Container Handling Suggestions
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. To be able to maintain safety, when securing or handling containers, environmental conditions such as wind should be taken into consideration. The term loaded is 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 cargo needs to be distributed throughout the container.
In order to maintain safety, having an equally distributed cargo is beneficial to avoid lack of vehicle stability, and excessive tilting. An even cargo helps to prevent unacceptable vehicle axle loading, and unacceptable load concentrations.
With the distribution of load within the container, the eccentricity of the center of gravity differs. It is extremely essential that the designers of containers and handling machinery take this into consideration during the engineering process. For example, when 60% of the load by mass is distributed in 50% of the container length measured from one end of the machinery, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
To be able to make sure that the equipment utilized is right 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 must 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 eccentric or mobile, 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, extreme care should be taken when lifting these.
Various 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 respect to global container standards, the methods of operation are envisaged. Safety is vital 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.