Four different ways to Load/Unload Boxed Trailer or Container

A year back there has been new rule implemented in UAE for transporting goods across Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The goods must be enclosed in a boxed trailer or should be put inside a container. The companies that used to load using sideways started having problems with loading containers as they can only load form the rear with forklift and then pushed inside. 

Here are some of the ways to load a container and its pros and cons of doing it.

i, Grounding the container (Side Loader/ Lifter)

Grounding (Source:Wikipedia)

One of the most common ways to load/unload container is with side loader/lifter. A truck that has a side loading device. This enables the truck to pull up beside your warehouse area and offload the container directly off the side.
There are advantages and disadvantages of Side Loader to load/unload Container.

Advantages

• Ability to move alongside storage racks or trucks for easier loading and unloading.
• They are able to move down narrow doors and through narrow doorways.
• A flat cargo bed on the side of the lift helps stabilization in the loading/unloading when it is being moved.
• Because their loads face the direction the lift is moving, long and awkward loads can be handled more safely and easily.

Disadvantages

• With the exception of when working in narrow doors, side-loading forklifts are generally less maneuverable than standard forklifts. 
• The grounded containers require separate container ramps for loading and unloading.
• Because they’re specialized pieces of equipment, it’s sometimes necessary to purchase accessories or attachments for handling and moving different load weights and types of materials.
• Safety is also moderate and cost is high due to less availability of the forklifts that are used in this method.

ii, Container unloader

Container unloader (source:Wikipedia)

Container load/unload method is the method where the container picks itself up off a trailer, with the help of removable hydraulic legs then lowers itself to the ground after the trailer drives away the vehicle. Note that this method does not allow for moving the container horizontally.  The container just goes straight down from where it sat on the trailer.
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There are also Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydraulic Lifting Jack to load/unload Container
Advantages

• They are highly effective with heavy loads, as the hydraulic power provides a far greater lifting strength.
• Hydraulic lifts are cheaper to install than other types of lifts.​

Disadvantages

• The relatively slow speed. A hydraulic lift cannot move faster than 150 feet per minute.
• One of the major concerns is the safety as any imbalance in the jacks can be very bad.
• The hydraulic oil can emit an unpleasant odor when it becomes too hot from overuse.
• The grounded containers require separate container ramps for loading and unloading.
• The ride quality is generally not as smooth as with other lift systems.

iii, Unload with Crane

A crane is what many people commonly associate with container offloading.  They offer a lot of flexibility but can be expensive to have on site.  The crane itself is a vehicle, and an additional truck/trailer will be needed to separately transport the container.  
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Advantages

• Can unload any length of goods whether it is long beams, sheets or plates.
• Can unload containers at distance with crane arm reach thus having more freedom of placement.

Disadvantages

• Ports or terminals with container facility and crane may not be available in certain parts of the world.
  
  
• Requires space to expand the legs for better stability.
• Large capital expenditure may be essential to handle ‘container based’ networks.
• The cost to buy crane is relatively higher compared to others especially forklift ramps.

iv, Use Forklift Ramp

RAFRamp Forklift Ramp (Source: ameeneng.com)

There are many benefits of using a forklift ramp. A ramp is basically a platform for the forklift to go inside the container to load/unload the container faster. Ramp is the new and innovative way to load/unload container faster which saves time, efforts as well as increases safety. Most of the companies use this method nowadays to load/unload container. ​

There are also Advantages and Disadvantages of Forklift Ramp to load/unload  container

Advantages–

• Increase in safety and save more than 50% of your efforts and as well as cost of the company
• With help of one labor the whole container can be loaded/unloaded easily which saves on labor cost of the company.
• Reduces the downtime required by the trailer unloading the container.
• Does not require separate container ramp as grounding is not required.
  
• There are various types of forklift ramp which are available according to customer needs with many different accessories.
• Most affordable of the three solutions.
  

Disadvantages -

• Unlike crane, it cannot unload goods of any size.
• Requires separate place for storage.

RAFRamp Solution -  RAFRamps is loading and unloading consultants, advising companies to reduce loading costs and improve loading times. We helped many companies like DP World, Dry Docks, Lang O Rourke to improve their productivity of their warehouse. We have many designs of the forklift ramps, container ramps, dock levelers and dock boards.
Read on how to choose forklift ramp,
Safety features of forklift ramp,
Powerjack one of the most important accessory of the ramps.

Do you face problems in loading/unloading Kuwait, Bahrain containers? We are loading/unloading specialists. We can give solution to your problem in loading/unloading, please be free to contact us for consultation; 

We provided consultation and services to many companies in KSA, Bahrain and Kuwait.
For free consultation please contact at: +971 43336278 or [email protected].  
Only CE Certified company in UAE to locally manufacture and provide loading/unloading solutions.