Question 1

What sizes of desiccants are available?

Accepted Answer

Norseman currently stocks the 2kg Piccolo bag that comes with a hanger and is our primary featured product. The Piccolo bag is the ideal shipping container desiccant, and we can source other sizes of Piccolo bags. Another style of desiccant that can be sourced is the Magnum style. These are for more tightly packed containers, and the Magnum bags have been contoured to hang vertically within the corrugated container walls. Norseman offers desiccant bags in sizes ranging from 375g to 2kg, including Piccolo and Magnum options, in addition to the standard 2kg Piccolo. Alternate sizes and configurations are available upon request for volume orders.

Question 2

Why use desiccants?

Accepted Answer

Desiccants absorb excess moisture inside shipping containers to prevent condensation and humidity damage during transport. Excess moisture can cause mold growth, rust, collapsed packaging, and caking of powdered products. Desiccants are commonly used to protect goods such as grains, beans, malt, barley, dairy powders, pet food, electronics, and metal components during shipping.

Question 3

What is container rain?

Accepted Answer

Container rain occurs when temperature changes during shipping cause moisture inside a sealed container to condense on the container walls and ceiling. As condensation builds, it can drip onto cargo and packaging, causing corrosion, mold, and product damage.

Question 4

How do Nordic Dry™ desiccants work?

Accepted Answer

Nordic Dry™ desiccants absorb excess humidity inside the shipping container. Calcium chloride draws moisture from the air while the coco peat binding agent traps and locks the water into a stable mass, preventing condensation from forming inside the container.

Question 5

What types of cargo benefit from container desiccants?

Accepted Answer

Nordic Dry™ desiccants help protect a wide range of goods during transport, including: Food and agricultural products Electronics and machinery Textiles and garments Metal components and tools Paper and packaging materials Any cargo sensitive to humidity or condensation can benefit from moisture control during shipping.

Question 6

How many desiccants do I need per container?

Accepted Answer

The number of desiccants required depends on several factors, including container size, shipping duration, climate conditions, and the type of cargo being transported. Our team can help determine the appropriate quantity to ensure effective moisture protection for your shipment.

Question 7

Where should desiccants be placed inside a shipping container?

Accepted Answer

Nordic Dry™ desiccants are typically hung from the container’s lashing rings or placed along the container walls to maximize moisture absorption throughout the container. Proper placement helps ensure humidity is controlled evenly and prevents condensation from forming on cargo. Our team can help determine the best placement and quantity based on cargo type and shipping conditions.

Question 8

Are Nordic Dry™ desiccants safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nordic Dry™ desiccants are non-toxic and safe to handle. They are made from a blend of calcium chloride and natural coco peat and contain no hazardous chemicals. The materials are environmentally responsible and 100% recyclable, making Nordic Dry™ a safe and sustainable solution for controlling moisture during transport.

Question 9

Can Nordic Dry™ desiccants be used in all shipping containers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nordic Dry™ desiccants are designed for use in standard shipping containers and can be easily installed to protect cargo during ocean, rail, and overland transport.

Question 10

Do I need desiccants for ocean shipping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ocean shipments often experience significant temperature and humidity fluctuations during transit, which can lead to condensation inside sealed containers. Desiccants help control humidity and prevent container rain, protecting cargo from moisture damage throughout the journey.

Question 11

What happens if moisture isn’t controlled during shipping?

Accepted Answer

Without moisture control, condensation can form inside containers during transit. This can lead to corrosion, mold growth, damaged packaging, and product loss—resulting in costly claims, rejected shipments, or dissatisfied customers.

Question 12

How long will your desiccants absorb moisture?

Accepted Answer

Once activated, Nordic Dry™ desiccants can absorb moisture for up to 90 days, depending on humidity levels and cargo conditions. Desiccants are activated when removed from their protective plastic packaging.

Question 13

What’s the difference between your 2kg and 1.5kg “Piccolo” desiccant bags and the 1kg “Magnum” desiccants?

Accepted Answer

The piccolo desiccant bags are designed for bulk-loaded and pallet-loaded containers with room at the top to hang the desiccants from the lashing hooks. The three-piece magnum bag desiccants are for tightly packed containers and fit vertically within the container’s corrugation, so they're flush with the container wall.

Question 14

What’s your desiccants shelf life?

Accepted Answer

Desiccants have a 3-year shelf life before activation, so you can comfortably order in bulk.

Question 15

How much moisture can your desiccants absorb?

Accepted Answer

Nordic Dry™ desiccants have a very high moisture absorption capacity, absorbing more than 250% of their own weight in water. For example, a 2 kg desiccant bag can absorb up to 7 kg of water before reaching saturation. In typical shipping conditions, the optimal absorption range is 4–5 kg of collected moisture by the time the shipment reaches its destination.

Question 16

How durable are your desiccants?

Accepted Answer

Durability is one of the key factors that sets Nordic Dry™ desiccants apart. Bags have a triple-layer inner bag that is heat-welded rather than ultrasonically welded. The abrasiveness of the calcium chloride (active ingredient) breaks down the ultrasonic welds but not the heat welds. The handle/hook is completely enclosed to spread the load across the entire hand-sewn outer bag. The handle/hook has been tested up to 10kg without failure. A fully saturated desiccant bag can survive a drop from 8’2” (2.5 m) without bursting and releasing contents into the container/van. This ensures the bags will withstand the rigors of transport.

Question 17

How do I dispose of used desiccants?

Accepted Answer

Nordic Dry™ desiccants are 100% biodegradable and plastic recyclable. This reduces the production of very harmful dioxins and hydrochloric gases when disposed of in ordinary household waste. The waste can be disposed of in a wastewater stream – the salt dissolves, and the coco peat will biodegrade. All the plastic is recyclable and can confidently be put into a plastic recycling stream.

Shipping Container Desiccants

Release the Kraken. Defeat Moisture.

Prevent Moisture Damage and Container Rain During Transport

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