Container stacking is the placement of containers in a way that they utilize the minimum space. Shipping containers are essential for global trade, and stacking them requires a strategic plan for a balanced journey execution. You must adhere to some weight limits and safety measures to ensure a proper load distribution. This stacking process needs proper supervision to avoid any kind of accidents. 

This blog will provide the best safety measures for container stacking and how to implement them, whether you are shipping on land or water. 

How do you stack containers safely? 

Shipping containers for global trade need no introduction, but transporting them safely requires some consideration. Before stacking shipping containers, you need to understand certain things. 

Container loading is a challenging task that nrrds monitoring before it can occur. Now, we will explore some points to consider before container stacking.

• When it comes to stacking containers, it’s about more than just arranging them in a certain way. It’s about preparing a comprehensive strategy considering weight limits, load distribution, and safety measures. This strategy is a key component of successful container stacking.
• Be aware of the ship’s dimensions and cargo to decide the amount of weight and number of containers it can carry in one go. 
• Decide the placement of containers, such as heavy containers at the bottom and light containers at the top, and the loading sequence to make the process easy and safe. 
• Depending on the container type and size, use a suitable medium to carry it, such as cranes or forklifts. 

How much weight can you stack on a shipping container? 

Shipping containers can hold tons of cargo depending on their size and weight. There is a pre-decided maximum weight that containers can hold. Let us learn the weight limit during container stacking:

• An empty 40-foot container weighs 3,740 kg, and a 20-foot container weighs 2,250 kg. So, a 20-foot container can carry cargo up to 28,230 kg, and a 40-foot container can carry up to 26,740 kg. 
• The Container Safety Convention mentions a ship’s maximum weight on the CSC plate (Container Security Certificate). 

Maximum number of containers you can stack

According to ISO guidelines, stacking of nine containers is allowed on top of one another, depending on the maximum weight the bottom container can hold. It is important to increase the weight slowly so that it does not overload at once. Remember how other factors, such as wind loading and weight distribution, will affect your container stacking and arrange accordingly. 

What is Load distribution in Container Stacking? 

Load distribution is the most important factor for efficient transportation and a secure journey. If the cargo packing is not proper or the arrangement of freight containers is not adequate, it can lead to accidents or damage to the product. 

• Even weight distribution is important for maintaining stability and security. You can do this by organizing heavy-to-lightweight containers. Arrange your containers equally over the area, not overloading a particular area. You can calculate the container’s maximum payload volume using the weight limit. Therefore, container stacking must be proportional to load distribution.
• Secure your cargo with dunnage (a padded material that protects cargo during shipping), blocking, and tying to avoid vibration or movement, as described by the CTU Code (Code of Practice for Packaging of Cargo Transport Units). 
• Weight and height affect the center of gravity, so you must stack the containers accordingly to maintain them. Keep the heavy items at the bottom and light above them, this will reduce the center of gravity. Therefore, there is less fear of tipping or falling off goods. 

How to prevent container collapse? 

Before using a forklift to load shipping containers, consider the following to prevent container collapse: 

• Make sure the points stretch the whole length of the container. When transferring the unit up or down the stack, ensure it remains safely joined.
• Make sure the forks do not extend through the floor of the unit.
• Confirm that the forklift can handle the weight of the container.
• If you fail to check these criteria, mishappenings, worker deaths or injuries, and high OSHA penalties can occur.

What is stacking weight? 

Stacking weight is the maximum weight that can be easily and safely stacked on other containers. It optimizes space and helps carry as much weight as possible but securely. Container stacking is done vertically, one above another, and the maximum weight of cargo stacking must be decided while keeping safety regulations in mind. 

• The weight of stacking depends on the ship’s structural strength. So, every ship’s weight limit is decided according to size, design, and type of container. 
• The number of containers involved in stacking decides the height, which affects their stability. Containers are placed at the corners to ensure optimal stability. The four corner posts must align with the stack above them. For instance, if there is a 40-foot container, place it above two 20-foot containers to maintain stability.

How do you stack containers? 

Many methods exist for stacking containers on rough land and wavy seas according to their shape and size to ensure safety and security and prevent damage. 

On land

• Before container stacking, check all the parts for damage or rusting. If you discover constructional problems, you can fix the container, remove it, or replace it from the stack.
• Long maritime journeys subject vessels to sea winds and salt, which can lead to corrosion. As a result, it is crucial to examine the containers from inside and outside for corrosion in all parts before stacking containers. Shipping containers with poor, sturdy structures might harm the safety of the shipping and the workers on the ship.
• Always put one corner post on top of the other to maximize stability. The containers above and below the posts must be compatible to ensure structural stability. 
• You can also use lashing rods to hold the containers so they do not fall. 

On a ship

• An environmentally sustainable container ship can have two types of stowage: “fore and aft” and “athwartships.” There are different ways to store containers, such as longitudinally, fore and aft, and horizontally at the ship’s center at right angles. The ship’s size and weather conditions determine your chosen container stacking method.
• Fore and aft give additional protection from severe winds, smashing waves, and turbulent waters.
• Traveling across the water is more time-consuming than traveling on land. You can use cell guides below the deck to keep containers stable, while vertical guide rails, which direct products through channels in road or rail systems, are essential for securing shipping containers. In addition, lashing rods and twist locks secure and prevent the containers from sliding.

How to secure containers during stacking?

Safety is the priority while loading and unloading the containers. So there are some safety measures that you must follow while container stacking: 

• There are some trends in the container depot for stacking, loading, and unloading. Train the workers at the shipping container depot and make them aware of all the rules and regulations to follow. 
• Ensure the use of PPE (Personal Protective Measures). The area for container stacking should not have any obstacles. 
• Investigate all the parts and equipment regularly to prevent damage. Container inspection is mandatory; you cannot skip it. 
• Maintain proper documentation of shipping, export products, and the number of products to be secure in transit. Also, follow the maintenance tips for shipping containers to last long. 
• Properly label the containers with respect to the goods. 
• Also, improve your tracking facilities to keep your management updated about your journey so that if any mishap happens, some people know. 

Container stacking is a crucial part of the shipping industry. Maintaining compliance with weight limits and preventing accidents or damage by taking necessary precautions on time will help you stack efficiently. Always keep your containers in proportion to the strength of the ship and utilize relevant tools to ensure a secure journey. 

LOTUS Containers provides one of the best shipping containers that are suitable for carrying goods easily from one place to another. Contact LOTUS Containers to purchase the most sturdy containers that are in the best condition.