June 19 - Specialist shipping container manufacturer, CakeBoxx Technologies has launched a new version of its TrusDek doorless container with a recessed floor, designed for the needs of the heavy equipment and industrial plant sector.
The new design gives more loading height within the envelope of the CakeBoxx ISO hi cube container, and is being marketed as a more secure and safe alternative to flat rack and open-top conventional shipping units.
The new container is a variant of the heavy-base TrusDek containers already being offered by US-based CakeBoxx Technologies. The heavy-duty TrusDek container deck has already been officially tested to carry loads up to 36 tonnes, but director of European sales and marketing, Chris Clark, says that the new deck is being tested to carry loads of up to 56 tonnes.
He told Heavy Lift PFI: "A big target for the new design is the heavy plant industry, for example shovel manufacturers. These companies want a design that totally encloses the cargo, but with standard containers, they either have to break the equipment down to get it inside, or use a fabric-topped container."
As the name implies, the CakeBoxx design allows cargo to be loaded onto an open flat deck, with completely free access from the top and sides. The metal 'CakeBoxx' lid can then be lowered onto the deck, totally enclosing the cargo. The lid is then secured to the deck with the patented locking system. Unlike conventional containers, there are no doors in the standard CakeBoxx design that can be prized open (doors can be added at the client's request under CakeBoxx's product line, "CustomBoxx"); the only way to get at the cargo is by lifting the CakeBoxx lid, using a forklift truck, crane, or any other conventional cargo lifting equipment - something that is beyond the means of most cargo criminals.
CakeBoxx Technologies enumerates many other advantages of its design. It could be an alternative to having to fit equipment like generators into a standard ISO envelope; the process could be greatly simplified by building equipment directly onto the open CakeBoxx deck, and then covering it with the CakeBoxx lid, rather than trying to insert the equipment into an enclosed box, Clark points out.
It avoids the need for loading staff to try to insert themselves between the cargo and the walls of an enclosed container; and, contrary to what some doubters suggest, it could actually simplify the tasks of Customs officers or other inspection officials needing to examine the cargo en route. Provided a forklift or other container lifting equipment can be procured - rarely a problem in most ports or other locations - they can enjoy all-round access to the cargo, without having to devan it first.
