Container Floor

The floor load rating of a sea freight container is a crucial aspect that refers to the maximum weight that can be evenly distributed on its floor while maintaining its integrity. The loading must not damage the floor, walls, or any other component of the container. This rating is vital for effective and safely shipping goods, and capacity can vary based on the container type.

Two key organizations guide the standards for sea freight containers - the Container Owners Association (COA) through the Cargo Transport Units (CTU) packing guidelines, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention.

1. CTU Standards: The CTU Code provides comprehensive information covering all aspects of loading and securing of cargo in containers. It offers a roadmap for a balanced distribution of cargo weight inside the container. In terms of specific floor loadings, the Code does not set out absolute limits. Still, it mentions that the approved load should be uniformly distributed over the greatest possible floor area. It recommends not exceeding a pressure of 5.3 psi (pounds per square inch) for general containers or 2.65 psi for refrigerated containers.
2. SOLAS Manufacturing Standards: The SOLAS Convention sets out minimum standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of ships on international trips to ensure safety. For containers, it has inspection/certification requirements but it doesn't specify explicit floor load ratings. Instead, it refers to the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), which has specific safety requirements. Under CSC, each container is required to have a "Safety Approval Plate" (CSC Plate) that includes details about the maximum operating weight (gross weight), among other things. The floor load ratings are generally represented in the design criteria by the container manufacturers, most often in kilograms per square meter or psi.

Remember, irrespective of the ratings, the weight distribution should always be even. Uneven load distribution can warp or damage the container and potentially lead to accidents. I recommend always checking with the shipping line or the container lessor for the exact specifications of a particular container to ensure safety and compliance.

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Maximum gross weights

This is the maximum weight containers are built to carry this does not mean the road legal weight limit.

20' containers:

Up to 32,500 kg (71,650 lbs) for general purpose containers and?

up to 45,000 kg (99,207 lbs) for Flatracks.

40' and 45' containers:

Up to 32,500 kg (71,650 lbs) for general purpose containers, up to?

60,000 kg (123,276 lbs) for Flatracks and 35,000 kg (77,161 lbs) for?

reefer containers.?

Weight limits for road and rail transport

For individually valid limits, contact your transport agent or freight forwarder.

Floor loads

A container floor is capable of carrying a forklift truck with a maximum?

axle load of 5,460 kg (12,037 lbs), if the contact area per wheel is at?

least 142 cm2 (22 in2) (ISO 1496/I), whereas the steel-floor containers

provide a maximum axle load of 9,200 kg (20,282 lbs), valid for all?

commonly available forklifts.

As such when preparing to load/unload a container consider te capacioty of te floor to carry the load and the relevant risks.

Concentrated loads

Concentrated loads are loads that are not evenly distributed over the?

full length of the floor when stowing heavy cargo in containers; as?

opposed to flats or platforms, special care has to be taken that?

concentrated loads do not exceed the strength of the bottom?

construction of the container.

The maximum spread load should not exceed:

for 20' containers: 4.8 tons (10,582 lbs) per running meter in length,?

and 7.6 tons (16,755 lbs) for steel floor containers only

for 40' containers: 3 tons per running meter in length, and 6.0 tons?

(6,614 lbs) for steel-floor containers only

When considering this consider the shipping container fllor being used and when ordering a container for loading.

The load being transported must not exceed the maximum deigned load capacity show on the containers plate.

Top 6 shipping container flooring to ensure durability

More and more container manufacturers are looking for alternatives to plywood. Bamboo, for example, is gaining popularity.

But, depending on the purpose of the container, you can check out these flooring choices:

Steel and Aluminium

You can use both these materials for your?refrigerated containers?or?insulated containers. As it locks the temperature inside. Both of them are easy to maintain and are very strong. You can easily clean it without the fear of scratches. The flooring provides safety from harsh weather conditions and is resistant to any deep wear and tear. The most important benefit of steel or aluminum flooring is that they don’t need any pesticide treatment.

Coin Vinyl

If you have to transport oils and acids vinyl floors are just what you need. It is easy to place and can be rolled out on the existing floor, and is just glued on the surface. Furthermore, it is water, liquid, and slip-resistant, and easy to clean. It’s also durable and provides resistance to any type of wear or tear.

Epoxy Coat

You can use the epoxy coat as an additional option to be added to the floor. Sealing your container floor with epoxy increases its resistance. Since the epoxy coating is a mix of resin and hardener, it seals the plywood or bamboo flooring fully from harmful pests. Thus, eradicating the need to use pesticides.

Imitation wood vinyl planks

Imitation wood vinyl provides resistance against water, needs less maintenance, is cost-effective, and is highly durable. If you have this in place, you won’t require extra effort during the cleaning process.

Bamboo Flooring

Just like plywood, bamboo is also very robust and strong and therefore is one of the most common and resistant options when it comes to container flooring. And unlike plywood, with bamboo, you don’t need to treat the floors with crude pesticides. Therefore, it is an excellent alternative to a plywood floor.