Damage Prevention Intermodal Guidelines

Intermodal Loading Guide

Inspection and Selection of Equipment

1. The equipment supplier has a responsibility to furnish trailers which are clean, have sound roofs, sides, end walls, smooth floors, and snug fitting doors. Any exception is cause for rejection. The shipper also has a responsibility to inspect the trailer to see that it is suitable to carry lading safely to destination.
2. If the trailer furnished is not suitable for loading but the shipper elects to load it, then the shipper is responsible to properly prepare the trailer prior to loading (i.e. cover holes in walls).

Load Planning

1. Plan your load to prevent damage to lading and equipment. Lading which is forbidden or restricted by MITA2 is not to be loaded. Lading that is already damaged is not to be loaded.
2. Plan your load so that crosswise void space is minimized. Use appropriate bracing or filler material to maintain vertical alignment and prevent crosswise movement.
3. Secure incomplete layers of lading to prevent movement.
4. Fill lengthwise space with lading, approved filler material, or appropriate blocking and bracing. Do not use void filler material or pallets as a bulkhead.
5. Weight must be evenly distributed side-to-side and end-to-end.

Maximum Weights and Weight Distribution

1. The load weight MUST NOT exceed the limit as stated on the manufacturer's plate. Combined weight of container and lading may not exceed specified weights below for the length of container.
   
   

   Nominal Length (ft.)	Maximum Gross Weight (lbs.) (Lading Plus Tare)
   53'	67,200 lbs
   48'	67,200 lbs
   45'	67,200 lbs
   40'	67,200 lbs
   20'	52,900 lbs

   
   
2. Total weight of trailer on stanchion must not exceed 65,000 lbs.
3. Lading weight in trailers must be evenly distributed crosswise and lengthwise with no more than 25,000 lbs. per 10 linear feet.
4. Weight of lading and trailer must conform to all federal, state, provincial, and local regulations for origin and destination.

Securement

1. Secure lading to prevent lengthwise and lateral movement.
2. Fill voids, apply blocking and bracing to maintain proper lengthwise and crosswise weight distribution during transit; and to prevent lading from damaging doors, nose, walls or from falling out when doors are opened.
3. Use lumber which is of sound material and free of defects which impair its strength or interfere with proper nailing.
4. Use adequate size and number of nails in the construction and securement of blocking and bracing.
5. Strapping used for load securement must be of sufficient strength, amount, and be properly applied so as to secure the load from crosswise or lengthwise movement.

Unitization

1. On wooden pallets:
   1. Provide palletized units with unit-to-unit contact with no overhang of product.
   2. Fill any lengthwise under-hang on pallets.

      Make height and width dimensions of the faces of the filler material as near as possible the same as the dimensions of the faces of the units they will be separating.

      Filler Construction: Lengthwise void fillers are to be of uniform strength over the face of the void filler and capable of withstanding a load of 1500 lbs./sq. ft.

2. On slip sheets:
   1. Provide units with unit-to-unit contact lengthwise in trailer. Fill any lengthwise void to provide a solid face for applying securement.
   2. Minimize crosswise void and maintain vertical alignment.
3. Incomplete layers:
   1. Avoid incomplete layers whenever possible. When incomplete layers have to be loaded, use full face and height bulkhead for lightweight commodities. For heavier commodities, unitize the rear portion of the incomplete layer to the bottom layer. Unitize with appropriate bulkheads and protection between straps and the lading.

Fillers, Dividers and Separators

1. Separate different type packaging lengthwise by use of plywood or fibreboard sheets of sufficient height to protect the tallest stack of product.
2. Use fillers to take up crosswise space in trailer to prevent movement in the load.
3. Use separators when commodities are loaded in more than one layer. Use separator material to provide an even base for the upper layer. Generally 1/2" plywood sheets or other suitable material may be used. Use fibreboard protection between separator material if units consist of bags or bales.

Wood

1. Use properly seasoned lumber.
2. Do not use rotted or decayed lumber. Do not use lumber with knots or knotholes. Check for splits that will affect holding strength or interfere with nailing.
3. Select the size of lumber appropriate for the weight, size, and nature of the commodity to be secured.

Nails and Nailing

1. Do not nail into the walls of trailer. Toe nailing is not permitted.
2. Drive nails into side grain of lumber. Drive all nails straight at 90 degree angle to floor.
3. Stagger nails to prevent wood from splitting. Position nails five inches apart.
4. Use nails of such length to develop the necessary holding power through penetration into trailer floor and other blocking and bracing members.

Table A