Customers new to the container market are eager to learn the basics of owning and operating shipping containers – such as how to safely open and close one. If it’s your first time, the process of opening and closing the doors, including dealing with the locking mechanisms, can be tricky.
But it’s important for the security of your container and your belongings that you know how to open and close the container doors properly .
This article will give you a comprehensive understanding of how to safely and effectively open a shipping container, from understanding the structure of the container frame to securing it after the cargo has been unloaded.
Understanding the structure of a shipping container
Whether you’re using your shipping container for storage or converting it into a unique living space, you’ll need to be familiar with standard container structure. In order to properly open a shipping container, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the structure of your container including the doors, hinges, and difficult-to-operate locking mechanisms.
Shipping containers are built with durable steel to be weather-tight and ultra-secure against wind, dirt, water, and vermin. Container doors are fitted with vertical locking bars that slide into locking bar brackets and locking cams at the top and bottom of the door. Shipping container doors have handles that are kept in place by a set of latches. Doors are attached to the container walls by four or five large hinges, and will open up to 270 degrees.
There are different types of shipping containers, including general purpose, high cube, and refrigerated containers, all of which could have slightly different door latches. Nearly all containers will have two cargo doors (unless they have been modified to a different configuration), but these doors may be fitted with one latch or two.
For most containers, it is necessary to open the right door before opening the left. If you try to open the doors simultaneously, they might get caught together.
Preparing to open a shipping container
There are some safety precautions that must be taken before opening a shipping container. Here are some tips on how to properly secure the cargo and assess the surroundings before opening your container.
- Before opening a container, especially for the first time, inspect the exterior for signs of damage that might cause a hazard.
- It’s also important that your container be set on level ground before attempting to open it. Uneven or sloping ground may cause the doors to get stuck or jammed. Even if the doors are accessible, a shipping container on uneven ground can be difficult to open and for people to load or enter.
- Make sure the area around your shipping container doors is free from obstructions or debris that might get in the way.
Also, whenever possible, open and enter a shipping container with a companion for additional help.
Opening a shipping container
Now, here’s a guide on how to safely and effectively open a shipping container, including how to release the locking mechanism and open the doors.
First, make sure the area is clear from obstructions and that the container is free from major rust or damage that would affect its ability to open. The door handles should be at a convenient height, typically above your waist but below your shoulders.
If there is a padlock on the door latches, possibly within a locking box for added security, remove it.
Facing the shipping container doors, lift the latches on the door handles to free the handles.
Beginning with the right door, pull the handle up and toward you to rotate the lock rods out of their brackets. Once the handles are in a vertical position and perpendicular to the door, you can pull on the handles or the vertical lock bar to open the door. Repeat this process on the left-hand door.
Note that opening a door with two handles can be a bit more difficult. This is because you must pull the two door handles simultaneously or the door will not open.
If the door does not open, you may need to apply additional pulling force. Make sure the lock bars are aligned and rotated out of their cams. New and one-trip containers shouldn’t give you too much trouble, but older, used cargo containers can develop wear-and-tear that might prevent the doors from opening easily. If you have owned your container for a while and haven’t periodically maintained it, the hinge pins might be corroded or misaligned, door gaskets can get damaged or jammed, or the handles might have rust that causes them to get stuck.
If you experience any of these forms of damage over the years, you may need to have your container repaired before you can load it, or seek help from a professional.
Potential hazards that may arise during the opening process, and how to avoid them
It might not be best to use a crowbar or any leverage tool to try to open your container doors if they seem stuck, as this might cause damage to the container door handles or the container itself.
For the same reason, avoid any attempt to use any kind of tool not specifically designated for opening or securing shipping container doors. Also keep in mind your clothing such as avoiding open-toed shoes while opening a shipping container in case the door hits your foot.
Finally, when working with large heavy doors, you can secure them with a door stop before getting to work loading or unloading your container. It’s also important to properly secure your items especially if you are loading cargo or storage items into a container that will be transported or stored off-site. You can use wood blocking to keep larger items in place.
Closing and securing a shipping container
Once you have loaded or unloaded the cargo from your shipping container, or conducted your interior inspection to prepare for container modifications, you’ll need to securely close the shipping container doors. Again, if you have never done this before, this process can be challenging, and you will need to look at the most recommended ways to do it.
To open the container, you start with the door on the right side; so to close it, start with the door on the left. Push the door closed, then, lift both handles simultaneously so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the container door. Lock the vertical bars into place so that they lock into their braces at the top and bottom of the door. Press the handles against the door and lock them into place, and rotate the latches back into the down position to secure the handles. Repeat this process on the right door.
For some added security, you might want to add a padlock inside the lock box. In fact, there are many ways you can keep your shipping container and its contents safe. If you are using your container for storage, you might want to consider a more robust security option for an additional level of security.
With some practice and these safety guidelines in mind, you’ll be able to open and close your shipping container doors easily and safely. Like with any tool or machinery, the key is understanding how it works, being careful, and asking for help when you need it.
Whether you have a standard container, a 6-metre side-door shipping container, or a 6-metre side-opening shipping container, it is important to know how to properly handle the door latches and locking mechanisms. But if you ever have trouble, you can always turn to professionals who have the expertise and tools needed to deal with various container issues.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better idea of how to safely open and close a shipping container, you’re well on your way to being one step ahead when it comes to handling these containers. Whether you’re a truck driver, a logistics manager, or just a DIY enthusiast looking for some extra storage space, these steps and precautions can keep you safe and make your container experience much more enjoyable.
Gateway Containers provides a variety of modification and security options for shipping containers. We can help you understand the structure and correct operation of all kinds of containers, whether you have a standard 20-foot dry container or a 53-foot high cube. Contact us today, our container experts are always available to help.
