Safely Stacking Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are like the soul of the export/import industry. During their lifetime, wear and tear of these massive containers are very common. Some of that damage is due to weather conditions experienced during transport, but some are due to mishandling. Businesses using containers surely do not want their investment to be wasted.

When shipping containers are used internationally or are used for storage, they are often stacked to save space. It is essential to stack the containers appropriately to avoid damage. Here are some safety tips to follow when stacking shipping containers.

Stacking Containers

Shipping containers are constructed in standard design and sizes to be used in any combination, no matter the manufacturer. The general rule is, containers must be stacked no more than eight high. The containers are designed to fit together and lock on the four corner posts. The corner posts and flooring of these boxes are capable of bearing the weight of the containers above it.

Cranes or Forklifts

The first thing is to get the containers to the site of loading. Usually, the containers are delivered via truck, but if unloading or loading in a shipyard, railcars could also be used.

When stacking, there are two pieces of equipment used: cranes and forklifts. Large stationary cranes are used in shipyards to load and unload cargo from ships. The containers are stacked both onboard the vessel and in the shipyard.

Mobiles cranes can be used on sites where a stationary crane is impractical. Special care is taken when stacking the containers using cranes. It is done very carefully by placing straps on all four corners.

Sometimes the use of a forklift is more useful. Forklifts are usually used when containers don’t have to be stacked very high, limited room, or when the containers have to be moved about frequently. It’s important to hire trained forklift operators who have experience in the container stacking procedure.

Setting the Base

If the base containers are set precisely, then the multi-level structure’s upper layers will also be secure. All necessary safety precautions should be taken to form the base level correctly. For the upper layers, employ the container stacking system wherein locks are placed at all four corners.

Final Adjustments

If the containers are in one place for a long time, check that the containers are weatherproof. To do so, caulk all the seams. This sealant prevents water from entering the containers and damaging the goods inside. Some owners add a roof cap to deflect snow and rainwater.

If creating an office or living space using containers, electrical and plumbing can be connected once everything is set.

Carolina Containers

We have lots of ideas about how containers can be used for your business. Call our team at Carolina Containers, and we’ll help you with sales and shipping container transport to meet your needs. Call us today at 919-562-9187.

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Tips to Help You Prepare For a Shipping Container Delivery

Anyone who has purchased a shipping container needs to prepare for delivery ahead of time. The buyer wants the delivery process to be smooth and straightforward. They need to develop a plan where the shipping container will be transported and stored. This post will go over the steps necessary to have a shipping container transported and placed successfully.

Best Ways to Prepare

Adapt Location If Needed

A shipping container needs to be delivered to a specific location. Choose where this location will be ahead of time and think carefully about this area. Make sure this place is somewhere where you and the company delivering the container can easily access it.

Verify that the size of the location is big enough. If your shipping container doesn’t fit on the site, this will be a big problem. This area should also be level and solid to support the shipping container. Remember, shipping containers are weighty and large.

Create a Foundation

Before the shipping container comes, look at the area you have chosen. Is the ground flat enough and sturdy enough? Concrete, gravel, and other foundation surfaces are excellent for shipping container stabilization. Place the container on a firm foundation to prevent sinking into the ground and begin to list. If the container is transported across the soft ground for final placement, use wood planks placed on the ground to create a delivery truck pathway.

Clear The Area

Once the ground is stable enough for the shipping container, make sure that there is nothing in the way. Clear the land and the surrounding area so the truck delivering your container can get in and out with ease. Remember to look up for power lines, trees, and other overhead obstructions.

How Will Shipping Container Be Delivered

How the shipping container is delivered will depend on a few factors:

• Whether container has Front or Side Door Entry
• Length of container
• Size of placement site
• Access to the placement site

A flatbed tilt truck can be used if the site has enough maneuvering space for the truck to back into the placement site and slide the container off. A flatbed truck can be used when there is tighter space but still needs room for a forklift or crane to deliver the container to the final placement.

Make a Schedule

Lastly, ensure that you have scheduled a time for your delivery. Talk beforehand to the delivery company. Confirm when and where you will meet. Be on time, and do not make the truck wait for you to arrive.

Carolina Containers

Need a container for your business? All sales at Carolina Containers include shipping container transport. Call us today at 919-562-9187.

The post Tips to Help You Prepare For a Shipping Container Delivery first appeared on Carolina Containers.