Shipping containers are the workhorses of global trade and logistics, providing a secure and efficient means of transporting goods worldwide. While these containers are known for their durability and reliability, they can sometimes be hard to open or close.
Weathering the Elements
Shipping containers spend a significant portion of their lives exposed to the elements, whether on the high seas or in storage yards. Over time, the constant exposure to sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations can take a toll on the container’s exterior and locking mechanisms. Rust and corrosion can form on the container’s metal components, making them stiff and difficult to operate. This corrosion can make it a struggle to turn the handles or engage the locking bars, making the container hard to open or close securely.
Lack of Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial to keeping shipping containers in good working condition. Unfortunately, not all containers receive the regular maintenance they need. Containers that are neglected or abandoned may suffer from neglect, leading to issues with opening and closing. Without proper lubrication and care, hinges can become rusty, seals can degrade, and locking mechanisms can become jammed. Neglected containers often require more effort and tools to open, posing a significant challenge for those trying to access their contents.
Cargo Shifting
During transit, cargo can shift within the container, especially if it is not properly secured. When cargo shifts, it can exert pressure on the container’s walls and doors, causing them to become misaligned. This misalignment can make it difficult to open or close the container smoothly. In some cases, the doors may become jammed or wedged shut due to the pressure from the cargo inside.
Human Error
Sometimes, the difficulty in opening or closing a shipping container can be attributed to human error. If a container is not properly closed and locked, it may be challenging to open it later. Similarly, if someone tries to force the container open without following the correct procedures, it can lead to damage and make subsequent openings and closures problematic.
Solution
Equip operators with the proper tools needed and promote safety to help them avoid injury.
The OPNBar tool, for instance, can help avoid some injuries by providing an ergonomic means of opening shipping containers, checking for low-pressure tires, and aiding operators in releasing the tractor from the trailer.
This hand leverage tool / shipping container door extension handle uses the principles of leverage to do the difficult work. By providing an extended area on which to grasp, with both hands, a more stable platform to manipulate the latch handle is achieved.
Designed to fit and extend the door latch handles on side-by-side doors found on the following units with the safety of the truck driver, operator, and worker foremost in mind:
Standard Shipping Containers
- Conex Boxes
- Intermodal Containers
- ISO Containers
- Reefer Containers
- Military Containers
- Waste Management Containers
- Dismountable Shipping Cargo Containers
- Refrigerated Shipping Cargo Containers
- Semitrailer Dry Freight Cargo Vans
- Semitrailer Refrigerated Freight Cargo Vans
This intermodal container (also known as ISO Container, Conex Box, or Railroad Container) cargo inspection tool hand leverage tool / shipping container door extension handle is to aid in opening and closing side-by-side doors found within Dismountable Shipping Cargo Container Trailer Transportation Industries (Railroad, Harbor, and Trucking Industries).
Eliminates the Need for a crescent wrench, screwdriver, hammer, and crowbar which are commonly needed/used to open stuck shipping container doors.
Conclusion
While shipping containers are designed to be rugged and dependable, various factors can make them challenging to open or close. These challenges often stem from exposure to the elements, lack of maintenance, cargo shifting, and occasional human error. Proper care, regular maintenance, and adherence to best practices for container handling can go a long way in mitigating these difficulties and ensuring the smooth operation of shipping containers in the world of global trade and logistics.
Contact Us : 10053 Whittwood Dr,
Suite 11284 Whittier, CA 90603 USA
657.6.OPNBAR (657-667-6227)
Website : https://www.shippingcontainertool.com/what-is-a-shipping-container/
Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3pUEuZRg9c&feature=emb_title
