How is Safety of Containers Ensured During Haulage?
As we know, shipping containers are responsible for the secure movement of cargo across the country – and the world. Therefore, ensuring the safety of these containers during haulage is of paramount importance.
Let’s take a closer look at why container safety is crucial and the methods and procedures used to guarantee their integrity throughout their journey.
The Importance of Container Safety & Security
First of all, you have to consider the cargo within the container. By keeping the container safe and secure, you will minimise risk of damage, theft, contamination or other incidents to the goods inside. Many goods being transported are valuable and sensitive, requiring protection from environmental elements, shocks, and mishandling.
Second of all, you have to consider the people involved in the transportation of the container. Due to the frequent movement of the containers during haulage and various modes of transportation used, such as ships, trucks and trains, there must be safety measures in place. These processes aim to reduce the chances of accidents, injuries, or fatalities that may occur due to structural failures or improper handling.
What Safety Measures & Procedures Are Performed During Haulage?
Regular Container Inspections
Before the journey begins, containers undergo thorough inspections to check structural integrity, verify the container’s dimensions, and ensure it meets required safety standards. If any defects, damages or inconsistencies are identified, they will be repaired and dealt with immediately to guarantee safe transportation.
Competent Packing & Securing
Within the container, the cargo must be packed securely to prevent any shifting during transportation. This means making sure there is adequate padding, strapping and bracing techniques used. The results include the risk of damage due to vibrations, sudden movements or rough handling is minimised and cargo remains stable and intact within the container.
Load Distribution & Weight Management
As well as the competent packing and securing of the cargo, proper load distribution and weird management are critical to maintaining the stability and safety of containers during haulage. If overloaded or uneven, there is risk of accidents, structural failures or difficulties during handling, so it’s important to strictly follow guidelines.
Efficient Sealing & Locking
Containers are sealed and locked using high-quality tamper-evident seals to prevent unauthorised access and tampering during transportation. These seals provide visual indicators if the container has been breached, ensuring the security of the cargo.
Compliance with International Standards
ISO standards for container construction and Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) requirements must be adhered to for containers travelling across the globe. These standards outline specifications for container design, structural strength, door security, and other essential safety features.
Essential Training & Certification
In order to be aware of the above points, individuals involved in container haulage will undergo specialised training and obtain relevant certifications. From drivers to handlers and operators, these roles will learn proper loading and unloading techniques, container handling procedures, and safety protocols. This will all ultimately reduce accidents and damage.
At Portman Logistics, we always make sure every member of our team is familiar with safety and security measures, so your container will be protected on every journey. Get in touch with us today to find out more or to ask any questions about what we can do for you.