Build a controlled generator shipping-data sheet from actual packed dimensions, gross mass, handling points, center of gravity, and securing evidence.
A generator container loading plan needs actual packed dimensions and gross mass, not catalogue dimensions, net weight or a unit count. Record each package's orientation, handling features, base contact, securing inputs and loose items before planning placement. If the pack changes or a field is unknown, return that row for correction; do not copy a value from a previous order.
This guide prepares the inputs to that review. It does not calculate how many generators fit, select a container, create a lifting or securing method, classify dangerous goods, approve a route, or certify that a load is safe.
Freeze the exact shipment and packing state
Identify every package that will be loaded before anyone models placement. One quotation may contain several package types. Changes to the enclosure, base, wheels, exhaust parts, battery or accessories can change the shipping pack.
Create a shipment identity block at the top of the Container-loading Input Data Sheet:
| Control field | Record required | Completion rule |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial identity | Buyer, supplier entity, quotation or PO, line item, issue, and revision | The offer or order under review is unambiguous. |
| Exact generator build | Offered model/build, open or enclosed arrangement, base or mobility arrangement, and fitted options relevant to shipping | The record describes the deliverable configuration, not a family example. |
| Package identity | Package type/code, package number or unit ID, and quantity of that type | Every physical shipping unit can be counted and traced. |
| Packing level | Bare unit, protected unit, skid, carton, crate, or another supplier-declared state | The stated dimensions and mass identify the same packing state. |
| Shipment-status items | Loose parts, accessories, batteries, fluids, protective materials, or removals, only as declared for this shipment | Included, removed, separately packed, excluded, or OPEN is visible. |
| Evidence control | Source file, measurement date, revision, responsible party, and photo or measurement reference | Another reviewer can find the record behind each field. |
Do not replace an open field with what was used on a previous order. If the final pack has not been made, label values as a supplier statement or planning input. After packing, replace or confirm them with the actual measured record and retain both revisions.
Use the generator documents before order checklist to align the quotation, data sheet, drawings and packing records. At inspection, compare the actual packages with that approved order using the generator pre-shipment inspection checklist. The loading review remains a separate step.
Separate product, packed-unit, and shipment data
Keep product, package and shipment data in separate rows. A placement model based on product dimensions or net mass can misrepresent the load, even when the layout looks plausible.
| Data level | What it describes | Typical fields | What it cannot establish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | The generator configuration before its full shipping pack | Overall product envelope, net mass if defined, enclosure/base/options | Export-package envelope, packing material, loose packs, or shipping gross mass |
| Packed unit | One loadable handling unit in its declared packing state | Actual maximum length, width, height, gross mass, projections, orientation, package ID | Total shipment count, container constraints, placement, or securing approval |
| Consolidated shipment | All packages and declared shipment items in the current revision | Quantity by package type, package list, total declared mass basis, loose packs, container/equipment identity, exceptions | Suitability of a container, mass distribution, loading sequence, or safe securing |
Measure each pack's maximum length, width and height. Record the units and the points between which each measurement was taken. Include the packaging and skid, plus any guards, handles, wheels, outlets, exhaust parts or other projections that extend the envelope.
List removable items separately. State whether the dimensions describe the pack before or after their removal.
Gross mass must correspond to that same package state. Record how the value was obtained, the date, the equipment or document reference, and whether it is observed/measured or only stated by the supplier. Do not silently convert a generator's net mass into packed gross mass.
Build the Container-loading Input Data Sheet
Use one row per package type and a linked unit list when individual units differ. A row is ready for planning only when every field has a value, NOT APPLICABLE, or OPEN; a blank conceals whether information is missing or intentionally omitted.
