How Moisture Exposure Affects Goods Transport

Excessive moisture can have significant impacts on goods transported within European logistics network. Issues, among others, include the warping of packaging, damage to labels, increased cargo weight, and contamination of goods, which can affect the handling, transport, and overall condition of products.

 

Compromised Packaging

Exposure to moisture, particularly during heavy rain, can cause warping of wooden crates to the point that lids no longer fit securely which can compromise the seal that keeps contents protected. Additionally, when wood fibers swell, this introduces micro-fissures throughout the material. These weak points bear less load than intact fibers which are more likely to bend, sag, or break under pressure, especially under heavy or dynamic loads.

 

Illegible Labels

Water exposure can cause labels to become illegible or disintegrate which can lead to difficulties with sorting and handling. During sorting in a warehouse or distribution center, workers and automated systems that encounter packages with illegible labels will struggle to determine the contents, category, routing, and destination of each package.

In terms of handling, goods packaging often contains special instructions such as “keep upright”, “this side up”, “do not stack”, and “top load only”. If such instructions are not visible, this can lead to improper storage or transportation and goods can suffer damage.

 

Increased Weight of Cargo

When goods such as textiles and paper absorb water, their overall weight increases. For instance, a pallet of cotton can retain significant amounts of water, which can cause its weight to increase by as much as 30-50%. This increased weight may push the total weight of the cargo beyond the legally permissible limit for transportation vehicles. This, in turn, can disrupt shipping schedules due to the need for additional trucks and shifts. Additionally, storage issues can arise because warehouses often have weight limits for shelving units, pallets, and storage areas. When goods become heavier, this restricts the number of pallets or containers that can be stored at one time.

 

Contamination and Spoilage

When perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables are exposed to extra moisture, the excess water can enter the small openings or pores in the skin or peel. This creates a damp surface that fosters bacterial and fungal growth, particularly in warm conditions. Furthermore, high moisture levels around these products can trigger enzymatic activity within the cells which speeds up ripening and can lead to overripeness or spoilage.

Other perishable items such as oysters, clams, and mussels are also susceptible to water contamination and spoilage. When water penetrates their shells, it changes the internal pH balance and makes the environment more favorable for bacteria such as Vibrio or Listeria. As these bacteria proliferate, they begin to break down the proteins in the shellfish which causes a slimy texture to develop on the surface. Additionally, when exposed to excess water, enzymes like proteases break down proteins in shellfish and lead to mushy texture which indicates that the shellfish are no longer fresh or safe to consume.