4 Material Handling Tools Dockworkers Can Use to Be More Efficient
Working on a dock, whether supplying a cruise ship or moving items on and off cargo ships, is a demanding job. It’s not unusual for workers to have to load or unload cargo containers, move products on or off trucks, or move supplies onto boats and other ships. Whether it’s a classic hand cart or an electric hand truck, the right material handling tools can help.
The Classic Hand Truck
The workhorse of the material handling industry, the classic hand truck makes filling cargo containers more efficient. While it’s more common for dockworkers to move fully loaded cargo containers into place with cranes, they do occasionally have to move plain cargo, and the classic hand truck can help them quickly load or unload a container.
Moving multiple boxes onto a ship at once is easy with a hand cart. It’s a breeze to stack boxes or items and wheel them onto the boat instead of carrying them by hand. It’s vital to choose aluminum hand trucks, as these are rust-resistant but still light, making them ideal for the wet conditions on a dock.
The Versatile Convertible Hand Truck
If an oddly shaped item or multiple boxes of supplies need to be moved on or off of a ship, consider using a convertible hand truck. It starts out as the upright classic hand truck, giving dock workers plenty of versatility as it is. But once you convert it to four-wheel mode, your team can easily move loads weighing up to 1,000 pounds while also handling oddly shaped items.
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Convertible Hand Truck |
This hand truck is ideal for tasks such as moving supplies to a cruise ship or large boat. After the task is complete, it takes seconds to convert it back to the upright position, ready to handle more boxes or to be stored away until it’s needed again.
The Heavy Duty Hand Truck
For heavier items weighing up to 800 pounds, such as loaded crates, dockworkers might need something with a higher weight capacity than the classic hand truck. The heavy duty hand truck fits the bill, helping a single dockworker move what would normally require a team lift.
Look for options for the heavy duty hand truck that help keep items secure, like a self-retracting ratchet strap, side wings, or a fourth wheel assembly to make it easier to break back the dolly. With these accessories and attachments, your workers can keep their items secure and safe.
The Motorized Hand Truck
Moving items long distances is not unusual for dockworkers. A motorized hand truck is ideal for moving larger items weighing up to 1,000 pounds with virtually no effort on the part of the operator. Only one person is needed to use the motorized hand truck, making it far more efficient than a team lift.
Look for a motorized hand truck with quick-change attachments, such as a tow hitch that can move 3,500-pound trailers into place. This can come in handy around the dock or in warehouse applications.
About Magline
As the world’s leading manufacturer of route distribution tools and material handling solutions, Magliner equipment rises to the needs of any industry. Whether you oversee customer-facing retail stores or manage a third-party logistics company, you know the right equipment makes life easier and improves every aspect of your business. By manufacturing high-quality heavy duty hand truck models, developing time-saving patented features, and prioritizing safety, Magline raises the bar for material handling equipment. The unique modular design of Magliner equipment makes routine maintenance and repairs a breeze, while the durable construction of these tools ensures your team will be able to depend on them for years to come. For over 75 years, businesses across industries have trusted Magliner equipment to help their teams stay safe, efficient, and dynamic.
Find material handling equipment that can make a dockworker’s job more efficient at https://www.magliner.com/