| Data block | Supplier return fields | Evidence and status fields |
|---|---|---|
| Package geometry | Package ID/type; actual maximum L × W × H and units; measured points; projections; removable parts; declared packing state | Observed/measured, supplier statement, or planning input; source; date; revision; owner; exception |
| Package mass | Gross mass and unit for that exact pack; included/excluded items; method or source of value | Measurement record or controlled supplier file; date; unit ID/type; owner |
| Allowed attitude | Upright/orientation marks; permitted rotation; stackability status; documented restrictions | Packaging instruction or supplier drawing; OPEN if not documented |
| Handling | Identified lifting eyes/lugs if applicable; approved arrangement reference; forklift pockets; permitted entry direction; other handling restrictions | Marked-up drawing or exact-package instruction; photo reference for identity only; qualified handling owner |
| Center of gravity | Documented location and reference axes, or explicitly UNKNOWN |
Exact build/package source and revision; no visual guess |
| Base and contact | Skid/base footprint; support or contact points; contact surface details; areas not to bear against | Dimensioned package/base drawing or measured record; review owner |
| Securing inputs | Manufacturer-identified securing points; identity, location, direction, and documented limitations if supplied; blocking/bracing/contact restrictions | Exact-package drawing/instruction; securing-plan owner; unresolved fields |
| Sensitive and loose items | Fragile or weather-sensitive parts; loose accessories; separately packed items; battery/fluid/other shipment condition only as declared | Package list, markings, photos, supplier statement, and applicable specialist handoff |
| Shipment roll-up | Quantity by package type; unit/package register; current container or transport-equipment identity supplied by the forwarder; current door/internal/operational constraints | Forwarder/carrier/equipment source, issue date, booking or reference, and owner |
| Plan return | Unit-by-unit placement and orientation; loading sequence; handling review; mass-distribution review; securing drawing/calculation reference | Named responsible party, revision, assumptions, exceptions, status, and approval record |
The sheet hands data to the planner; it does not approve a loading method. Lifting, floor contact, container choice, mass distribution, stacking and securing still need review by the responsible qualified parties.
After fixing these inputs, review the diesel generator range and compare only configurations that return the same required fields.
Record handling and center-of-gravity evidence
Identify handling features from controlled information for the exact package. An eye, frame hole, cross-member, skid gap, or bracket visible in a photo is not automatically a lifting point, forklift pocket, or securing point.
For lifting, require the exact package identity, approved lifting features and their marked locations. Link them to the applicable instruction or arrangement. The appointed competent party must select equipment and slings, check capacity and geometry, set exclusion zones and define the procedure.
For forklift handling, record whether the pack has pockets or approved entry paths. Note the permitted direction and the package state covered by the supplier's instruction. The handling party still checks equipment, site access and method; this guide provides no fork spacing or capacity rule.
Record the center of gravity only when a controlled source identifies it for the relevant build and pack. Preserve the source's reference axes or datum. If its location is unavailable, write UNKNOWN and route it to the supplier and planner. A symmetrical enclosure, central engine, or balanced-looking photograph is not evidence.
Keep lifting points and securing points in different fields even if a drawing appears to place them near each other. A manufacturer must state the intended function and applicable limitations; the qualified handling or securing reviewer owns the final method.
Capture base contact and securing inputs
Give the securing planner a record of where the pack bears on its support. Include the skid footprint, runners or feet, contact areas, unsupported zones and sensitive panels. Add the supplier's stated restrictions on blocking, bearing, clamping or contact; “steel base” is not enough.
The return should locate each manufacturer-identified securing point relative to a controlled datum and distinguish its intended direction or use where documented. If the supplier provides a limitation, copy it with its unit, context, drawing number, and revision. Do not invent a working load, lashing capacity, safety factor, count, angle, or tension.
Photographs can show the condition and identity of the pack, but they do not replace a dimensioned drawing or approved instruction. Request views that show:
- all sides and the maximum transport envelope.
- the skid/base contact and underside where accessible without unsafe handling.
- each labelled handling or securing feature and its package location.
- loose packs, removed parts, protection, marks, and package IDs.
- the measuring or weighing state, with the file name linked to the data-sheet row.
Blocking, bracing, friction assumptions, dunnage, contact pressure, restraint forces, material selection, and attachment to the transport unit belong to the qualified securing plan. The input sheet must name that owner instead of turning missing engineering into a supplier checkbox.
Hand current package data to the forwarder or packer
Give the forwarder or packer the agreed package register before requesting a placement and securing plan. Obtain current data for the actual transport equipment too. A container type name or a remembered internal dimension is not enough.
The logistics party should identify the equipment and the source of each constraint it applies. That includes door and internal dimensions, payload, floor limits and access conditions. Match the review to the booking, carrier, route, port, road leg and loading equipment; this guide supplies no generic limits for them.
