4 Points to Consider While Stacking 40ft Shipping Containers in NZ

Containers are particularly great for stacking. However, while considering 40ft shipping containers, it is important to keep abreast of a few essentials. The following are four points to factor in while stacking 40ft containers.

1.    Quality of the Containers

First and foremost, when you are stacking containers, make sure to evaluate the quality of the containers. Specifically, you need to ensure whether or not the bottom containers are robust enough to handle the weight of the stacked containers.

While considering stacking, it is important to go for watertight containers and one-trip containers which are typically fine for stacking purposes. If, however, you go for windtight and watertight containers, it is important to check the subflooring and the corner posts. More often than not, the subflooring and the corner posts might be found damaged or outworn.

2.    Check the Arrangement

Generally speaking, the shipping containers are stacked in a corner-post to corner-post arrangement. Upon a closer look, you will see that the corner-posts are positioned a bit lower than the bottom of the container and a little higher than the top of the container. Keep in mind that the purpose of the corner-posts and the floor is chiefly to tackle the weight of the stacked containers.

Therefore, whenever you stack containers, you must follow the standard arrangement. If, however, the design of your 40ft shipping containers does not allow for such an arrangement, you may include appropriate supports for the corner-posts.

3.    Check the Locking System

Last but not least, you must check the overall locking arrangement of the containers. Although when containers are loaded on ships, they are slashed together so not to fall into the ocean, you may go for more secure locking systems such as twist-locks. They are not only economical but also highly beneficial.

4.    Hire a Forklift

Generally, you will need a forklift or a specialised crane to put the containers in the right places. It is better to go for a forklift. At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that the forklift or the crane must be thoroughly checked.

Stacking shipping containers could seem daunting, especially for the uninitiated. While the professionals certainly handle it, it is important to keep abreast of the few critical essentials, both for practical knowledge and safety concerns.