CARGO BUSINESS 1-10.indd - ZSSK Cargo

Before the transportation is ordered, it is necessary to consider which
type of freight wagon to choose with regard to the type and nature
of the goods. In practice, it means to choose a wagon with sufficient
loading surface, not forgetting the area intented for goods securing,
the area providing free space, or protective distance. These are
necessary issues to be taken into account, related to physical impacts
during transportation and to selected way of goods placement.
Goods stressing during transportation
During any transportation, the goods are exposed to certain
forces and stress. In rail traffic, these are mainly forces in
lengthways direction of the wagon. These forces are generated
during train formation as well as during their sudden acceleration
and deceleration. They can reach several times the weight of the
consignment. In this case, it should be mentioned that in case of
freight wagons, arranged into block trains and in combined transport,
these forces are smaller.
We must also not forget the forces in transverse direction of the
wagon, arising in particular when driving in curves and over the
roadway supports. These forces can reach up to 0.5 times the weight
of the consignment. Other forces to be taken into account are the
forces vertically upwards. They reduce friction between the goods
and the wagon floor by one third. To sum it up, during transportation
under normal operating conditions, the following values of stress are
achieved:
- In the lengthways direction up to four times the weight of cargo (4 G)
- In the transverse direction up to 0.5 times the weight of cargo (0.5 G)
- In the vertical direction up to 0.3 times the weight of cargo (0.3 G).
Goods packaging
In addition to the impact of these forces, the resonant phenomena
in frequency range of over 50 Hz arise during transportation by rail.
These impacts may cause damage to certain particularly sensitive
machines and devices. How can this type of stress be withstood In
this case, the method of goods securing does not play a major role.
Packaging is important. All those who produce sensitive goods, must
take into account this type of stress when planning the packaging.
Freight wagon on the ship
Other principles apply to the consignments to be transported on
freight wagons on the ship. In this case it is necessary to take
into account greater stresses than those set for rail traffic before
loading the wagon. They are significantly different for individual ship
transportations. In general, sea transport is based on the following
forces:
- In the longitudinal direction 0.2 times the weight of cargo (0.2 G)
- In the transverse direction 0.7 times the weight of cargo (0.7 G)
- In the vertical direction 2.2 times the weight of cargo (2.2 G)
Loading and load securing
Measures taken to protect the goods against damage must reflect the
specific stress of the relevant means of transport. When loading and
securing the goods, it is necessary to be aware of the fact that the
cargo and securing equipment must withstand the effects of inertia
forces generated by the impacts and shocks during transportation.
We may state that the decisive influence to preserve the integrity of
loaded goods, freight wagon as well as to maintain the operational
safety during transport is the method of loading and load securing.
Possibilities of loading and load securing enable to use a sliding
method of loading or a rigid method of loading.
Rigid method of goods loading
Rigid (or compact or fixed) method of loading exposes the goods
and securing equipment in full extent to forces applied during the
transportation of goods in the lengthways, transverse and vertical
direction. This method is based on the following:
- Individual pieces or groups of cargo parts are secured in a fixed
way, i.e. without the possibility of movement in the transverse or
lengthways direction of the wagon. Special securing equipment can be
used for these purposes.
- Goods of equal parts (components, such as goods in cardboard
containers, on pallets...) are loaded from the front wall to the front
wall of the wagon without any gaps, or the remaining gaps filled with
resilient material.
What can be used to fill the gaps mentioned above It depends on
their size, i.e. for smaller gaps the wooden skids, inflatable bags,
placed pallets can be used ... For larger gaps, skids of prisms can
be used. When using this method of loading it is essential to realize
that part of the cargo at front wall of wagons is exposed to pressure
of the entire load. If these parts of the cargo do not have sufficient
resistance, the load must be divided into groups. Each group will be
secured individually. Let us mention the basic principles that must be
followed in case of rigid loading:
a) Distribution and stacking of goods
Special attention must be paid to goods evenly distributed on the
entire loading surface. If the upper layer cannot be completely filled
when stacking, the goods in this part must be arranged into groups
and secured together. Stack height must not be greater than its width.
Heavy goods shall be placed into lower layers and light goods shall be
placed into upper layers. When creating a stack of goods of different
lengths and weights, it is necessary to make sure that long and heavy
parts of cargo are stored at the bottom. Unevenly thick and heavy ends
of the goods must be alternated. Fragile goods or goods of different
shapes cannot be loaded in lengthways direction of the wagon directly
one by one. Such goods must be placed in between other goods.
b) Bounding or grouping of goods
The requirement to group or bound the goods is related to those goods
which tend to move or accumulate during transportation, e.g. tubes or
thin boards. Suitable aids are partitions, shrink wrapping, etc...
c) Loading of sensitive, long or flat goods
Such goods are loaded in lengthways direction of the wagon. Flat
pieces are loaded upright on the narrower side. In particular, it
concerns the loading of ceramic tubes, cement tiles and so forth.
d) Loading of goods in the area of walls, doors and stanchions
In this case it is necessary to be aware of the fact that cargo, touching
the walls and sidewalls of the wagon, cannot damage these parts.
Sliding doors, sliding walls, covers and roofs that can be opened must
not be blocked by cargo. They must open and close safely.
Kristína JÁNOŠOVÁ
Operations and Transportation Section
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