We made a custom size container that measured 118” L x 42” W x 42” H so their cart could easily fit inside the container and have room for stabilizing modifications.
Keeping a fragile, large rollable piece of equipment immobile and protected during transport - How a custom bulk container was the solution!
Kasey Moore • Apr 11, 2023
The Challenge: How to protect, transport, and unload a large object attached to a rolling cart?
Our customer came to us with a vision for their unique application. They had a very expensive item to be stored on a rolling cart during storage and transit. The initial problem that they were running into was that there was not a container large enough to fit their item + cart. Not only was the sizing an issue, but they also needed to ensure their cart could roll onto the container instead of loading it with a pallet jack or forklift. Another request was that they needed the cart to be immobile during transit, including over the road and on the sea, so we needed to add some type of frame to assist with this.
The Requirements
Since the item was on a rolling cart and lifting the cart with a pallet jack or forklift was not an option, we needed to ensure the container accommodated an entry fit for wheels. Since all our containers have a built-in pallet on the base about 6” high, we needed to modify our standard base.
Another requirement that our customer had was that the cart needed to lock in place inside the container to avoid movement while being stored and transported.
After the first prototype of the container, the customer noticed that their team was lifting the lid on one long side and then pushing it off to the opposite side. Since the lid was so heavy, it was causing immediate damage as it hit the ground, but there was no effective way to remove it with just a couple of people.
The customer also noticed that the lid would not stay put when the container and lid were in transport, especially on a boat. They needed a solution to keep the lid on the container, but our standard locking latches stuck out too far on the sides of the container, which could potentially cause the latches to rip off if anything slid up next to the container.
The Solution
We installed two ramps on the container, opposite one another, so that the cart could roll in and out of the container, giving it direct access to the inside base of the container without having to lift it off the ground.
When addressing the cart's stabilization, we installed metal framing on the inside of the container to help hold that cart in place. The cart would roll up the ramp and onto the container, which would roll right into the metal framing, immobilizing the cart.
Since the first prototype posed some issues with the lid, hand straps were installed on the top of the lid to make team lifting an easier and safer experience.
To keep the lid on the container during transit, we installed two ratchet buckle straps that did the trick! A quick and easy fix that proved to be the perfect solution.
We have also designed the container to have two drop doors, one on each 118” side, which provides access to the contents of the container while the lid is on. Many of our containers will not allow the drop doors to open when the lid is on, so this was an important feature to our customer. This made it easier for the customer to gain quick access into the container without having to lift the lid off the container, which can be a process.
The Results
The container has been proven to hold up year after year and is not only outperforming their previous process, but it continues to save them money and protect their products.
Do you have questions?
If you need help with a challenge within your packaging process, please reach out to RPP Containers sales team who can help you find the best solution to your specific needs. You can chat live through our website Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm or call 513-489-2244 to speak with an account manager.
Kasey Moore |Account Manager
As an account manager, Kasey works diligently with all of her customers to find the right container for the customer's application. Kasey has over ten years of experience and knowledge in the bulk container industry.