Container transport

Containers constitute a very large part of the goods transport on European roads. If not properly secured they can inflict great damage and harm to other road users, buildings and the environment.

A survey by the Norwegian Accident Investigation Board (AIBN) showed that drivers of hook-lift containers regard the lack of standardisation concerning container locking devices as safety critical. They also state that many worn-out and hazardous containers are still in use, and that containers are often unevenly loaded or top heavy. The drivers think that specific standards and maintenance procedures for containers should be implemented.

AIBN concludes that the different standards used for hook-lift containers is a threat to safety. They also point out that containers are often not marked to ensure that they the fit hook-lifts and vehicles they are used with. The lack of inspection of hook-lift containers is also given as a risk factor. Several accidents have occurred due to insufficient locking and securing of hook-lift containers.

Further information on containers and associated risks is given in the Key Article “Workplace Transport Safety”.

Specific risk factors for container transport on roads

Loading of containers is a safety critical aspect of container transport. The contents of containers are normally not visible to the drivers who transport them. Drivers may also lack awareness of uneven weight distributions or top-heavy containers.

Securing of containers is a safety critical aspect. Road accidents involving containers often happen because the container falls off the vehicle. Securing devices are often defective due to metal fatigue, rust, fractures or other wear and tear. Accident investigation reports reveal that defective securing devices are a major causes of accidents.

Different standards are in use for containers. Containers can be built to suit the customer, and there are also varying standards for construction in different countries. The lack of common standards makes container transport unnecessarily dangerous because the vehicles and containers do not always fit each other. If the hook container was covered by a joint EU directive such as the Machinery Directive, it would be possible to harmonize standards and improve the safety of hook container transport.

Marking of containers is a safety critical issue precisely because there are different types and standards in use. Containers rarely have sufficient markings that give information about producer, dimensions etc. This makes selection of a suitable transport vehicle difficult. The result is that containers are often placed on vehicles that do not properly fit the container.

Maintenance of containers is vital in order to ensure that locks and other securing devices work properly. Containers are often subject to severe wear and tear, especially during handling. Damages and metal fatigue can only be expected. Poor container maintenance was identified as a crucial risk factor in a Norwegian study of road accidents involving container transport.

Effective control measures

There are comprehensive guidelines about securing containers. Below, we have listed some general principles. For more extensive guidelines we refer to the references given below.

• Use vehicles that fit the container. There are many different types of container and a common problem is that containers are often modified manually to fit the vehicle that will transport it. Such modifications increase the risk of containers falling off the vehicle. It is thus important to use only vehicles that are meant to carry the container.
• Mark containers clearly. Containers should be clearly marked so as to identify the type of container. Clear markings can reduce the problem of ill-fitting vehicles. 
• Avoid overloading and uneven loading. The cargo should never exceed the permitted payload. The load should be evenly distributed across the container floor area. Lighter goods should be stowed on top of heavier goods. The centre of gravity of the loaded container should be below the midpoint of its height. A tightly packed cargo is less likely to move than cargo with spaces between parts of the load. If the cargo does not fit the container dunnage should be used to fill the gaps.
• Ensure proper securing. The container should be secured to resist any forces that might be expected during the journey. Twist locks, lashes and other securing equipment must be maintained, checked and applied according to the rules.

Comprehensive guidelines about securing containers are provided in the “Container Handbook” published by the German Marine Insurers. Also EU’s best practice guidelines on cargo securing for road transport includes guidelines on securing containers for road transport. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has also provided a comprehensive overview of safety critical issues involved in container transport and also listed a large number of existing guidelines.