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 should be treated as loaded. In order to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions like for instance wind need to 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 central and low as possible, the cargo must be equally distributed throughout the container.
Having an evenly distributed cargo it is advantageous to prevent lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting, so as to maintain safety. 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 containers and handling machinery consider 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 machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5 percent.
To be able to make certain that the machine used is right for the load, care needs to be taken to make sure it is safely attached to the container and that the container is free to be handled. Specific attention should be paid to the possibility of the container tilting due to the eccentricity of the center of gravity. When lifting any container whose centre of gravity is mobile or eccentric, such as a tank container, a bulk 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 cargo, extreme care should be taken when lifting these.
There are many methods for using handling containers that could be taken into account. Then again, there has to be an evaluation of the machinery means by which the container is to be used. With respect to international container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is vital in 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.