Are you trying to stack two or more shipping containers? You might have a large-scale shipping container operation on your hands, or you might just be an individual consumer who wants to know how to best stack our shipping containers for sale in Connecticut. No matter why you want to know the best practices for shipping container stacking, the same general guidelines apply. Read on to learn how to stack shipping containers safely and easily!
Put Safety First
Before you even begin the process of shipping container stacking, everyone who is going to be involved should be informed of safety standards and expectations. Moving around thousands of tons of metal is a dangerous job. One simple mistake can have fatal consequences. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Use only the proper equipment for the job. This is not the time to try creative DIY or makeshift solutions.
- Do not exceed load weight or extension limits while operating machinery under any circumstances.
- Only work with trained and licensed forklift and crane operators.
- Do not travel under a raised load under any circumstances.
- Block off the area from foot and vehicle traffic. Use cones, barriers, or flag holders as necessary.
- Follow all OSHA and jobsite safety regulations.
Inspect Before Stacking
While light to moderate wear will not affect the strength of a container in most cases, heavy usage or excessive damage can compromise a shipping container’s structure. Especially in the case of damaged flooring and corners, one crumpled container can cause your entire stack to come toppling down. Before you stack your shipping containers:
- Examine them for damage such as holes, cracks, and dents.
- Check both inside and outside all of your containers, paying special attention to ceilings, flooring, and corners.
- Don’t forget to inspect corner castings.
- When in doubt, never stack containers that appear to have structural damage.
All of our shipping containers for sale in California and throughout the rest of the US have been pre-inspected multiple times, so you can rest assured that they are free of structural damage that compromises their ability to be stacked correctly. Still, especially if your container has been sitting for a long time, it’s always worth taking some extra time to be sure the stacking process will be safe.
Follow Site Storage Regulations
Unless you’re stacking containers in your own backyard, chances are you have another set of rules and regulations to keep in mind. There are usually requirements for container stacking of containers in shipping yards, goods storage lots, and other locations where shipping containers are regularly transported. Most storage sites will be able to provide you with information including:
- The maximum number of storage containers that can be stacked.
- The process for moving stack loads.
- The gross weight limit for stacks.
Always follow these regulations, even if you have done things differently at another location. Do not argue with site supervisors or try to bend the rules. Not only will you be seen as a nuisance, but you could also be charged a hefty fine or lose site access privileges.
Stack Smart
Shipping containers should always be stacked with maximum stability in mind. The best way to stack shipping containers is “corner post to corner post.” In other words, the four corner posts of a shipping container should be lined up against the corner posts of the container it sits atop.
Weight distribution also matters in the realm of stability. If you have a larger container and two smaller ones, it’s best to put the two smaller ones on the ground and stack the large one on top, since the smaller containers can become more unstable atop a single base. Wondering how to arrange several differently sized containers? Rather than making guesses and suffering potentially fatal (or just plain expensive) consequences, it’s best to speak with an experienced site supervisor, storage expert, or machine operator about what method they think is best.
Always Secure Containers
If your containers will be taking a trip across land or by sea, secure them properly with lashing rods and use twist locks to increase stability. If you have a choice for placement on a cargo ship, choose “fore and aft” storage rather than “athwartships” to protect your containers from choppy seas and windy weather.
You’ve recently invested in one of our shipping containers for sale in NJ, PA, or NY, you’re probably already finding your storage container to be one of your more useful purchases or rentals. However, without knowing the most efficient ways to use the amount of space you have, you may be struggling to fit everything into your unit. Use these storage tips to make maximizing the space in your storage unit simple and straightforward!
Distribute Weight Evenly
One of the most important things you can do to maximize space in your storage unit is to store bulky or heavy items at the bottom of the unit, distributed evenly across the floor space so as to eliminate the risk of cargo shifting or stacks collapsing. Positioning lighter items on top and heavier items on the bottom also enables you to have some idea of how your cargo is organized and what’s in each box. You can use smaller items to fill gaps in spaces and create structure in the space as well.
Keep Things Secure
Even if you won’t be moving your shipping container at all yourself, shipping containers are called portable storage for a reason. They are designed to be moved around. Ensure you don’t create precarious stacks of items likely to fall over on top of you — or forget to tie down awkward or unusually shaped objects. Worried about a particularly delicate piece of furniture? Don’t risk damaging it as you move other inventory items around — secure it by wrapping it in a tarp or other cover. If you have nothing else to use, plastic sheeting and duct tape can do well in a pinch and also helps keep out moisture.
Keep Necessities Easily Accessible
The best storage solutions in the world have one thing in common — accessibility. Storing your extra home necessities or business supplies in a storage container is only as effective as you make it, so make sure you can actually reach what you need. For instance, leave a floor path clear to your most-used boxes. Or, if you anticipate needing to climb to reach delicate items frequently, consider leaving a small step ladder inside your storage unit. These small yet effective methods can keep you from becoming buried in “stuff.”
Label (If You Can)
Labeling your boxes may seem time-consuming now, but it’s vital if you intend on regularly visiting your storage unit to retrieve different items for your home or business. Label on at least two sides (avoiding the tops or bottoms of boxes) to ensure that you can actually see your labels when they’re sitting on top of each other. It may be useful to come up with shorthand or product codes to use to batch-label boxes, print labels ahead of time, or keep a supply of labels, markers, tape, and more easily accessible near the door of your storage unit.
Shop Shipping Containers at LGI Transport!
LGI Transport provides a variety of shipping container solutions for commercial and personal use. Shop our shipping container for sale throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, or check out the other areas we serve here. Ready to have high-quality steel shipping containers delivered right where you need them, all on YOUR schedule? Reach out to our team and we’ll help you find something that suits your transportation, storage, commercial, or personal needs. Speak with a specialist today!