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 for instance wind need to be taken into account. The word loaded is the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to make sure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the load has to be evenly distributed all over the container.
Having an evenly distributed load it is helpful to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, 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 within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is very important that the designers of handling machines and containers consider in the engineering process. Like for example, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the length of the container measured from one end of the equipment, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
Make sure that the container is free to be handled and care has 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. Specific attention has to be paid to the possibility of the container tilting because of the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When lifting any container whose centre of gravity is eccentric or mobile, like for example a tank container, a bulk 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.
A variety of 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 global container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in each and every situation and time must be taken prior to starting in order to make sure overall efficiency is maintained and all situations are handled in the best possible way.