What precautions should be taken when loading cargo into containers?

Precautions for On-Site Loading of Container Cargo

There are typically three methods for on-site loading of container cargo: manual loading; loading using a forklift to move goods into the container; and stacking—either manually or fully mechanically—such as when pallets are stacked inside the container using a forklift.

1. Under no circumstances should the weight of the cargo loaded into a container exceed the container’s payload capacity—that is, the total weight of the cargo minus the container’s own weight. Container lifting device manufacturers generally indicate the total weight and tare weight on the container doors.

2. The unit weight of each container is fixed. Therefore, when loading the same type of cargo into a container, you can determine whether it is heavy or light simply by knowing the cargo’s density. If the cargo’s density exceeds the container’s unit weight, it is considered heavy cargo; otherwise, it is light cargo. Clearly distinguishing between these two scenarios in a timely manner is crucial for improving loading efficiency.

3. The load on the container floor must be balanced during loading. In particular, loading that is skewed to one side is strictly prohibited.

4. Avoid concentrated loads. “When loading heavy equipment such as machinery, cushioning materials such as wooden boards should be placed on the container floor to distribute the load as evenly as possible. The average safe load per unit area for a standard container is approximately 1,330 × 9.8 N/m²; for a 20-foot container, it is 980 × 9.8 N/m².”

5. When loading and unloading manually, pay attention to handling marks on the packaging, such as “Do Not Turn Over,” “Flat,” or “Vertical.” Be sure to use loading tools correctly. The use of hooks is prohibited when handling packaged goods. Goods inside the container should be neatly and securely packed. Fragile items should be properly strapped and packaged. Use padding or insert plywood between goods to prevent them from shifting inside the container.

6. When loading onto pallets, accurately determine the internal dimensions of the container and the external dimensions of the packages to calculate the number of loading passes, thereby minimizing the need to discard cargo or perform multiple loading operations.

7. When loading with a forklift, you will be limited by the machine’s free lift height and the height of the door frame. Therefore, when conditions permit, a forklift can load two layers of packages at once, but there must be a certain gap between the upper and lower layers. If loading two layers at once is not feasible, consider the forklift’s lifting height and the height the forklift’s mast can be raised when placing the second layer. Subtract the free lift height from the height of the first layer of cargo; this allows the second layer to be placed on top of the third layer.

Additionally, forklifts with a standard lifting capacity of 2 metric tons typically have a free lift height of approximately 1250px. However, there are also forklifts with full free lift height. As long as the height of the cargo container permits, these machines are not affected by gantry height, making it easy to stack two layers of cargo. It is also important to note that anti-slip mats must be placed under the cargo to ensure the forks can be pulled out smoothly.