SeaCan Containers Demand Load Safety

By Randall C. Resch

For towers loading and transporting SeaCan shipping containers, the industry has experienced several notable incidents where operators were injured or killed. For towers conducting this specialty transport niche, extreme caution and the application of best practices are key to remaining incident-free.

Based on incidents investigated by OSHA, NIOSH, and the CDC, let this narrative serve as a solid safety reminder that taking shortcuts, initiating Hollywood moves, and the misapplication of proper equipment can lead to injury or deadly results.

Although transporting shipping containers is a regular practice for tow companies and transport handlers, a routine load can go wrong when best practices aren’t followed. Three industry-related container incidents demonstrate the importance of proper safety and rigging.

Incident 1: On January 17, 2006, a tow operator at a Navy pier was working to relocate a large metal roll-off (vacuum) container weighing approximately 10,100 pounds empty. To relocate these containers in the traditional manner, they were pulled onto a flatbed carrier using 5/8-inch-diameter plow steel wire rope outfitted on the truck’s winch.

Per OSHA’s investigation, obstructions on the pier prevented the tow operator from positioning the carrier’s deck in alignment with the container for a straight pull onto the flatbed.

To load the container, the operator was alleged to have used a combination of equipment in an attempt to complete a tie-down to the container. The tie-down assembly consisted of a J-hook (rated at 5,400 pounds), a chain with a safe working load limit of 2,650 pounds, and a grab hook with a working load limit of five tons. The assembly was reportedly hooked to one side of the carrier’s deck.

With the container still on the ground, the winch wire rope was routed through the tie-down assembly and then hooked to the roll-off vacuum container. The operator threaded the wire rope through the assembly, allowing the winch to pull the container at an angle. However, he chose not to include a snatch block in the rigging. 

The operator reportedly repositioned himself from the tie-down location to the opposite side of the flatbed where the truck’s controls were located. As he began winching the container, the chain section of the assembly overloaded. When it failed, the J-hook broke away and was hurled toward the operator, striking him in the head. Notably, the operator was not wearing hard-hat protection. He was transported to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries more than a week later.

Incident 2: In March 2006, a Massachusetts tow operator was loading an 18-foot metal container when the bridle chain used to pull the container broke. The chain recoiled toward the operator, striking him in the leg. He was transported to an area hospital, where he died two weeks later from blood-clot complications resulting from his injuries.

Incident 3: A western tow owner-operator responded to move a SeaCan container said to be half full. In an effort to sidestep using proper equipment, the operator reportedly attached a 5,400-pound-rated J-hook into the container’s corner eye to winch the container onto the carrier.

During the winching process, the weight of the container caused the J-hook to tip-load and partially straighten. As the J-hook straightened, it spit out from its location, causing the container to detach and fall. Standing too close to the container, the operator suffered crushing injuries when the detached container landed on his foot.

Think Safety First

Across the U.S. and abroad, semi-trucks transporting and delivering sea containers crash all the time. Tow companies serving their state’s highway patrol often respond to these incidents. Although not overly complicated, recoveries frequently require containers to be separated from the cab and chassis. Most require lifting procedures performed by talented operators experienced in handling these types of crashes.

Especially for heavy-duty, rotator, and salvage operators, safety first is always the reigning factor in a safe and successful recovery. Towers are reminded to employ equipment specifically rated for these types of recoveries. 

For tow companies attempting to load and transport containers without topic-specific training, you’re gambling with a potentially deadly disconnect or fall. Sure, it’s tempting to load a 40-foot container onto a 21-foot carrier deck, but sidestepping industry best practices for a paying job isn’t smart.

Don’t risk becoming a victim of a drop-or-detach industrial incident, an overload crash while driving, or a costly fine levied by OSHA or a police citation. It’s best to know when to say “NO” and pass the container job to an experienced and qualified tow company. 

Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired California police officer, former tow business owner, and industry advocate. As a consultant and trainer, he authored and teaches tow truck operator safety courses approved by the California Highway Patrol. For 57 years, he has been involved in the towing and recovery industry. Over 29 years, he has contributed more than 800 safety-focused articles for American Towman Magazine, TowIndustryWeek.com, and POLICE Magazine. He is a frequent seminar presenter and beauty pageant judge at tow shows. In 2014, he was inducted into the International Towing and Recovery Industry Hall of Fame, was the third recipient of the industry’s Dave Jones Leadership Award, and is a member of American Towman’s Safety Committee.

Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.