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 should be treated as loaded. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like for instance wind must be taken into account. The term loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to guarantee that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the cargo should be distributed all over the container.
Having an evenly distributed load it is advantageous to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability, in order to maintain safety. An even load helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity differs, with the distribution of load within the container. It is extremely important that the designers of containers and handling equipment take this into account during the engineering process. Like 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 percent.
To be able to make sure that the equipment utilized is perfect for the cargo, care has to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Specific attention should 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 load, extreme care should be taken when raising these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned may be taken into account, but only after careful assessment of the equipment by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to worldwide container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in 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.