Most Freight shipping companies understand the importance of properly loading a container. Not only does this impact good safety and transportation efficiency, but it also determines space management. As a shipping company or logistic partner, maintaining operational efficiency can significantly improve your bottom line.
These tips below will help you load your next containers smoothly and successfully while improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
1. Types Of Loading Containers
There are four major types of loading containers used for logistics reasons. They include the following;
Front-loading containers: These containers are similar to the front-load washing machine. They have their doors in front and are typically suitable for small-item shipping.
Rear-loading containers: These containers have their doors located at the back. They are typically used to transport oversized items.
Top-loading containers: These containers have their doors on top of the container. They are suitable for fragile items as they can be lowered gently into the container.
Bottom-loading containers: These containers are perfect for heavy items. They are typically loaded from the bottom and used to encapsulate items for shipping or transportation.
2. Critical Steps For Loading A Container
Step 1: Choose The Right Container Size
The right container size makes all the difference in loading and shipping products. Choosing a container that’s too small can either damage the product or increase your operational overhead. On the other hand, containers that are too big also leave more unused space which means less efficiency per storage space available.
The perfect-fit container will improve operational efficiency and cut transportation or shipping costs.
Step 2: Place The Container On A Level Surface
Containers on a level surface give you a better idea of what can be stored and how to arrange/organize the items. For improved efficiency, always load containers on a flat and even surface.
Step 3: Plan And Arrange Belongings
One of the key parts of effective space utilization is planning. Start the loading process by taking stock of the items going into the container, their sizes, and their weights. Place the heavier ones on the container’s floor towards the back and load the lighter ones on it. Ensure that heavy items are not loaded on top of light ones. You should also take note of the stack height to prevent damaging the base stack.
Step 4: Close And Secure The Container Doors
Once fully stacked and packed to the brim, close the container door and ensure they close all the way. You should also securely fasten the container doors for security reasons.
Step 5: Pick And Load Your Container
Once fully packed and secured, pick your container using the appropriate equipment and load it on a suitable truck for transportation. Ensure that the container is tightly secured to the transportation truck to prevent accidents or related hazards on the road.
Step 6: Drive And Deliver To Your Destination
With your container fully packed and your truck loaded, you can now drive to your delivery destination. At your destination, reverse the step by first unclasping the container from the truck, unloading it from the truck onto a flat surface, opening it, and unloading its content.
3. Securing A Load In A Container
Securing your load in a container is critical to preventing shipping or transportation damages. Getting the process right can significantly improve your client’s experience and save you money. One of the best ways to safely secure your items is by tying them down using ratchet tie-downs, strong straps, or ropes. You may need to use chains, winches, or cables to hold down larger loads.
4. Sealing A Container
Sealing a container is important to maintain security and safety. To get started, you need the appropriate container size with the appropriate load arranged/organized efficiently. Next, you need the appropriate seal size for your container, and finally, you need to seal the container appropriately.
You can seal a container in different ways; some methods may be more secure than others. In most cases, a metal clip is recommended for all types of container sealing, although there are plastic seals too.
Follow these steps to seal your container securely.
- Choose the right seal size and place it on the container.
- Secure the seal to the container and close it.
- Inspect the container to be sure it is properly sealed and secure.
The above tips can help you pack efficiently, load and unload seamlessly, and reduce damages during transportation. In addition, it can help you to significantly lower your operating costs while improving operational efficiency and improving your profit margins.
