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 example wind must be considered. 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 needs to be distributed all around the container.
Having an equally distributed cargo it is helpful to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability, so as to maintain safety. A load 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 varies. It is very essential that the designers of containers and handling machinery consider during the engineering process. For example, 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%.
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 sure that the machinery used is perfect for the cargo. Specific attention should be paid to the risk of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When lifting any container whose centre of gravity is eccentric or mobile, 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 cargo, extreme care has to be taken when lifting these.
There are a lot of methods for utilizing handling containers that could be taken into account. However, there has to be an evaluation of the machinery means by which the container is to be utilized. With respect to worldwide container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is vital in each and 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.