After purchasing a shipping container, the major obstacle standing in the way is how to transport it to its destination. Unfortunately, moving a shipping container isn’t a walk in the park. It’s risky and can lead to severe accidents if mishandled.
With proper planning and execution, it can be moved safely and efficiently. Whether you’re moving the shipping container across town or the ocean, below are tips to ensure a safe and smooth haul.
Plan The Move
The first step in moving a shipping container is carefully planning the move. This includes choosing the right size and type of container for your needs, checking local regulations and permits for moving containers, and assessing where the container will be placed for accessibility and suitability.
Make sure that the site can accommodate the container and that no obstacles or hazards could interfere with the move of the reefer container..
Prepare the Container
Before moving the container, cleaning and inspecting it for damage or defects is important. Any loose parts or objects inside the container should be secured to prevent them from shifting during transport. If the container has previously held hazardous materials or residues, these should be removed before the move to ensure safety.
Choose The Right Mode Of Transport
Hauling a shipping container needs special equipment. First, choose between moving the container by sea or road. If time isn’t a problem, container transport by sea is cheaper. However, if you’re short on time, settle for the road.
Before settling for a specific means of transport, consider its size and weight-carrying capacity. The right transport equipment should accommodate your shipping container’s whole length and width. If the container hangs outside, it can endanger other motorists.
Moreover, the transport equipment should be able to handle the weight of the shipping container to avoid accidents. If you can’t find an appropriate means of transport, contact a company like Titan Worldwide for help.
Plan Your Route
Before hitting the road, plan the route you’ll use to transport the container. As a rule of thumb, don’t settle for narrow roads, low bridges, and other barriers that could make moving difficult. Moreover, obtain the necessary licenses and permits required to move shipping containers. Remember to contact local authorities and utility companies to ensure there are no restrictions along the route.
Inspect The Container Transport Tool
Next, ensure the trailer or truck you’ll use to transport the equipment is in perfect shape. Inspect the tires, especially the pressure, to ensure they can withstand the weight of the container. Then, determine if the front lights and brake lights work without a hitch.
Additionally, brakes and their components should be in perfect condition. Finally, ensure the track has enough tie-down points to fasten the container. Some state laws stipulate that only a trailer with more than four tie-down points should haul a shipping container.
Secure The Container Properly
After choosing the means of transport and planning your route, place your shipping container onto the trailer or truck. This entails using a hydraulic lift arm to mount the container onto the trailer and then using fasteners to secure it. Ensure to tighten the buckles so that the container can’t move. If the container isn’t correctly secured, sudden brakes can cause it to shift or tip and cause accidents.
Educate Your Team
When moving a shipping container, your team plays an essential role. You might hire the latest equipment to handle the equipment, but its functionality and efficiency will depend on your workers. Therefore, your team needs to be well-trained to ensure a safe haul.
For instance, drivers must have professional driving skills to haul heavy equipment. If you choose an inexperienced driver, a minor mishap could lead to accidents and damage to the shipping container and other road users.
Besides having good driving skills, your team should be trained to handle and operate heavy equipment and machinery like loading and unloading equipment. Moreover, your team should be equipped with appropriate safety gear such as helmets, gloves, and harnesses.
Unload The Container Safely
After arriving at your destination, you must unload the container with extra care. A slight mistake can lead to fatal accidents and damage.
Hiring or investing in the right unloading tools, such as a hydraulic lift arm, is essential. It helps to unload the container easily and quickly. The process involves lowering the equipment to the ground and removing the fasteners and chains to secure the container. When doing this, ensure experienced workers operate the tools to avoid accidents. Inspect the container for any signs of damage that may have occurred during transport.
The Bottom Line
Moving a shipping container can be a daunting task. The process requires time and experience to succeed. You might incur damages and losses that can be avoided without the proper knowledge.
With the help of these tips, you can move your shipping container without any worries. If you’re overwhelmed with the moving process, contact professional movers who are qualified and experienced to handle the task.