The returned plan record should include:
| Plan field | Required return | Owner boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment basis | Exact container/transport-equipment identity, current data source, and applicable operational constraints | Forwarder, carrier, equipment provider, or appointed planner as applicable |
| Unit placement | Package ID, position, permitted orientation, and any spacing/contact assumptions | Qualified packer or load planner |
| Loading sequence | Order of movement and any access dependency | Appointed handling/packing party |
| Mass and contact review | Package masses used, distribution assessment, base/floor-contact basis, and unresolved limits | Qualified planner and applicable equipment/route owner |
| Securing return | Drawing or plan revision, method/calculation reference, materials and responsibilities, without relying on this article for values | Qualified securing owner |
| Exceptions | Deviations from the input sheet, substitutions, unconfirmed assumptions, and required approvals | Named action owner and due status |
A 3D view cannot validate its own inputs. Incorrect measurements, unapproved handling points, unresolved floor contact or an unchecked route leg still need review. A layout image also does not prove a securing method.
Apply COMPARE, RETURN, or HOLD
Use the controlled sheet to make a commercial decision without implying transport approval.
| Decision | Use it when | Next action |
|---|---|---|
COMPARE |
Exact package identities, measured geometry/mass, shipment state, handling/base/securing inputs, evidence, owners, and exceptions are aligned well enough to compare offers | Compare the supplier return or planning proposal on the same revision; qualified approval remains separate. |
RETURN |
A supplier-controlled value, drawing, measurement, photo, package list, identity, or revision is missing or contradictory | Return the named row and required evidence; keep the quotation or plan open. |
HOLD |
The pack changed, evidence cannot be tied to the exact build, a handling or securing feature is inferred, or the answer needs container/route/safety/engineering approval | Stop that planning basis and assign it to the competent supplier, packer, forwarder, carrier, or specialist. |
Return or hold the record when any of these conditions remains:
- catalogue product dimensions are being used as packed dimensions.
- net weight is being used as the shipping gross mass.
- data for another enclosure, base, wheel kit, option, or product-family member has been substituted.
- protrusions, protective packaging, removed parts, loose accessories, batteries, or declared fluids are absent from the package register.
- a lifting point, forklift entry, or securing point has been inferred from appearance.
- the center of gravity has been guessed or copied from a different configuration.
- lifting and securing functions have been merged into one undefined attachment-point field.
- quantity, package type, orientation, included items, or shipment condition changed after the plan was produced.
- the plan has no named owner for handling, mass distribution, base contact, or securing review.
- the exact transport equipment, booking, carrier, route, port, or operational constraints have not been rechecked against the final revision.
When the build, pack, skid or loose-item list changes, identify and reopen the affected rows. Do the same for changes to quantity, mass, orientation, equipment or route. Preserve the prior revision and record how each change was resolved.
Send a controlled loading-data RFQ
Send one package-data request with the quote or logistics handoff. Identify the destination, order, exact build, quantity and expected packing state. Add the delivery basis, transport mode if known, logistics parties and document language. List open handling or shipment questions by row.
Require the supplier to return:
- the exact offered build, pack type, package IDs, quantities, and revision.
- actual packed maximum dimensions and gross mass with units, measurement state, date, source, and included items.
- projections, removals, loose packs, markings, declared battery/fluid/accessory status, and sensitive components.
- permitted orientation/rotation and documented stacking status without assumption.
- identified lifting features, forklift entries, center-of-gravity record, and applicable controlled references—or a clear
UNKNOWN. - base/skid footprint, contact/support points, restricted contact areas, and dimensioned evidence.
- identified securing points and manufacturer-provided limitations only where documented.
- photos and measurement/weighing records linked to package IDs.
- assumptions, exclusions, deviations, unresolved fields, and changes that require a revised return.
Give the appointed reviewer the same revision and final package register. Require a plan showing the equipment basis, each package's placement and the loading sequence. The return must also identify the mass/contact review, handling and securing owners, exceptions and approval record.
For a BEAR quotation, send Miya the shipment identity, exact generator configuration, quantity, destination, required packing state, and your completed open-field list. BEAR must still return the actual offer-specific package information within its documented scope. Container selection, lifting, handling, mass distribution, securing, dangerous-goods review, carrier acceptance, and final approval remain with the qualified project parties.
