Container Desiccants
Container desiccants that stop container rain before it turns into a cargo claim. Calcium chloride desiccants absorb up to 300% of their own weight in moisture and keep the container dry from origin to destination. Hanging poles, chain hangers, dry bags, cargo blankets and the Cargosorb range, all DIN 55473 compliant and sold per pallet at direct B2B prices with the unit price shown up front. Free quantity calculation for your route — answered within 2 business hours.
Read more about container rain, quantities and choosing the right type
What container rain actually is
A sea container is a sealed steel box carrying air, cargo and the moisture held in both. As it crosses climate zones, day-night temperature swings drive that moisture to condense on the cold steel roof and walls. It then drips back onto the cargo — hence container rain.
The moisture comes from three sources: humidity in the air sealed inside at loading, water held in the cargo itself, and water in packaging materials. Timber pallets and cardboard are significant contributors. This is why a container loaded dry in a temperate climate can still arrive with soaked cargo after crossing the tropics.
What it costs when it goes wrong
- Mould and mildew on textiles, food, leather and paper goods
- Corrosion and rust on steel, machinery and electronics
- Labels and cartons detaching, making goods unsellable
- Cargo rejected on arrival, with return freight and disposal at your cost
A pallet of desiccants costs a fraction of a single rejected shipment.
How much do you need?
Requirement depends on container size, voyage duration, climate zones crossed and the moisture content of cargo and packaging. Hygroscopic cargo such as coffee, cocoa, timber or textiles needs more than inert goods. Rather than guess, send us your route, container size and cargo type and we calculate the exact quantity — free, usually the same day.
Choosing the right format
- Hanging poles and chain hangers — suspended along the container walls, the standard for general cargo. Keeps the desiccant away from the goods and lets absorbed water collect safely in the gel pouch.
- Dry bags — placed between or on top of pallets where wall space is limited.
- Cargo blankets — laid directly over the load for high-value or sensitive goods.
- 1 kg bags — flexible format for smaller loads, crates and machinery in wooden cases.
Correct use in practice
- Install at the moment of loading, not before — every hour the packaging sits open adds moisture.
- Distribute along the length of the container rather than concentrating at one end.
- Keep desiccants clear of direct contact with cargo so absorbed moisture cannot transfer back.
- Combine with dry dunnage and dry packaging; desiccants manage the air, they cannot compensate for soaking wet pallets.
Frequently asked
Calcium chloride or silica gel? Silica gel absorbs roughly 20-30% of its weight and suits small enclosed spaces and instrument packaging. Calcium chloride absorbs up to 300% and converts moisture to a gel that cannot be released back — that is what a sea container needs.
How long do they stay active? Typically the full duration of a normal intercontinental voyage. For longer transit or storage at destination, quantity is increased accordingly.
Are they safe for food and pharma? The gel is contained within the pouch and DIN 55473 compliant products are widely used in food, pharma and electronics shipments. Tell us your cargo and we advise on the right type.
For a free quantity calculation or volume pricing, contact info@sorbpack.com.