What are the precautions for using open top containers?

When using an open top container, the following precautions should be taken:

1、 Loading of goods

Confirmation of cargo size:

Before loading goods in open top containers, it is necessary to accurately measure the dimensions of the goods, including length, width, height, and weight. Ensure that the goods can be smoothly loaded into the container without exceeding its maximum carrying capacity. For example, for large mechanical equipment, its dimensions at different angles and positions should be considered to avoid situations where it cannot be placed in a container or damaged during loading.

For ultra-high goods, special attention should be paid to the height restrictions of bridges, tunnels, overhead lines and other facilities on the transportation route. When planning transportation routes, it is important to understand the height restrictions along the way in advance to ensure the safe passage of goods. For example, when transporting large billboards, it is important to ensure that their height is within the height limits of bridges and tunnels along the transportation route.

Fixed goods:

Due to the lack of a top in open top containers, the goods are easily affected by external factors during transportation and may move. Therefore, it is necessary to firmly fix the goods. Fixed tools such as ropes, steel straps, and chains can be used to tightly connect the goods to the bottom frame and columns of the container.

For goods with irregular shapes or high center of gravity, additional fixing measures should be taken, such as using wooden wedges, cushion blocks, etc. for support, to prevent the goods from tilting or collapsing during transportation. For example, when transporting large sculptures, wooden wedges should be placed between the bottom of the sculpture and the bottom of the container to increase stability.

Waterproof protection:

Although open top containers can be covered with canvas or hardtop at the top, they may still be affected by rain, dew, and other factors during transportation. Therefore, for goods that are afraid of water, effective waterproof protection should be carried out. Materials such as waterproof cloth and plastic film can be used to wrap the goods, or desiccants can be placed inside the container to absorb moisture from the air.

For goods that need to be kept dry, such as electronic products, paper documents, etc., special attention should be paid to the effectiveness of waterproof measures. Before loading the goods, check the sealing of the container to ensure there are no leaks. During transportation, regularly check the waterproof condition of the goods and make timely adjustments and repairs if necessary.

2、 In terms of transportation process

Choose the appropriate mode of transportation:

Open top containers are usually suitable for various modes of transportation such as road transport, railway transport, and sea transport. However, different transportation methods may have different requirements for the size, weight, and cargo of containers. When choosing a transportation method, factors such as the nature of the goods, transportation distance, transportation time, and cost should be considered.

For example, for long-distance or cross-border transportation, sea freight may be a more economical option; For short distance transportation or urgent transportation of goods, road transportation may be faster. When choosing a transportation method, it is also important to ensure that the transportation company has experienced operators and suitable transportation equipment to safely transport open top containers.

Transportation route planning:

Due to the special nature of goods in open top containers, they may be subject to various restrictions along the transportation route. When planning transportation routes, factors such as road width, height limit, weight limit, and bend radius should be considered to ensure that containers can pass smoothly.

For the transportation of large goods, it may be necessary to communicate with the traffic management department in advance, apply for special transportation permits, and arrange police cars or road personnel to escort during the transportation process. For example, when transporting large wind turbine blades, it is necessary to plan the transportation route in advance, avoid narrow roads and low bridges, and ensure that the blades can be safely transported to their destination.

Considering weather factors:

Open top containers are easily affected by weather during transportation. Under severe weather conditions, such as rainstorm, gale, blizzard, etc., goods may be damaged. Therefore, pay attention to the weather forecast before transportation and try to avoid transporting goods under adverse weather conditions.

If transportation in adverse weather conditions cannot be avoided, corresponding protective measures should be taken, such as strengthening the fixation of goods, covering with waterproof cloth, etc. For goods that are susceptible to wind and rain, such as wood, steel, etc., waterproof coating or plastic film can be applied to the surface of the goods to reduce the impact of weather on them.

3、 Container management aspect

Container inspection:

Before using an open top container, a comprehensive inspection of the container should be conducted, including the box structure, bottom frame, columns, canvas or hardtop, and other parts. Ensure that the container is free from damage, deformation, leaks, and other issues, and promptly repair or replace any problems.

Check the sealing performance of the container to ensure that it can effectively prevent rainwater and dust from entering the container after covering with canvas or hardtop. For containers that are used for a long time, regular inspections and maintenance should be carried out to ensure their performance and safety.

Rental and purchase options:

Open top containers can be obtained through leasing or purchasing. When choosing to lease or purchase, factors such as frequency of transportation demand, cost, and long-term planning should be considered. If there is less transportation demand, you can choose to rent containers to reduce costs; If the transportation demand is frequent and used for a long time, it is possible to consider purchasing containers to improve the convenience and economy of use.

Whether renting or purchasing, it is important to choose a reputable container supplier or leasing company to ensure the quality and service of the containers. Before signing a contract, it is important to carefully read the contract terms, clarify the rights and obligations of both parties, and avoid disputes.

Safety operation training:

For operators using open top containers, safety operation training should be provided, including knowledge and skills in cargo loading, securing, transportation route planning, weather response, and other aspects. Operators should be familiar with the structure and performance of containers, master the correct operating methods, and ensure the safe transportation of goods.

The training content should also include emergency response measures, such as how to take timely and effective measures to deal with situations such as goods tilting, collapsing, and leaking during transportation, in order to reduce losses. At the same time, operators must strictly comply with relevant safety regulations and operating procedures to ensure their own and others' safety.