Container Handling Tips
A "loaded container" by definition is a container other than in the tare or empty condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers must be treated as loaded. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like wind must be taken into account. The word loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load should be evenly distributed throughout the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed cargo is beneficial to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. An even cargo helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the load distribution in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is very essential that the designers of handling machines and containers take this into consideration during the engineering process. For example, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the container length measured from one end of the machine, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
Make certain that the container is free to be handled and care needs to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container, in order to make certain that the machinery utilized is perfect for the cargo. Particular attention has to be paid to the risk of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When raising any container whose centre of gravity is mobile or eccentric, such as a bulk container, a tank container a thermal container with a refrigerating unit or a container with a liquid bulk bag, either integral or clip on, or any container with a hanging cargo, great care must be taken when raising these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned could be taken into account, but just after careful evaluation of the equipment by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is paramount in each and every situation and time must be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.