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 should be treated as loaded. To be able to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like for instance wind should be taken into account. The word loaded refers to the container's maximum gross weigh rating. To be able to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the cargo needs to be evenly distributed throughout the container.
Having an evenly distributed cargo it is advantageous to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability, so as to maintain safety. A cargo that is even helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the load distribution in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is very essential that the designers of handling machinery and containers take this into consideration during the engineering process. Like for instance, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the container length measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
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 sure that the machine used is perfect for the cargo. Particular attention needs to be paid to the possibility of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When raising any container whose centre of gravity is eccentric or mobile, like 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 load, extreme care must be taken when lifting these.
Different methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned could be taken into account, but only after careful assessment of the equipment by means of which the container is to be handled. With respect to international container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in every situation and time should be taken prior to starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.