How Do Container Unloading Services Work?

Container unloading is a critical step in every supply chain. Often, shipping containers have been conveyed onboard ships from all parts of the globe. Offloaded at the dock, the containers are next loaded onto trucks or shipped by rail to warehouses. When a truck brings containers to their final destination, a loading dock, third party vendors, known as freight unloaders, are ready to perform container unloading services. Prior to its initial shipping, the container cargo will have been loaded at the manufacturer, measured, itemized, and accounted for. The container will be closed and a tamper-evident seal affixed. At its destination, it is a necessary and important step to have the container seal inspected before its removal, again ensuring that the container’s exterior and lock show no signs of tampering en route. Once the container inspection is finalized, the freight unloaders are cued to unload the container.

Labor Loop, a vendor offering on-demand lumper/freight unloading services to carriers, warehouse operators, and operations management, dispatches teams that are experienced, OSHA-certified, and highly proficient at loading and unloading shipping containers.
After their initial assessment and documentation of any damages, including isolating any asset losses and salvaging goods, the unloading process will commence. Here is the basic procedure our teams follow using hand trucks, manual labor, ramps, forklifts, etc.:

1. The characteristics of the cargo dictate how the container will be unloaded.
2. Single piece and fragile goods such as technology equipment and perishables must be unloaded manually.
3. Pallet-stacked goods are unloaded using a forklift.
4. Bags are loaded mechanically.
5. Goods that are sensitive to moisture, such as grocery items and produce, are usually transported in specialized water-resistant containers. Depending on their size, these will likely be unloaded using hand trucks.
6. Bulk items are unloaded mechanically to avoid ‘air dusting’ a potentially explosive situation.
7. Long items are pulled at the same time to prevent collapsing.

Another consideration is time. Labor Loop offers top container unloading services that are based on time and accuracy. Following safety procedures is paramount to prevent injury to our team and other warehouse workers. This is where our teams excel over day laborers and existing staffers who may be diverted from their daily tasks to unload containers as needed. Hiring the best container unloading services from Labor Loop saves money long term. There is no loss of productivity, potential for injury due to inexperience, and time savings due to efficiency.

Contact Labor Loop to learn how partnering with our team can improve your business’ bottom line.