Container Handling Tips
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 must be treated as loaded. In order to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like wind need to be considered. The term loaded refers to the maximum gross weigh rating of the container. To be able to make sure that the centre of gravity is kept as low and central as possible, the load needs to be evenly distributed all around the container.
Having an equally distributed cargo it is advantageous to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, in order to maintain safety. A load which is even helps to avoid unacceptable load concentrations, and unacceptable vehicle axle loading.
With the load distribution in the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is very important that the designers of handling machines and containers take this into account during the engineering process. For instance, 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 certain that the machine utilized 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. Specific attention has 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 bulk container, a tank container or a container with a liquid bulk bag or a thermal container with a refrigerating unit, either clip on or integral, or any container with a hanging load, great care should be taken when lifting these.
Various methods for handling containers other than the ones aforementioned could be taken into account, but just after careful evaluation of the machinery by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is vital in every situation and time has to be taken prior to starting in order to make sure all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.