The hand packing and emptying of containers is still common in many countries. The time required in packing or emptying a container depends on the kind, size and weight of the cargo, the means (manual or mechanical), and the number of persons doing the packing or emptying. Packing generally takes more time than emptying.
Unitized Load
Unitizing or unitization is the assembly and packing of a number of cargo, either the same or different items, into a standardized or compact unit for ease of handling by the mechanical equipment. The palletized cargo, container load and carload are examples of a unitized load.
The unitized load facilitates the loading, unloading and inventory of shipment, and improves the cargo security against theft, pilferage and damage.
Turn-Over Rate of Containers
In the CY/CY, CY/CFS and CFS/CY container services, the carrier allows the shipper or the consignee, as the case may be, to retain (hold) the container at their premises normally for 24-48 hours only, in order to maximize the turn-over rate of the container.
An overtime use charge, known as demurrage, is collected on overstayed containers. In special cases, such as when the shipper or the consignee is doing a substantial amount of business with the carrier, some carriers may allow a longer time without charging demurrage.