Many companies track temperature and humidity levels during shipping. However, the true cause of most condensation problems lies in one often-overlooked metric: the dew point.

The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes fully saturated and moisture begins to condense into water droplets. When the air inside a container cool below this point, condensation forms on the metal surfaces, eventually dripping down onto cargo as “container rain.”

Why Dew Point Matters?

Temperature alone doesn’t determine condensation risk. For instance, 80% humidity at 30°C has a much higher dew point than 50% humidity at the same temperature. This means even a small temperature drop can create water droplets.

When containers move from warm, humid ports (like Malaysia) to cooler regions, the dew point difference becomes a major threat to cargo integrity.

How to Manage Dew Point Risks

• Control Humidity: Use high-absorption desiccants to reduce moisture in the air, lowering the dew point.
• Temperature Matching: Whenever possible, load goods at similar temperatures to the container’s interior to prevent rapid cooling.
• Avoid Overpacking: Allow some air circulation to equalize temperature changes.

Corrosion on machinery parts, Mold on packaging, and staining on paper or textile products all trace back to dew point mismanagement. A simple understanding of this principle helps logistics teams make smarter decisions, reducing claims and maintaining customer trust.

Note: Inpat Group offers expert guidance and products that help you maintain safe humidity levels throughout transit. Protect your cargo from invisible moisture threats before they begin.