container & ports

Before you load anything into a container, you should inspect it. If it’s not in good condition, you could be exposing yourself to loss of cargo, and to damaged goods and claims. It’s up to you to make sure the container is suitable for holding the goods while they’re in transportation. Reject any container that could leak, poses a safety hazard or has any defects that could endanger the cargo.

• there are no dents, bulges or damage to the walls of the container;
• the roof has no holes or cracks in it;
• the doors close tightly and are watertight;
• the lock rods close and lock correctly;
• the container has slots for the seals, and you can use these slots;
• you’ve removed any placards and markings for previous hazardous cargo, precautions or destinations.

As the shipper, you’re responsible for packing and loading goods in a way that allows them to make it to their destination in the right condition. Following correct loading practices will help you to fulfil these responsibilities and achieve this. Incorrect packing and loading can catch the eye of customs on the x-rays, which can derail your schedule if they decide to investigate what you’re transporting and whether it’s illegal.

Ideally, you want to pack the container to capacity; this isn’t always possible, however. Sometimes, you’ll need to pack padding or dunnage between cargo items so that they don’t suffer any damage during transit. If you’re wrapping cargo in dunnage, measure the volume when wrapped so you can calculate accurately before loading the number of items you can carry.

When packing the container, there are several best practices you should follow:

Some cargo can be problematic when mixed with other types of cargo, so take precautions to avoid mixing them.

If cargo is susceptible to water damage or tainting, keep it away from any cargo that gives off moisture or an odour. Load any cargo that has the potential to leak or spill at the bottom, and separate liquid cargo from your other cargo. Of course, keep chemicals away from food.

Cargo can easily crush during shipping. Load heavy items at the bottom, and place dunnage between items to prevent crushing or other types of damage. If any cargo has sharp projections or odd shapes, box them, crate them or pad them so they can’t damage the other goods in the container.

• Loading 40ft container in 5 minutes
• Suitable for 20ft / 40ft / 45ft and 53ft containers
• Suited for palletized or palletless products
• Applicable for standard, non-modified trucks, trailers or containers
• Integrates seamlessly with any outgoing material streams, like production lines or automated warehouses
• No need for alterations to the cargo space or substructures beneath the cargo

If you need to lift heavy goods into a container at ground level, our container lifting system is ideal for you. The hydraulic system is specially designed to lift sea containers from the ground to the chassis, or vice versa. Using this system, you can lift up to 35 tonnes in weight.

The container system is a good alternative to investing in a heavy-duty forklift truck, is perfect for remote sites and is suitable for low to mid-range container handling. You can attach and remove the legs with the help of a forklift truck.

Are you wondering how our LoadPlate system will suit your port environment?

Use our Virtual Showroom and configure your LoadPlate setup, from the installation type to product handling, visualise how our LoadPlate system would fit in your operations.