Car loading in containers has become an increasingly common solution for businesses looking to streamline their vehicle logistics operation.
When planned and executed correctly, containerised car transport can deliver greater efficiency, safety, and cost effectiveness per unit than Ro-Ro shipping. Achieving the best results, however, requires careful attention to detail during your car loading process. Most damage incurred by vehicles transported by shipping container takes place during loading and offloading, so in this article, we look at five essential tips to keep your assets safe.
1. Conduct A Thorough Preloading Inspection
Before loading any vehicle into a container (or an external racking system, in the case of our EL-RAK ) it’s important to perform a comprehensive preloading inspection. Check each car for existing damage, including minor dents, scratches, chipped windscreens, and scuffed paintwork, and document these thoroughly with photographs and written documentation. This helps to ensure that any claims for damage during transit are legitimate and are resolved quickly. Inspect the container itself, too, making sure that the interior is clean, dry, and free of any debris that might scratch the vehicles. This can include minor and seemingly harmless items such as twigs and leaves, as well as glass fragments, stones etc. Over a journey of several weeks or months, these can cause significant cosmetic damage to your vehicle. Confirm that the container’s walls and floors are structurally sound, too, with no holes or loose panels that could compromise cargo safety. A secure container is the foundation of worry-free vehicle transport.
2. Purchase A Modular Racking System To Maximise Space
The key to efficient and affordable containerised car transport is fully utilising your container space. Modular racking systems, such as those we produce at Trans-Rak, are designed to help you do so. Installing a racking system within your shipping container allows you to load vehicles at multiple levels, securely transporting more cars in a single container than you otherwise would be able to. Beyond maximising capacity and space-value, these systems also simplify your loading and unloading operation. Adjustable configurations can accommodate various vehicle models, sizes, and types, so that all the working space within the container is used effectively. With less empty space comes a lower cost per unit and increased operational profitability.
3. Position And Secure Your Vehicles Carefully
Once the racking system is set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions, vehicle positioning becomes your next priority. It is very important to follow the guidelines for the specific racking solution you are using, as each is different. If a vehicle is not properly secured and slips in transit – e.g. while being craned onto the ship – it could be catastrophic for your cargo, so make sure that each car is centred and aligned to maintain stability, and that all straps and securing mechanisms are double checked.
We recommend using sturdy and industry approved securing mechanisms to keep your cars firmly in place. Clamps, straps, and tensioners must be tightened adequately to prevent shifting, which could damage the vehicles or the container. With our advanced systems, many of these processes are simplified for your team, reducing loading time and minimising the risk of error.
4. Minimise Overloading Risks
While there is always the temptation to maximise every last centimetre of the available container space, it’s important to avoid overloading. Overloading a shipping container can compromise its structural integrity and increase the risk of damage to the vehicles inside. Always adhere to the container’s weight limits and make sure that the load is balanced evenly. This avoids undue stress on the racking system and helps maintain the container’s structural stability, especially on long haul routes over potentially rough seas.
5. Invest In Safety And Operational Training
A safe loading process depends on skilled teams who understand how to handle vehicles and operate your racking systems effectively. It is, therefore, worthwhile investing in robust training for your teams at each port, including detailed instructions on assessing the load, using safety equipment, and managing any unforeseen circumstances. Our modular racking system designs simplify the training process, and make it easier for your team to familiarise themselves with their equipment. With the right tools and knowledge, operators can load vehicles quickly and efficiently without causing damage to the cargo. The team at Trans-Rak are always happy to organise in depth training on the loading and unloading procedure of our racking systems.
Find Out More
For more information about car loading in containers and how to maximise the value of container shipping for cars, please call one of the team at Trans-Rak today on 01926 408 282 or get in touch with us by clicking here.
