Why Businesses Trust Side Loaders for Improved Cargo Safety

It’s really simple: Businesses require an efficient, adaptable, safe, and timely delivery of their goods.

In the cargo transportation industry, this is the name of the game. Safe and fast transportation means lower operational costs, no downtime, no damages, and more efficient operations.

That’s why more and more businesses in Australia are choosing side loader trucks for transporting their heavyweight containers.  

Traditional methods are now becoming obsolete because they can add freight charges due to a prolonged waiting time and the need for extra equipment. In contrast, side loaders offer a more efficient solution. 

They allow for ground-level loading and unloading, eliminating the need for a second truck and many risks associated with traditional operations.

Sound interesting? Then let’s take a closer look at why businesses trust side loaders for improved cargo safety.

Heavyweight Cargo Transport Options

Traditionally, transport companies often use a separate machine or truck for loading or unloading the cargo, requiring more time and space for manoeuvring. 

Now, when it comes to transporting heavyweight shipping containers over long distances, businesses still have several options. However, not all methods are equally efficient or safe, especially when dealing with fragile or time-sensitive cargo. 

1. Flat Bed Trucks: These trucks are widely available across Australia and can be a cost-effective option. However, they require a forklift or crane at the delivery point to unload the container, which may not always be feasible.

2. Tilt Tray Trucks: Commonly used for 10′ and 20′ containers, tilt tray trucks offload containers from the rear by tilting the tray upwards and sliding the container off the back. This method requires a flat surface for unloading and careful consideration of the container’s door orientation during loading.

3. HIAB / Lorry Loader: Equipped with a crane at the front or rear, HIABs can pick up and precisely place containers in desired locations. However, there are certain weight limits to consider with this delivery method.

While these options have their merits, side loaders stand out as the safest choice for transporting heavyweight shipping containers. Their ability to load and unload containers directly from the ground reduces the risk of accidents and ensures the integrity of the cargo.

Side loaders are also highly versatile, capable of operating in narrow spaces and accommodating heavyweight containers. With their integrated lifting system, side loaders eliminate the need for additional equipment, streamlining the process and reducing costs. 

How Side Loaders Work 

Equipped with a lateral loading mechanism, side loader trucks are specialised in handling and transporting shipping containers.

A side loader is a specialised truck equipped with cranes mounted on each side, designed primarily for transporting and handling heavyweight shipping containers. They can also transport other large materials, such as prefabricated concrete, cable drums, vehicles, crane rigs, pipes, and swap bodies.

In operation, the truck positions itself parallel to the container. The cranes, which have ropes and chains that are attached to the cargo. The container is lifted off the ground, and the telescopic arms retract, bringing the container onto the truck’s chassis. The container is positioned lengthwise along the truck, allowing it to be transported to its destination. 

Upon arrival, the process is reversed, with the cranes extending their arms to place the container at the desired location, be it on the ground or onto another vehicle.

Side loaders eliminate the need for additional equipment like large forklifts, cranes, or reach stackers, which require more space for manoeuvring. They allow a single operator to load and unload containers efficiently, reducing time, labour, cost, and risks associated with cargo transport.

The design of side loader trucks is specifically engineered to handle tight spaces or congested areas, providing a safe, convenient, efficient, and adaptable solution for transporting valuable cargo containers.

Economic Advantages of Side Loaders

Side loaders have emerged as the go-to solution for the logistics of fragile products, intricate tech parts, art pieces, and time-sensitive goods. It’s no wonder that numerous businesses, especially in the Greater Sydney region, are opting for side loaders as their trusted partner in cargo transportation.

But, beyond safety, side loaders offer economic advantages.

The reduced need for additional equipment and manpower translates to cost savings. Furthermore, the swift operations of side loaders—often completing a full handling operation in just 2-4 minutes—mean faster turnaround times and increased operational efficiency.

Key Drivers for Businesses Opting for Side Loaders

1. Operational Efficiency: Side loaders streamline the loading and unloading process, reducing the time taken and enhancing workflow.

2. Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for additional equipment or trucks and often reducing labour requirements, side loaders can significantly reduce costs.

3. Space Constraints: Side loaders can operate even in narrow locations, which benefits businesses in congested areas or dealing with limited spaces.

4. Safety Concerns: Ground-level operations reduce risks associated with elevated loading, ensuring better safety for cargo and the operators.

5. Versatility: Side loaders are adaptable and can handle a range of container sizes, making them a flexible solution for diverse cargo needs.
6. Heavyweight Capability: Side loaders can safely transport heavy shipping containers up to 31 tonnes, ideal for businesses dealing with industrial equipment, machinery, or bulk commodities.

A Growing Trend in Australia

As Australian businesses become more aware of the benefits of side loaders, their adoption for transporting heavyweight cargo is on the rise. Furthermore, side loaders align perfectly with the national objectives of Australia, focusing on reducing workplace accidents and ensuring the well-being of workers.

Because of this, more companies are now recognising the safety and cost-effectiveness of side loader trucks for transporting their cargo.

Heavyweight Shipping Container Transport Using Side Loaders

With its decades-long expertise, Tolson Transport harnesses the full potential of side loaders to offer businesses a seamless, safe, fast, and cost-effective container transport solution.By choosing Tolson Transport, clients are not merely opting for a transportation service but also investing in reliability, timely deliveries, and unparalleled cargo care. 

Get in contact with our friendly team today to experience the best cargo transportation with the unmatched capabilities of Tolson Transport!