“Keep dry” is an instruction, not a storage plan. Weather-sensitive cargo may be affected by direct rain, condensation, humidity, water collecting beneath packages, temperature change, damaged wrapping or exposure during transfer. The correct control depends on the product, packaging and contract.
The IMO/ILO/UNECE CTU Code treats water from condensed humidity as a cargo-protection issue and discusses suitable dunnage and separation. Although a port warehouse is not a cargo transport unit, the same practical lesson applies: protection must address moisture pathways, not only whether a roof exists.
Build a cargo sensitivity profile
Before requesting space, provide:
- exact cargo and intended use;
- package type, material and closure;
- supplier storage instructions;
- sensitivity to rain, condensation, humidity, dust and temperature;
- permitted stacking and floor-loading arrangement;
- ventilation restrictions;
- shelf-life or inspection requirements;
- treatment of torn, wet or stained packages;
- safety and regulatory information where applicable.
Avoid broad assumptions. Steel products, paper packaging, bagged fertilizer and machinery can all be “weather-sensitive” for different reasons.
Compare protection options
Assess the whole chain:
- protection before dispatch;
- condition of the arriving vehicle or vessel cargo space;
- transfer exposure;
- covered or open storage suitability;
- floor, dunnage and drainage interface;
- separation from incompatible cargo;
- inspection during storage;
- protection during release and onward loading.
Covered storage reduces direct precipitation exposure but does not automatically control condensation, package condition or product-specific humidity. Confirm the required controls rather than treating “indoors” as a warranty.
Define the condition record
Agree who inspects and when:
- before unloading;
- at terminal receipt;
- after any handling exception;
- during storage if the contract requires periodic checks;
- before release;
- at loading to onward transport.
Use package IDs, lot references and approved photographs. State whether the terminal record, independent survey report or another certificate governs commercial acceptance.
Plan segregation and inventory
The storage instruction should identify lots that may or may not be combined, clearance between cargo groups, stacking rules, access for inspection and release order. If packaging carries batch or handling marks, preserve them throughout re-stacking.
Create a weather decision rule
Name the party authorized to pause transfer and the conditions for restarting. Decide in advance whether cargo waits in protected transport, moves to approved storage or is rescheduled. Live operating decisions belong in controlled communication, not on a public page.
Send a storage request that can be assessed
cargo and package → sensitivity profile → quantity and footprint → stacking rule → planned period → segregation → inspection/survey → arrival and release modes → weather hold rule → responsible contacts
New Energy can confirm an appropriate storage and handling scope for a qualified inquiry. Product acceptance, available space and protection measures are project-specific and must be agreed before dispatch.