Out-of-gauge freight
How to prepare a measurement sheet for an out-of-gauge crate
Two crates with the same volume can occupy different amounts of vessel space. Give each packed piece a numbered drawing that shows where it projects. A single total in cubic metres hides exactly the details a special cargo planner needs.
Give every figure a reference point
Draw a top view and a side view. Mark the front and the orientation used in the drawing. Label overall length, width and height, including the base, coverings and projecting fixtures. Show which measurements run from the underside of the skid and which describe the loaded equipment. Keep the units visible beside each figure.
Show asymmetric projections
Imagine a pipe fitting that projects on only the right-hand side of a crate. A photo taken from the left can hide it. Mark the outermost point on the top view and include a photo taken from the projecting side. When the loading position is known, ask the packing team to report the actual extension on each affected side relative to the equipment.
Separate estimated, packed and secured dimensions
Keep the factory estimate as revision A. When the crate closes, record measured outer dimensions, actual gross weight and measurement date as revision B. If securing changes the envelope, send a further revision to the forwarder for carrier review. Ask for acknowledgement of the revised figures before dispatch. Maersk explains how packing and securing can change booked dimensions.
Use one line per piece
A copyable row for your supplier: “Piece ID __ | revision and date __ | packed L × W × H __ cm | gross __ kg | projection and reference edge __ | drawing/photo reference __ | measured or estimated __.” Attach the drawing with the same piece ID. Leave unknown fields marked pending so a blank is never read as zero.