Detailed Container Loading and Unloading Process

In the modern maritime industry, containers play a vital role in global goods transportation. The container loading and unloading process is a critical link in the supply chain, ensuring that goods are transported safely and efficiently from sea vessels to shore and vice versa. So, is this process complex? Let’s follow the detailed goods handling process.

Professional Loading and Unloading Equipment

There are many devices that assist in making the container loading and unloading process more professional and efficient. Below are some common and important devices:

Cranes

Cranes are often used at large seaports to handle containers. Typically, two common types are gantry cranes and mobile mini cranes. They play an important role by providing rapid ground-level efficiency.

Forklifts

Forklifts are specialized vehicles for lifting and moving goods in warehouses and containers. Forklifts have high lifting capabilities and are often used when winching goods from containers.

Lifting Equipment

In the port loading and unloading process, lifting equipment plays a vital role. These include devices such as:

• Dock levelers: Creating a flat and continuous surface to connect the warehouse floor with the container floor.
• Forklift ramps: Helping to adjust height, eliminate differences, and facilitate forklift movement during goods retrieval.

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How Does the Cargo Handling Process Take Place?

The cargo handling process at the port is divided into 3 stages:

Inside the ship’s hold, workers will perform lashing to secure the containers. Then, the spreader beam and twistlocks are guided into the corner castings of the container. The crane then pulls the container to a safe position.

Once the crane lowers the goods to the designated position, the twistlocks rotate 90 degrees in reverse to unlock and release the frame from the cargo.

On the Vessel

Importing Goods

• The crane will move the goods from the vessel down to the pier or the trailer bed.
• For semi-automatic spreaders, workers will manually rotate the twistlocks 90 degrees to lock the container to the frame.
• With automatic spreaders, workers simply unlock via remote control.
• Once the container is locked to the spreader, the crane will lift it off the vessel.
• Forklifts or tractors will transport the goods from the pier to the storage yard or warehouse.

Exporting Goods

• Forklifts or tractors will transport the goods from the storage yard or warehouse to the pier.
• The crane will lower the spreader for workers to attach the container.
• For semi-automatic spreaders, workers will rotate the twistlocks 90 degrees to lock the container.
• Before lowering the cargo into the ship’s hold, the crane will temporarily stop at a height of 2 – 2.5 meters for a safety check.
• After ensuring safety, the crane will continue to lower the cargo into the ship’s hold.

At the Storage Yard

At the storage yard, the container handling process is carried out using various methods. Specialized lifting equipment or manual labor can be used to move goods.

For goods packaged on pallets, the loading and unloading technique usually proceeds as follows:

• Arranging goods: Goods are neatly arranged and securely fixed on the pallets.
• Approaching the pallet: The forklift will approach the pallet of goods.
• Lifting the pallet: The forklift will lift the pallet off the ground.
• Moving the pallet: The forklift will move the pallet to the required position in the yard.
• Loading and unloading: Depending on the requirements, the forklift can lift or lower goods from the pallet to the desired location.

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Important Notes in the Container Handling Process

The container handling process is a vital stage in goods transportation. Important notes when loading goods onto containers include:

Checking the Container

• Before loading, it is necessary to check the shell, doors, floor, roof, and other details. Ensure the container shows no signs of abnormality.
• Seal the container to ensure the integrity of the goods.

Selecting the Optimal Loading Method

Select a loading method suitable for each type of goods based on size, weight, properties, and storage requirements.

Complying with Safety Rules

• Ensure worker safety by providing full protective gear. Additionally, provide instructions on handling techniques and comply with occupational safety regulations.
• Ensure traffic safety when transporting containers by tractor-trucks or trailers.

>>> Summary of software for arranging goods into containers

Conclusion

The container loading and unloading process is a sequence of complex activities requiring smooth and precise coordination. Mastering this process ensures smooth transportation, minimizes risks, and optimizes logistics costs. We hope that with the information provided by Naltako, you have gained a comprehensive and detailed overview of the container handling process.