---
title: "Cones"
description: "Devices for facilitating the loading  positioning and lashing of containers. The cones insert into the bottom castings of the container. Synonym: Locating pin."
url: "https://oceancargo.co.uk/shipping-terms/cones"
date: "2026-04-29T22:13:16+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

![Ocean Cargo](https://oceancargo.co.uk/images/GenPics/OCs-Customs-Brokerage.webp)

 # CONES: Essential Devices for Secure Container Shipping

## Understanding CONES in Freight Forwarding

In the intricate world of global logistics, the secure and efficient handling of cargo is paramount. While large machinery and complex processes often capture attention, it's the seemingly small, yet critical, components that ensure the integrity of a shipment. Among these unsung heroes are **CONES** – also known as locating pins. These simple, yet ingenious, devices play a fundamental role in the safe loading, positioning, and lashing of shipping containers, forming the bedrock of secure intermodal transport.

At Ocean Cargo, we understand that every detail matters. Our commitment to precision and safety extends to every aspect of the shipping process, from initial planning to final delivery. Understanding the function of CONES is just one example of how we ensure your cargo is handled with the utmost care and expertise.

### What are CONES (Locating Pins)?

CONES are robust, conical or cylindrical metal pins designed to fit snugly into the bottom corner castings of a standard shipping container. Their primary function is to facilitate the precise alignment and secure placement of containers, whether they are being loaded onto a vessel, stacked in a yard, or transported on a chassis. They act as a guide, ensuring that containers are correctly seated and preventing lateral movement during transit.

Synonymously referred to as 'locating pins,' these devices are integral to the structural stability of stacked containers and the overall safety of maritime and land-based freight operations. Without them, the precise and secure stacking of containers would be significantly more challenging and hazardous.

## The Critical Role of CONES in Container Logistics

The importance of CONES extends across various stages of the freight forwarding journey. Their simple design belies their critical contribution to efficiency and safety.

### Facilitating Loading and Positioning

- **Precision Alignment:** When a container is lifted by a crane, CONES on the spreader or the underlying structure guide it into the exact position. This prevents misalignments that could damage containers or delay operations.
- **Speed and Efficiency:** By ensuring quick and accurate placement, CONES significantly speed up the loading and unloading process at busy ports and terminals. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining tight shipping schedules, a key focus for [Ocean Cargo's sea freight services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/).
- **Damage Prevention:** Correct positioning minimises the risk of containers colliding or being dropped incorrectly, protecting both the cargo within and the container itself.

### Ensuring Secure Lashing and Stacking

Once positioned, CONES work in conjunction with other lashing equipment to secure containers. While twistlocks are the primary locking mechanism for stacked containers, CONES provide the initial stability and alignment that allows twistlocks to engage effectively.

1. **Initial Stability:** As a container is lowered, the CONES on the lower container or chassis engage with the corner castings of the upper container, providing immediate stability.
2. **Guiding Twistlocks:** This initial stability allows for the precise engagement of twistlocks, which then lock the containers together, preventing vertical and horizontal movement.
3. **Preventing Movement:** Even when not directly part of the lashing system, CONES on a chassis or flat rack prevent the container from shifting during road or rail transport, a vital consideration for [road freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/road-freight/) safety.

For complex project cargo or oversized items, where custom lashing solutions are often required, the foundational stability provided by CONES remains a critical starting point. Ocean Cargo's expertise in [shipping excavators and diggers to the UAE](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/uae/excavators-diggers-uae), for instance, relies on meticulous planning that includes every securing detail.

## Types and Applications of Locating Pins

While the basic principle of a CONE remains consistent, their specific design and application can vary depending on the context:

- **Spreader CONES:** Integrated into the spreader beams of container cranes, these CONES guide the spreader onto the container's top corner castings for lifting.
- **Chassis CONES:** Found on the chassis of container trucks and rail wagons, these pins ensure the container is securely seated and prevent it from sliding during transit.
- **Stacking CONES:** Used in container yards or on vessels, these can be fixed or removable, aiding in the stable stacking of containers.
- **Lashing CONES:** While twistlocks are the primary lashing device, some lashing systems may incorporate CONES as part of a broader securing arrangement, particularly for non-standard or heavy-lift cargo.

The robust [construction](https://oceancargo.co.uk/industries/construction-infrastructure-logistics "construction") of these devices, typically from high-strength steel, ensures they can withstand the immense forces and harsh environmental conditions encountered in global shipping. Their durability is key to their reliability, contributing to the overall safety and longevity of container handling equipment.

## The Impact of CONES on Supply Chain Efficiency and Safety

The seemingly minor detail of a CONE has significant ripple effects throughout the entire supply chain:

### Enhanced Safety

By ensuring containers are correctly positioned and secured, CONES drastically reduce the risk of accidents during loading, unloading, and transit. This protects personnel, equipment, and the cargo itself. A container that is not properly secured can shift, leading to catastrophic failures, especially during rough seas or sudden braking.

### Operational Efficiency

The speed and precision afforded by CONES contribute directly to faster turnaround times at ports and depots. This efficiency is vital for maintaining tight schedules and reducing demurrage charges, which is a key concern for businesses relying on timely deliveries. Ocean Cargo's focus on streamlined operations means we leverage every tool and technique to ensure your cargo moves without unnecessary delays.

### Cargo Integrity

A securely positioned container means less movement and vibration during transit, which in turn reduces the risk of damage to the goods inside. This is particularly important for sensitive or fragile cargo, where even minor shifts can lead to significant losses. Our expertise in handling diverse cargo, from [wind turbine components to Australia](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/australia/wind-turbine-components-blades-nacelles-tower-sections-australia) to general goods, underscores our commitment to cargo integrity.

### Cost Savings

By preventing accidents, damage, and delays, CONES indirectly contribute to significant cost savings for shippers. Reduced insurance claims, lower repair costs, and avoidance of penalties for late deliveries all add up, reinforcing the value of meticulous attention to detail in freight forwarding.

#### Are CONES the same as twistlocks?

No, while both are crucial for container security, they serve different primary functions. CONES (locating pins) are primarily for guiding and positioning containers, ensuring they are correctly aligned. Twistlocks are the locking mechanisms that physically secure containers together, preventing them from separating or shifting once positioned.

#### Where are CONES typically found?

CONES are found in various locations where containers are handled or transported. This includes on container crane spreaders, on the chassis of trucks and rail wagons, and sometimes as part of fixed or removable stacking systems in container yards or on the decks of container ships.

#### Why are CONES important for international shipping?

CONES are vital for international shipping because they ensure the safe, efficient, and precise handling of containers across different modes of transport. They prevent misalignments, reduce the risk of damage and accidents, and contribute to the overall stability of container stacks, which is critical for the safety of vessels and cargo during long voyages.

#### Does Ocean Cargo use these types of devices?

As a leading freight forwarder, Ocean Cargo works with partners and carriers who adhere to the highest safety standards, which inherently includes the proper use and maintenance of all container handling equipment, including CONES and other securing devices. Our focus is on ensuring your cargo is handled securely at every stage of its journey, whether by [air freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/air-freight/) or sea freight.

### Ready to simplify your global logistics?

Get advice and a quote for your next shipment. Contact the Ocean Cargo team to start shipping.

[Freight Quote](https://oceancargo.co.uk/contact-us)

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