Container Handling Tips
A "loaded container" by description 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. In order to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like wind need to be taken into consideration. The word loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to make sure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the load must be distributed all over the container.
To be able to maintain safety, having an equally distributed cargo is helpful to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. An even load helps to avoid unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity differs, with the load distribution within the container. It is very essential that the designers of containers and handling machines 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%.
In order to make sure that the equipment utilized is right for the cargo, care needs to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Particular attention must be paid to the risk of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When lifting any container whose centre of gravity is eccentric or mobile, like a tank container, a bulk 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, great care should be taken when lifting these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned may be taken into consideration, but only after careful assessment of the machine 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 each and every situation and time needs to be taken prior to starting in order to make certain overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best possible way.