Moisture damage is a silent threat in container shipping, racking up millions in losses for businesses annually. From rusted metal cargo and soggy cartons to mouldy wooden crates and spoiled goods like coffee and cocoa, the damage is significant. The key to preventing these costly issues is selecting the right desiccant. But with various options available, which desiccant to use in the container when exporting?

Choosing the right desiccant for container shipping involves selecting a moisture-absorbing material that matches the sensitivity and type of cargo being shipped. Silica gel, clay desiccants and calcium chloride are among the top choices, each suited to different shipping needs and cargo types to prevent moisture-related damages effectively.

To help you make the best choice, keep on reading this guide on the most effective desiccants for container shipping and learn how to protect your cargo from moisture damage.

Which Desiccant to Use in a Container When Exporting? A Short Answer

When deciding on the appropriate desiccant for container exports, consider the nature of your cargo and the specific challenges it faces during transit. Silica gel is perfect for protecting sensitive electronics, while clay desiccants are better suited for larger, less sensitive shipments. For the most demanding conditions, calcium chloride offers aggressive moisture control, which is crucial for long voyages or shipments through humid climates. Matching the desiccant to your cargo’s needs ensures optimal protection from moisture, preserving your goods’ integrity and value.

Ready to Protect Your Cargo?

If you’re looking to safeguard your shipments from the damaging effects of moisture, Protection Experts Australia has you covered. Our top-quality desiccants are designed to meet the diverse needs of your cargo and ensure they arrive in pristine condition. Whether you’re transporting electronics, agricultural products or anything in between, our solutions provide the ultimate protection against moisture. Our desiccant products include:

Don’t let humidity compromise your shipment’s quality. Call us today at +61 (2) 9945 0593 and choose from our range of desiccants to keep your goods dry and secure. 

How Moisture Affects Different Cargo Types

When shipping goods internationally, moisture undermines the integrity and value of diverse cargo types. The types of damages that can occur include:

  • Metal Cargoes: These are particularly vulnerable and often arrive rusted or oxidised. Moisture initiates and accelerates the corrosion process, which can irreversibly damage the structural and functional integrity of metal products.
  • Cartons: Paper products, including cartons, are susceptible to becoming soft and mouldy when exposed to moisture. This not only compromises the structural integrity but also the aesthetic quality, which often renders the packaged goods unsalable.
  • Wooden Crates: These can absorb moisture, leading to the growth of smelly black mould. This type of mould not only damages the crates themselves but can also infiltrate and contaminate the contents, potentially leading to health hazards or rejection of the shipment at its destination.
  • Food Items: Agricultural commodities, such as coffee, cocoa, nuts and beans, are prone to arriving damp, mouldy and inedible when exposed to excess moisture. This causes a total loss of the affected goods and risks the spread of mould to other items within the same shipment.

The Role of Desiccants in Preventing Moisture Damage

Desiccants safeguard shipments by efficiently managing container humidity. These substances actively absorb excess moisture, thus mitigating the risks associated with container transport:

  • Container Sweat: This occurs when warm, moist air inside the container cools and condenses on cooler surfaces of the container’s interior. This problem is particularly prevalent on long sea voyages where temperature variations are significant.
  • Container Rain: This phenomenon is similar to container sweat, where condensation forms and then falls onto the cargo, simulating a light rain. This can be detrimental, especially for sensitive electronics, textiles and paper products.

The strategic placement and appropriate choice of desiccants can greatly reduce these moisture-related risks. By absorbing unwanted airborne water vapour, desiccants maintain a drier environment within the container and protect the cargo from the onset of moisture damage throughout its journey. 

 

Implementing a robust desiccant strategy is not just about protecting goods; it’s about ensuring the reliability and efficiency of global trade operations.

Types of Desiccants Available for Shipping

Selecting the ideal desiccant is essential for safeguarding your cargo from the damaging effects of moisture. Here’s an overview of the most commonly used desiccants in container shipping:

Silica Gel

Silica gel is renowned for its potent moisture-absorbing capabilities, making it an excellent choice for electronics and other sensitive small-scale shipments. It effectively traps moisture and ensures a dry environment that is critical for maintaining the functionality and longevity of electronic components. Its versatility also extends to protecting pharmaceuticals and other moisture-sensitive products during transit.

Clay Desiccants

Clay desiccants provide a cost-effective solution for larger cargoes. Made from natural bentonite clay, these desiccants absorb moisture at a slower rate than silica gel, which makes them suitable for less sensitive items that still require moisture control. Their affordability and efficacy make them a popular choice for bulk shipments, such as textiles and machinery, where extensive coverage is necessary but high absorption speed is not critical.

Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride is the heavy hitter among desiccants, known for its exceptional ability to absorb significant amounts of moisture. This makes it ideal for challenging shipping conditions and highly sensitive cargoes, such as metal parts prone to rust or agricultural products at risk of spoilage. Its aggressive moisture control capabilities are particularly valuable in long sea voyages or shipments passing through very humid climates.

How to Select the Right Desiccant for Different Cargoes

Choosing the right desiccant involves evaluating several critical factors to match the desiccant properties with the specific needs of your cargo:

Consideration of Cargo Type

Different types of goods require varying levels of moisture protection. For example, electronics and pharmaceuticals need a highly dry environment to prevent damage and maintain efficacy, thus requiring high-performance desiccants like silica gel. On the other hand, textiles may only need moderate moisture control, which can be effectively managed with clay desiccants.

Need to determine the right desiccant quantity for your shipments? Use our Inbox Absorber Calculator. Simply input your packaging box measurements, and we’ll give you accurate recommendations to ensure your goods stay protected and in top condition during transit.​​

Assessment of Travel Duration and Climate Conditions

The time required for travel and the expected climate conditions along the shipping route are pivotal in determining the quantity and type of desiccant needed. Long-duration shipments or those travelling through regions with high humidity levels demand robust desiccant solutions like calcium chloride to ensure comprehensive moisture control throughout the transit period.

To Sum It Up 

Successful export via container shipping goes beyond careful packing; it requires strategic moisture control. Each desiccant type provides specific benefits suited to different cargo and conditions. By assessing your cargo’s needs and the challenges of your shipping routes, you can choose the most effective desiccant to keep your goods undamaged and market-ready.