Overweight containers pose a significant challenge in the container logistics industry, particularly for those transporting large or heavy cargo from one location to another. They pose significant challenges to the shipping and logistics industry, which include improper stowage and increased expenses. These potential threats have solutions that can help manage transits carrying overweight containers strategically. An overweight container exceeds the maximum weight allowed for road, rail, and air transport, which creates regulatory and operational challenges.  

This blog will examine the challenges faced by the logistics industry in transporting overweight containers to their designated locations. We will also discover the best solutions for managing these overweight container logistics. 

What are overweight containers?

Overweight containers are shipping containers that exceed the weight limits set by the international organization based on infrastructural capacities and regulations. Different locations have weights for highways, rail lines, roads, container terminals, and ports. You can lift the overweight container from the sides to balance the loads, decrease equipment strain, and decrease risks. 

1. Maximum Gross Weight: The containers must carry a specific gross weight and a verified gross mass (VGM). When they exceed that limit, they must obtain permission and add some extra features to accommodate the bulky and heavy cargo. The 20-foot general-purpose containers can hold 30,480 kilograms, the 40-foot containers can hold up to 30,480 kilograms, and some high-cube containers can hold up to 32,000 kilograms. 
2. Tare weight: The unladen overweight container weight of a 20 ft general-purpose container is 2,200 kilograms. Meanwhile, the 40-foot container weighs between 3,720 and 4,200 kilograms at a time. Tare weight is the weight of the container itself. 
3. Weights at terminals: Some container terminals have automatic weighbridges. Containers exceeding the weight limits will not be accepted at the terminals. 
4. Structural integrity: The overweight of containers affects their structural integrity. Exceeding the gross weight can lead to deformation of the container body, bending of the top beam, and falling off the bottom plate.

Challenges of overweight container logistics

Handling overweight container logistics is a serious threat to the logistics industry. The increased global trade has led to larger vessels and higher stacking of goods. Here are some of the challenges of overweight container logistics: 

1. Increased expenses: If overweight containers are to be transported from one location to another, carriers and shippers must pay additional charges to the authorities, including surcharges, permits, and the requirement for specialized equipment. 
2. Regulatory compliance: International organizations and authorities allow containers to hold a certain amount of weight based on container and port infrastructure and security standards. These laws vary from country to country and even within the regions of the same country. Exceeding these container overweight limits can result in fines, compensation, delays, and rerouting requirements. 
3. Security risks: Security is a primary concern when handling and transporting overweight cargo. Bulky loads can compromise the stability and maneuverability of the vehicles, increasing the accident risk. Improper loading and stacking of containers increases the chances of tipping and cargo shifts, which can harm both workers and equipment. 
4. Environmental effects: Overweight containers degrade the environment in two basic ways. First, they require more fuel for transportation, which adds to greenhouse gas emissions. Second, transporting heavy, oversized freight and containers puts more pressure on roads and highways, which require frequent maintenance and repair. 
5. Infrastructural limitations: There are some routes where overweight containers are not allowed, a disadvantage for the logistics industry. This makes the direct routes inaccessible for shipments and increases the costs of transporting cargo through complex trade routes. The ports and terminals charge extra fees for handling these boxes, and the need to employ additional equipment can cause delays in loading and unloading for oversized freight shipping.

Solutions to the challenges of overweight containers 

The challenges of overweight container logistics are a significant concern, causing supply chain disruptions. However, there are specific solutions that you can adopt to manage these challenges. Let’s have a brief discussion of solutions: 

1. Adequate weight distribution: Accurate weight distribution is critical to avoid penalties and fines for maintaining security during transport. Shippers must weigh their containers, including the packaging and pallets, to prevent underreporting of cargo. The even distribution of load within the container is essential to avoid instability. There is also a load distribution software that helps manage the loads. 
2. Utilize technological advancements: Invest in technologically advanced tools for cargo tracking, real-time route management, and load monitoring to enhance shippers’ control and visibility. Additionally, some automation systems, such as weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems at rail yards and ports, help quickly identify overweight containers. However, container overweigh prevents delay and avoids bottlenecks. 
3. Strategic collaboration and planning: Companies facing challenges with overweight container logistics can benefit from strategic partnerships and effective planning. With efficient collaboration with logistics partners, companies can optimize their supply chain and rates and help their large freight shipments adhere to compliance and security. 
4. Utilize specialized equipment: The overweight container needs specialized equipment to load and unload from the ships, such as cranes, heavy-duty trucks, and trailers. Moreover, the logistics partners also provide customzied equipment such as flatbed trailers and reinforced chassis. The following are the tips used for logistics management: 

• Labels are overweight freight shipping instructions that ensure clear communication among shipping partners. 
• Cranes are used to unload and offload different types of ships and trucks. 
• Side loaders help lift the containers from the sides to balance the load and decrease the risk of equipment strain. 
• The titled trailers make it easy to slide the container onto the boat deck’s warehouse. 
• Lastly, the container jacks help lift the container gently to make the position of the lifting equipment easier. 

5. Obtain permits and access notable routes: Securing the proper and necessary permits is essential for ensuring transport and avoiding penalties. Every region has its own designed, permitted granting process that you must follow to ensure legal transits. However, some companies have specialized teams to handle documentation, ensure compliance, and ensure the safety of container weights. 
6. Utilize skilled labor: Overweight containers require specialized equipment and skilled labor to operate effectively during loading and unloading at container ports. The more educated and skilled the laborers are, the more efficient and secure the container transportation will be. The leader must be authoritative and calm enough to handle any unexpected situation during the transit. 

Future trends in overweight container logistics

Managing overweight container logistics is a significant concern in managing the supply chain. Let’s discuss future trends in managing overweight containers: 

1. Use of advanced AI and monitoring: Artificial intelligence and cargo weight monitoring can help you manage container logistics and warehousing. Automated guided vehicles are the best substitutes for manual container loading and unloading. Predictive analytics helps you discover potential threats easily and mend them before any major breakdown. 
2. Sustainability initiatives: Sustainability is a primary concern for the maritime industry, and it is one of the significant trends in managing bulky container logistics. Sustainable logistics and containers are crucial for reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping industry. 
3. Infrastructural development: To manage overweight boxes, you need to develop the infrastructure to accommodate them. Strong and automated smart ports can help you manage the logistics of these bulky containers. The infrastructural development of ports, container yards, bridges, and highways will make the direct routes accessible to these containers. 

Overweight containers pose several threats to container logistics management. These boxes enable easy access to transfer large and bulky cargo in bulk from one location to another. Challenges such as increased expenses, regulatory compliance, infrastructural limitations, and environmental impacts hinder the management of overweight boxes. Recognize the severe threats and implement solutions to optimize these overweight containers. 

LOTUS Containers offers container types that can accommodate large quantities of cargo, ensuring secure and efficient transportation across complex terrains. These boxes come in various types and sizes and can be customized to meet your requirements.