Container Handling Tips
A "loaded container" by definition is a container other than in the empty or tare 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 for example wind must be considered. The term loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to make certain that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load needs to be distributed all over the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed load is beneficial to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. An even cargo helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the load distribution within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is very essential that the designers of handling machinery and containers take this into account during the engineering process. Like for instance, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the length of the container measured from one end of the machine, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
In order to make sure that the machine 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 because of 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 clip on or integral, 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 consideration, but just after careful evaluation of the machine by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is vital in every situation and time has to be taken prior to starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.