Container Handling Suggestions
A "loaded container" by definition is a container other than in the empty or tare condition, in reference to container handling. Unless otherwise confirmed, containers should be treated as loaded. In order to maintain safety, when handling or securing containers, environmental conditions like wind must be taken into consideration. The term loaded refers to the container's maximum gross weigh rating. To be able to ensure that the centre of gravity is kept as central and low as possible, the cargo has to be distributed throughout the container.
To be able to maintain safety, having an evenly distributed load is helpful to prevent excessive tilting, and lack of vehicle stability. 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 differs. It is extremely important that the designers of containers and handling machinery consider in the engineering process. For example, when 60 percent of the load by mass is distributed in 50 percent of the container length measured from one end of the machine, the eccentricity corresponds to 5%.
In order to make certain that the machine used 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. Particular attention must be paid to the risk of the container tilting because of 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 integral or clip on, or any container with a hanging load, extreme care should be taken when lifting these.
A variety of methods for handling containers other than the ones already mentioned can be taken into account, but just after careful assessment of the machine by means of which the container is to be handled. With regards to global container standards, the methods of operation are foreseen. Safety is paramount in every situation and time needs to be taken before starting in order to make certain all situations are handled in the best possible way and overall efficiency is maintained.