What is the Process of Container Unloading?

Container unloading can be a tedious process. Freight unloaders never know what to expect when the seal is removed and the rear container doors are opened. That is partly due to not having the knowledge, apart from schematics, as to how the container had been originally loaded. Another consideration is the potential for load shift that may have occurred in transit. There are a number of ways load shift can occur, when the container is on the rails, or after it has been loaded and tied down on a flatbed truck. No one will know what the actual condition of any cargo will be until the container arrives at the dock and is opened for the lumpers. What happens next is the best reason to partner with our leading freight unloading firm: Labor Loop. We provide the teams that offer container unloading solutions. This way, whatever scenario unfolds when the container doors are finally opened, our highly experienced teams can handle it!

There are two types of container unloading scenarios that lumpers typically face: unloading from the ground level or from a raised container. By raised container, we mean one that will remain mounted on the truck chassis throughout the entire unloading process, before it is hauled away. This method is generally used to unload containers whose cargo is considered standard or is stacked inside the container on pallets. Labor Loop’s team will quickly determine the best container unloading solutions for the manner in which the products were initially loaded, as well as their condition when the containers doors are opened. One possible solution is to move the cargo inside by hand. Another is to utilize pallet jacks and hand trucks if the freight is in smaller packages and not excessive in weight. Next, a forklift can be used from the ground level to lift the products out of the container. Again, based on exactly what the freight consists of, be it all the same product, or goods of differing sizes and weights, using a mobile yard ramp might be the best way to go.

For raised containers, every piece of equipment may be rolled into position, then temporarily attached to the back of the container to facilitate unloading the cargo. Ramps are preferred as they allow larger freight to be moved safely, as these allow forklifts and pallet trolleys to be moved in and out of the container with ease. Safety + Efficiency + Speed = ideal container unloading solution. ‘Simple as that! There are, of course, extenuating situations, and the Labor Loop team knows how to deal with any unloading situation that presents itself. For example, when tasked with unloading a container of extra large or exceptionally heavy cargo, the container itself, despite being fully-loaded, may have to be lifted to the ground to comply with safety regulations. In these instances, possibly a crane, but more likely a heavy-duty forklift, reach stacker, or side loader will be used. Once the container is on level ground, lumpers can then use ramps, a standard forklift, and hand trucks to safely remove the freight.

If you have questions or want more information about how Labor Loop can make your supply chain more efficient, we invite you to contact us. We operate nationwide to serve the freight loading and unloading needs of a wide range of industries. Find out why so many companies partner with our team to provide their container unloading solutions. Contact us today!