Container Handling Tips
A "loaded container" by definition 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. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like wind must be taken into consideration. The term loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. In order to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the cargo must be distributed all over the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed cargo is helpful to avoid excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. An even cargo helps to prevent unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
The eccentricity of the center of gravity varies, with the load distribution within the container. It is very essential that the designers of handling machines and containers consider during the engineering process. Like for example, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the container length measured from one end of the equipment, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
In order to make sure that the machinery used is perfect for the cargo, care has to be taken to make certain it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Specific attention needs to be paid to the possibility 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, like 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 needs to be taken when lifting these.
A variety of methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned may be taken into account, but only after careful evaluation of the machine by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to international container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in each and every situation and time must be taken before starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best way possible and overall efficiency is maintained.