Intermodal transport involves transferring massive products in steel containers via two or more modes. It’s a modern means of moving products that can take place over a range of modalities, including truck, rail, or ship. Intermodal transport handles these specific standardized containers instead of transporting items from one vehicle to the next in their voyage. This method improves product safety and speeds up delivery, but only if you know how to do it right. Keep reading for a guide to proper intermodal container loading.
Weight
Vehicles are built to distribute loads evenly. All cargo should be balanced both laterally and longitudinally in vehicles. The distribution of the load between the kingpin and the rear tires must be equal. During transport, it is imperative that cargo is secured in such a way that it cannot slide laterally or longitudinally, which could impact safe weight distribution or positioning in the vehicle. The weight of the cargo must be equally distributed over the floor, with no more than 25,000 pounds on a ten-foot span or 2,500 pounds per foot. Avoid extremely concentrated weight like cylindrical-shaped objects, as they may cause floor breakdown. In addition to limiting product damage, properly securing cargo is essential for employee safety.
Blocking
In floor blocking applications, consideration should be given to the quantity, size, and kind of nails used, as well as the size and type of lumber. In addition to increasing the amount of blocking and bracing, the quantity and size of nails used for each task must be sufficient. Ensure that all floor blocking is nailed to the trailer or container floor so that it can’t move lengthwise. To safely ship a product on skids, line the skids with the same thickness of floor blocking, plus one row of cleats for each skid, backed up with the skid members. Additional cleats (i.e., backup cleats on the side) are optional; however, unit weight plays a role in whether they are required. This is the most important aspect of proper intermodal container loading, as any unblocked containers can cause damage to themselves and others, such as your employees. You’ll want to use load securing systems to be sure they won’t slide around.
Security Seals
As the shipper, you are obligated to ensure the security and integrity of the cargo, which includes the use of security seals to prevent unwanted access. In order to maintain the integrity of cargo shipments, security seals should be used on all doors, hatches, covers, and apertures that are utilized to load or unload goods. An unsealed or unsecured shipping container on its own does not mean that the cargo has been tampered with.
Intermodal shipping can seem complicated with all the securing and transferring, but once you get it down, it becomes second nature. When you know the basics regarding weight, blocking, and security seals, intermodal transportation will be a piece of cake. For all your intermodal transport needs, get in touch with us at Logistick.
The fact that you reminded us of our responsibility to guarantee the security and integrity of the cargo—which includes using security seals to bar unauthorised access—piqued my interest. My uncle has opened a new business and needs to send the equipment by freight to another city. I’ll send my uncle this information and advise him to choose a load that puts the safety of his company’s equipment first.