Cargo shipping is one of the cost-effective ways to deliver goods and other items across countries and continents. And despite the global impact of COVID-19, cargo shipping is growing fast. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global cargo shipping market is projected to grow from 11.09 billion tons in 2021 to 13.19 billion tons in 2028 at a CAGR of 2.5% in the forecast period.
However, transporting your cargo is easier said than done. You will need to keep your load secure to ensure its safety. Cargo securement also keeps your loading, unloading, and ship crew safe from potential accidents. And to this end, you must select the cargo control hardware carefully.
As a, leading cargo control hardware supplier we recommend the following.
1) Consider the Properties of Your Cargo
The first step in choosing suitable cargo control hardware is listing the properties of the material you need to handle. You will need to consider the following factors.
- Type:Is the cargo you are shipping gas, liquid, or solid? You will need to select the cargo control hardware depending on its state.
- Size:How big is the material to be handled? What are its shapes and dimensions? Consider these factors when choosing the securement hardware.
- Weight:Heavy objects may require durable control hardware like wire rope chains. On the other hand, you can secure lightweight objects with synthetic web slings.
- Strength:Also, think about how strong the material is. If the cargo is delicate, you will need synthetic web slings to secure it without causing any damage. For non-delicate objects, you can use wire rope slings.
- Chemical Properties:Another crucial factor to consider is if the cargo is corrosive, toxic, or sensitive. This type of material requires special cargo-handling hardware.
Talk to your cargo control hardware distributor about these factors before placing your order.
2) Think about the Cargo Loading and Unloading Space
Next, you will need to consider the material loading and unloading space. Many cargo shipping projects require a crane or hoist to move the load. However, using a tower crane may not be a good idea in low-ceiling storage spaces.
Other factors you will need to consider include:
- Will you need a fully automatic or semi-automatic system to load or unload the cargo?
- What regulations do you need to follow when loading or unloading the cargo?
- What safety considerations do you have in mind?
3) Check the Quality of the Harnessing Equipment
Although your loading and unloading requirements may change, some harnessing equipment remains the same across the board. This cargo control hardware will create a securement system to hold your load together. You will need many pieces of tie-down hardware, depending on the size, shape, and other properties.
In other words, you will need to dig deeper into the different types of hardware you can use. Here’s what you can use as cargo control hardware.
- Transport Slings:This is an excellent alternative. Transport slings are specifically designed to secure cargo. You can use these slings to tie-down delicate cargo, avoiding potential damage.
- Transport Chains:They are also designed to secure cargo. However, they are most suitable for large-sized material handling. They are often made with heavy-duty steel.
- Tide Down Hooks:You can use tie-down hooks to connect transport slings and chains to trailer sides and D-rings. You can choose from a wide range of tied-down hooks, such as Twin J Hooks, Flat Snap Hooks, and S Type Hooks.
- Ratchet and Winch Strap Assemblies:These assemblies are lighter and hence highly preferred in fastening pipes and timber, among other things. Thanks to their flexibility, ratchet and winch straps allow you to offload and adjust your cargo as and when required. Consult your cargo control hardware supplier before placing your order. They can help you find the perfect ratchet and winch strap assemblies.
- Steel Cables and Winch Lines:They are best suited for harnessing highly movable objects. Steel cables are more useful in tying down heavy machinery. They are slightly thicker and stronger than winch lines. The small size of winch lines means they can cut through the secured load.
4) Understand All Safety Procedures
Safety always comes first. Safety needs to be your foremost concern when ordering your cargo control hardware. Here’s what you should do to keep your crew safe.
- Make sure your crew knows the working load limits of each piece of equipment.
- Carry out a visual inspection before buying/using your cargo handling equipment.
- Provide every crew member with personal safety gear.
- Make your crew aware of material handling best practices.
- Test your cargo for leakages or damages, if any.
5) Choose a Reliable Cargo Control Hardware Supplier
Choosing the right cargo control hardware supplier is equally critical. They are the key to ensuring equipment quality and safety. Take the following factors into account when selecting your supplier.
- Choice of equipment and its availability.
- Customer support and after-sales service.
- Experience in handling customers like you.
- Equipment cost and quality (including warranties).
In addition to this, your cargo control hardware distributor can also help you pick up the right equipment. It’s much easier to navigate a complex mesh of many options and specifications with an expert on your side. That’s why you should choose your supplier carefully.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, cargo control hardware is at the heart of shipping. Choosing the right material handling equipment can help you transport your cargo without causing any damage or injuries. However, you will need to choose load-specific control hardware for increased security. Hopefully, these five tips will help you get the hardware best suited for your next job.
