General.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

transportation may be selected. This advice should

Another factor leading to this complex situation is the

include, among other things, information as to whether

multiplicity of types of shipping containers used.

the shipment-

b. Selection of type of railcar.

(1) Is palletized or unpalletized.

(1) In car loading, the selection of the proper

(2) Consists of high center of gravity items,

car is of initial importance. This must be done with a

requiring special tiedown or bracing methods.

view to its fitness for the particular commodity to be

loaded, since properly loaded shipments are often

(3) Consists

items

having

heavy

damaged by unfit equipment. On the other hand,

concentrated weights.

freight, which in itself is not highly susceptible to

(4) Consists of fragile, high value, one-of-a-

damage, may cause damage to equipment better suited

kind, or critical items.

for other classes of freight.

(5) Consists of items subject to contamination

(2) Rail freight cars are generally classified

such as flour, sugar, or other items.

as box, gondola, refrigerator, stock, hopper, tank, and

(6) Consists of explosives or other hazardous

flat. In this general range, many cars are constructed to

commodities and whether they have been properly

transport specific commodities. Many freight cars are

marked and labeled.

specially equipped with blocking and bracing appliances

(7) Will be handled at origin or destination or

which form an integral part of the car. While it is the

both by MHE. In addition to the above information,

duty of the carrier to inspect cars thoroughly before they

selection of the proper mode of transportation requires

are placed for loading by shippers, it is to the shipper's

consideration of conditions at origin and destination,

interest to ensure that cars selected are in all respects

probability of transshipment, degree of security needed

suitable for the kind of freight to be shipped.

in movement, military requirements, the cost of

c. Shipper's loading responsibilities.

transportation, the type of service provided, etc.

(1) Freight should be loaded to withstand the

c. Stowage of freight aboard vessels is not usually

normal hazards of transportation. Shippers are required

encountered by warehousing personnel and will not be

to load freight carried at carload rates, unless otherwise

discussed in this section; likewise, LCL and LTL

provided by tariff. They are also required to load heavy

shipments will not be included since they are generally

or bulky freight which is carried at LCL rates, but which

loaded and unloaded by the carriers, except shipments

cannot be handled by regular station employees or at

of explosives and ammunition.

stations where carrier's facilities are not sufficient for

d. This section does not establish organizational

handling. In addition, shippers must observe carrier's

alignments or functions. Although certain warehousing

rules for the safe loading of freight and protection of

and traffic functions are described, it is not intended to

equipment, and movable parts (machinery) must be

imply that those functions will be performed by particular

secured. When articles are loaded on open cars, small

organizational elements within the services or shipping

detachable parts must be removed and placed in

activities.

packages or secured within the article. Shipments of

explosives and ammunition will be loaded in accordance

3-67. General.

with service regulations and publications.

a. Types of commodities handled. The shipment

(2) In addition to selecting the proper type of

of military supplies is possibly the most complex traffic

car, the following precautions should be taken against

function in the world. This is due, in part, to the wide

the use of defective or unclean cars:

variety of commodities involved and their diverse

(a) Examine the interior of the car for

physical characteristics.

The commodities shipped

any defects of roof, sides, or floor that might cause

range from small items easily handled by one person to

snagging, tearing, scarring, or rupture of container, or

those which are so bulky as to require the use of

permit the entry of rain, dirt, or other matter likely to

multiple or idler cars, or exceed the size or weight

damage the freight.

limitations of standard transportation equipment and

(b) Remove protruding nails and other

facilities, and require the use of special routings or

obstructions not part of the car.

heavy duty equipment. Others may be hazardous (e.g.,

explosives, acids, poisonous gases, etc.), and require

conditioned without mechanical or other extensive

caution in preparation for transportation; perishable, and

repairs.

require protective service from heat or cold; delicate,

and require special handling; or in critical supply.

3-44