Dock-Level Handling and Unloading
Dock-level handling and unloading is the process of receiving, unloading and transferring goods around a dock area and loading bays. Safety and efficiency are paramount in these situations, as running the dock poorly can increase lead times on deliveries exponentially. Safety is crucial to all ends of a business, especially with the level of machinery used for container devanning.
Dock-level handling can involve the use of anything from counterbalance forklifts, dock levellers, conveyors, carts and pallet trucks.
Manual Handling of Goods
Even with the rise of efficient and powerful logistics equipment, manual manipulation of goods will still be needed. This is done via pallet trucks, pump trucks, manual carts, dolly trucks and handballing. There are numerous safety protocols around this topic, with every work area like a dock requiring its team to go through manual handling training. This teaches people the correct way to lift items and not to solo-lift anything above 25kg.
Health and safety are not just for the person in this scenario, as busy areas like these will have specific walkways to use. These walkways must always be kept clear, with even the slightest overhang being classed as a near miss. This prevents staff members from tripping over items and potentially injuring themselves and/or damaging the goods.
Advanced Warehouse Management Systems
Warehouse management systems (WMS) work just like any other customer or sales management systems. They are expansive, specialised software that have been designed to optimise the efficiency of warehouse operations. These systems can track and provide information on order inventory, location and where it is going. WMS varies across different companies and can keep track of orders via barcodes or inventory location codes. These systems can provide near-perfect inventory accuracy in any shipping scenario, including container devanning.
BRC-Certified Storage Solutions
BRC-Certified Storage Solutions, now known as BRCGS, is a globally recognised guideline developed specifically to ensure any form of logistics, distribution centres or warehouses are compliant with the highest levels of product quality and safety. This framework applies to each stage of the supply chain process from storage to transport to container devanning to final distribution.
By achieving BRCGS certification, a storage or logistics provider demonstrates its commitment to best practice and compliance. It sends a strong message to customers and brand owners that the facility is professionally managed and independently audited to recognised industry standards. LTS Global Solutions is proud to have achieved and maintained our Birmingham centre as a BRC-Certified storage depot.
Outbound Logistics & Dispatch
This final stage of the process takes place following every movement of goods and each quality check. It is at this point of the supply chain process that the order is prepared and sent out to its final destination. With the same accuracy and care as the initial unloading and container devanning, every delivery is transferred into the final lorry and dispatched.
How Do Devanning and Logistics Work Together?
Container devanning and logistics go hand in hand to ensure the fastest, most efficient and convenient supply chain option possible. By using the correct machinery and specialised warehouse management systems, logistics companies can provide expert care and consistent quality checks.
This process allows them to track the location of containers both on-site and in transit, record inventory levels, generate reports that provide insight into container utilisation, warehousing costs, consistent damage trends and much more.
What are the Benefits of Container Devanning?
Container devanning offers several key advantages within the supply chain. It helps reduce costs by minimising unnecessary handling and streamlining processes, while also lowering the risk of damage by allowing for thorough inspection of goods upon unloading.
Improved visibility and communication between supply chain partners ensure that all parties stay informed about the location and condition of goods, supporting smoother, more efficient operations with minimal delays or disruptions.
Why Do You Need Devanning for Your Business?
Making use of a logistics company that implements container devanning can support your business in multiple ways. Traditionally, you would make an order, it would be delivered to you and then any damages would have to be found by you, then arrangements made to pick it back up and send it out. This takes up valuable time and increases dispatch costs.
Using container devanning means that any damages or lost goods are identified at an earlier stage of the supply chain process, with the option to return goods from the distribution centre rather than the final destination. This helps avoid the delays of returns, saves time ordering again and saves extra shipping costs, which can help any size business to save money. Container devanning is a final quality check in the middle stages of the supply chain process.
What Kind of Equipment Do You Need for Devanning?
The main tools used in container devanning include counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, pallet trucks/pump trucks and conveyors.
