CHAPTER Iv 
QUAYSIDE CARGO FACILITIES. 
THE design and lay-out of the quayage system of a port, so 
as to provide the most suitable accommodation for vessels 
discharging cargo, is a problem presenting many complex 
and difficult features. 
TRANSIT SHEDS. 
Except for certain classes of goods not susceptible of 
damage from adverse weather conditions, such as ore, 
coal, timber, and building materials, some kind of protec- 
tion from atmospheric agencies is essential. This usually 
takes the form of a series of sheds ranged alongside the 
quay. They are known as Transit Sheds, as the accommoda- 
tion they afford is only of a temporary character. Goods 
should not be allowed to be stored in Transit Sheds. As a 
general rule, free occupancy of space by the goods of any 
consignee is limited to 48 or 72 hours. Thereafter, a charge 
ts made, and, in any case, pressure is brought to bear in 
order to get the space cleared quickly as possible, otherwise 
congestion inevitably results and cargo-handling opera- 
tions are impeded. If storage is required, it should be 
obtainable in separate buildings or warehouses, specially 
provided for the purpose, preferably away from the immed- 
late vicinity of the quay frontage. 
Transit Sheds are single, double, treble, or even multi- 
storied. Most generally, one or two floors are considered 
sufficient, even at leading ports. Much, however, depends 
on the local conditions. Allowance has often to be made