How to handle containers
Wednesday, 24th February 2010
The ISO design of containers is mainly to enable them to be truly intermodal, facilitating their transportation by multiple methods with ease. Corner castings set at regular positions as well as forklift pockets, combined with uniform sized units means that ports, depots, terminals and hauliers do not have to employ a myriad of lifting apparatus to handle them.
10ft and 20ft containers will have forklift pockets as well as corner castings. This means they are designed to be handled by conventional forklifts as well as dedicated container handlers and spreaders lifting from the corner castings. Most 40ft containers do not have forklift pockets as the strain on the container structure when lifting the containers from middle points would in most cases lead to damage or instability.
When undertaking container conversions it is also worth considering how the structural nature of the container is being altered and how it will then be lifted and transported. A professional company undertaking your modifications and customising any equipment will advise you on the best way to achieve your objectives without rendering the box unmovable
When buying a storage container and arranging your own transport it is worth considering how you intend to unload the box at the other end. Another consideration is whether the vehicle you are sending to collect the container is able to safely carry them and will be loaded by the depot or terminal releasing it. Most professional storage and repair depots and terminals will only load trailers with twistlocks fitted. These twistlocks as the name would suggest are designed to slot into the bottom corner castings of the box and then be locked into position manually with an integrated handle.
Most companies offering containers for sale will also be able to provide you with self unloading crane mounted transportation at a reasonable cost. By booking the transport with your supplier you will at least have the peace of mind that the unit will be released onto a vehicle built for the job.