Container Handling Suggestions
A "loaded container" by description is a container other than in the empty or tare condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers should be treated as loaded. In order to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like wind should be taken into account. The term loaded refers to the container's maximum gross weigh rating. In order to make certain that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the cargo needs to be evenly distributed all over the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed cargo is beneficial to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. An even cargo helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the distribution of load in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity varies. It is very important that the designers of handling equipment and containers take this into consideration during the engineering process. Like for example, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the length of the container measured from one end of the equipment, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
To be able to make certain that the machinery used is perfect for the load, care has to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Particular attention needs to 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 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 cargo, great care should be taken when lifting these.
A variety of methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned can 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 envisaged. Safety is paramount in every situation and time should be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.