Over the entire history of shipping containers’ existence, they had different shapes and designs. As well, they were used for many purposes. Today, they are still the most affordable, reliable, and versatile helpers for transporting goods. Of course, with the modern science and advanced technology, the methods of manufacturing containers have also improved. As for shipping containers for sale Pittsburgh, they boast impressive strength, reliability, and versatility.
4 Steps To Load Shipping Containers Properly
Accidents with shipping containers happen very often. In fact, every year somewhere at sea about 1000 containers can get lost. Not only does this cause huge financial losses, but it can also put both humans and marine life in great danger – and in most cases, it is caused by improper loading. First of all, this results in significant financial losses. As well, it can be extremely dangerous for both humans and marine life. In most cases, the loss of shipping containers is caused by improper loading.
So, before departure, it is crucial to properly load the cargo container and check once again that all cargo is well secured. Detailed pieces of advice can be easily found on the Internet. Yet, in this article, we will outline the 4 basic steps you need to take. We will share some useful tips to begin with.
Step #1: check the container thoroughly
Prior to beginning loading a container, you need to take a closer look at its condition. Pay attention if it has a valid Container Safety Convention (CSC) plate. Otherwise, you must return it to the supplier as soon as possible. If yes, then you can move on to the next step. Various aspects of the outer and inner appearance of shipping containers must be evaluated.
For example:
- Are there some damages or holes in the panels?
- Is the inside of your shipping container clean and dry?
- Does the floor of the container look clean? Are there some injuries?
You should also install the official payload of the container and make sure it matches your requirements.
Step #2: indicate the load balancing
Secondly, you need to make a container loading or filling plan. In fact, the weight of the cargo should be evenly distributed over the floor of the container. There shouldn’t be more than 60% payload within half of the length. Therefore, before you start placing things in their places, think carefully and decide where exactly they should go.
It is important to consider the actual size, weight, and density of each item. Heavy loads and liquids should always be placed at the bottom, and lighter loads and dry products should be placed at the top. Accordingly, anything that may cause damage, like sharp edges, should be separated.
Step #3: secure the cargo
Cargo must be packed as tightly as possible in shipping containers. Try to fill up all the empty space if there is any. Still, if items do not fit, either fill the gaps with empty boxes (or blankets) or fasten them.
Remember that the cargo is constantly exposed to compressive forces during transportation. Ship motion can put a huge strain on your belay devices. Therefore, it is important to choose them wisely. Some of the more popular options include tying, strapping, fastening, clasps, direct or friction tying, and blocking. Be sure that Pelican Containers are well-known for their high quality that will save your cargo. Plus, they are available for sale in Pittsburgh.
Step #4: make a final checkout
Finally, it is recommended to do a final inspection of shipping containers. Make sure that all the cargo is properly packed. For instance, all the heavy objects should be below, all the space should be used effectively. More than this, recheck if you have secured the transported goods in their places. If not, some changes have to be made. After these actions, close the shipping container doors and lock them with a strong padlock.
Shipping Containers Are Universal For Transportation: Then And Now
The history of shipping containers began at the end of the 19th century. At the start of the 20th century, Americans began to use containers to transport various goods by rail between the states of Illinois and Wisconsin. The technical characteristics of the structures of such containers made it possible to use them for the transportation of goods by road, rail, and ships. Over time, special vessels appeared that were used to transport goods in shipping containers. The first such vessel was created in 1951 in Denmark.
With the development of international transport, the question of creating universal containers arose. They were supposed to be more spacious than before and suitable for transportation abroad. The development of such containers was taken up by the American Malcolm McLean. The design of this container vessel took into account all the shortcomings of its Danish “relative”. It accommodated 58 shipping containers on board with ease. The invention turned out to be more than successful.
Later, standards were developed for each type of container. In the 1770s ISO standards were introduced and shipping containers were standardized. With the widespread use of containers for international shipping, entire trains, cargo ships, transshipment points, and ports were converted to use containers. Currently, container shipping is the most common way to transport cargo, regardless of the mode of transport.
Shipping containers are suitable for transportation by:
- Road;
- Rail;
- Sea or river;
- And air transport.
Luckily today, shipping containers are available for sale in Pittsburg and all over the world. You can easily choose the best one from Pelican Containers. There are many items for every possible purpose.
Wrapping It Up
Nowadays, shipping containers are in high demand. This is not surprising, as the transportation of goods in such containers gives the opportunity to optimize costs, time, and other resources. In turn, this allows you to increase the turnover of cargo and has a positive impact on the financial situation of your business. That is why Pelican Containers are used by large enterprises, small, and medium-sized companies.