· Counterbalance forklifts are essential for lifting and moving heavy or palletised goods
· Reach trucks are ideal for stacking goods at height within containers, helping to maximise space utilisation
· Pallet trucks/pump trucks are used to move smaller loads or pallets over short distances, providing high flexibility in tight areas
· Conveyors are increasingly common to aid the unloading process by extending into the container, reducing manual handling and improving safety. These conveyors are height-adjustable
· For oversized or heavy items, equipment such as lifting frames or cranes may be needed to unload cargo safely
Using the right combination of these tools helps to streamline the devanning process, minimise the risk of damage and improve overall operational efficiency.
How Long Does Devanning Take?
On average, container devanning can take anywhere from one to two hours. This, of course, depends on external hold-ups, the workload in the logistics area that day, the products onboard and whether they are loose boxes or palletised products.
Choosing the Right Devanning Service
When selecting a container devanning service, it is important to choose one that meets your specific requirements.
First, consider the type of cargo you are transporting. Different goods require different handling methods, so it’s essential to choose a service that is suitable for your items.
Next, think about your shipping schedule. If you ship regularly, you’ll need a container devanning service that can accommodate this frequency. Some companies offer daily, weekly or monthly services, while others are better positioned to handle large but less frequent shipments.
Cost is another crucial consideration. Freight charges can vary widely depending on the service, the volume of goods and the level of support provided. If you’re moving a substantial amount of cargo, it’s wise to find a company that offers competitive rates and services that are well matched to your requirements.
Ultimately, choosing the right container devanning company requires thorough research. From the location of the facility to the size and experience of the team, you will want to know how the operation works. By partnering with LTS Global Solutions, you can be confident that your cargo will be handled efficiently and with care.
Understanding your Cargo Requirements
Understanding your cargo requirements is essential for ensuring smooth, safe and cost-effective logistics. Each type of cargo has specific needs depending on its nature, whether it’s fragile, perishable, hazardous, oversized or of high value. These factors determine how goods are packed, handled, stored and transported.
Weight, dimensions and packaging also play a key role. Accurate information helps select the right container type, loading equipment and transport method. Mistakes at this stage can cause delays, damage or unnecessary costs due to inefficient use of space or the wrong handling approach.
The final destination and route of your shipment must also be considered. International movements may involve customs clearance and other regulations. Understanding these requirements in advance helps avoid disruptions and ensures compliance throughout the journey.
By working with a knowledgeable logistics partner like LTS Global, we can help to assess your cargo needs. A well-informed approach allows for better planning, the right equipment and smooth coordination from start to finish.
Aligning with your Shipping Timeline
Carefully aligning your logistics plan with your shipping timeline is essential to keeping your supply chain running smoothly. Whether you’re working to tight retail delivery windows, seasonal demand or production schedules, having a clear understanding of your timeframes ensures that every stage of the process, from ordering to container devanning to final delivery, is completed on time.
Shipping timelines should either be consistent and fluid or large consignments that supply your business with everything you need for longer. This all depends on the size and nature of your company. Our expert team at LTS Global has countless years of experience in this industry and will be more than happy to walk through your requirements with you and advise you on the best plan of action moving forward.
Evaluating Freight Costs and Budget Needs
Evaluating freight costs and budget needs is essential for keeping your logistics operations cost-effective and sustainable. Freight charges can vary based on cargo size, weight, transport mode, distance and any special handling or storage requirements. Additional fees like customs, fuel surcharges or demurrage can quickly add up if not planned for.
Understanding these costs early helps you choose the most efficient shipping options and avoid unexpected expenses. It also allows you to balance cost with service, selecting express or economy delivery based on priority and budget. By aligning your company’s freight decisions with your upcoming financial plan, you gain better control over your supply chain.
Why Choose LTS as your Devanning Partner?
Choosing LTS as your container devanning partner gives you the confidence that your goods are in safe hands. With years of industry experience, we deliver smooth and efficient operations you can depend on every time from our conveniently central Birmingham location.
We know how important it is to unload your products quickly, efficiently and with care. That’s why we offer both standard and tailored solutions to suit the specific needs of each client, regardless of freight or company size. Our specialised equipment is designed with efficiency in mind to minimise demurrage costs while ensuring your goods are handled with expert care, reducing risks and helping to prevent damage.
If you’re looking for a trusted partner with the experience to manage your container devanning requirements, we’d be happy to help. Get in touch today.
