The issue with shipping container transport
While shipping containers can play an important role in these situations, unfortunately, it’s often costly and logistically difficult to bring in the equipment needed to mobilize them in disaster scenarios. Alan and Marshall realized this was a critical issue, and knew that finding a solution could greatly impact emergency services teams, so they set out to find a solution.
Cranes, forklifts, and container handlers are ideal for moving containers in ideal conditions, but they are limited in their ability to move containers in tight spots, especially where debris and other impediments may exist.
So, Alan and Marshall got to work looking for a solution that offered greater flexibility in maneuverability, and accessibility when disaster strikes.
They also knew that their solution needed to work with available equipment. In this case, heavy-duty, 1-ton or better trucks.
Heavy duty pickup trucks are more robust for harsh environments, can be deployed quickly, and don’t require as much clearance space as other equipment.
Alan and Marshall started experimenting with different ideas and solutions to move shipping containers on and off the trailer smoothly and with precision positioning.
In disaster situations, emergency response and government agencies often deploy
BERG™ Expandable Shelters. These expandable containers serve a vital role in emergency response situations.
They provide facilities for hygiene, food distribution, medical supplies, healthcare, logistics, and other needed services. However, these facilities often must be handled with care, and positioned precisely.
At first, solving this challenge was purely a passion project for the founders of ContainGo. Each new iteration and improvement of their prototype, gave them a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
They were simply trying to solve a problem that would help disaster aid teams better help the people affected by things like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornados, and wildfires.
Solving problem after problem
They kept working at it day after day in Marshall's 6,000 sq. ft. workshop looking for a way to load or unload containers at any angle. A key challenge for most container transport trailers is that they must have adequate forward clearance, and they must be positioned in straight alignment with the trailer bed.
In fact, traditional methods of moving containers require at least 120 ft. of forward clearance. In disaster situations, you can’t rely on perfect conditions, and Alan and Marshall knew that solving this issue would lead to a revolutionary product.
A key breakthrough was the lift arm and trolley systems, which significantly improved maneuverability. Essentially, these systems combine to eliminate the need for a forklift and other heavy equipment to place and position containers in unpredictable situations.
But their biggest ‘Aha’ moment came with the side shift mechanism, which allows the trailer to maneuver from side to side. This is what makes the ContainGo shipping container trailer so agile and precise.
With ContainGo, you only need around a 24 ft. space, and skilled operators can do it with even less. In tight spots or debris-laden roads, they can precisely position containers to within an inch of a target location.
On one occasion, after numerous attempts with other equipment, Alan and Marshall were cheered on by a group of about 50 onlookers as they repositioned a container from what seemed like an impossible spot, using the ContainGo trailer. Even those who had no idea about logistics could see the ingenuity behind their design.
Two great minds, one ingenious product
It isn’t just the side shift, lift arm, or trolley systems that were revolutionary, it is the combination of all 3 elements that is changing the game for transporting containers to where they need to be.
Whether it’s for the disaster relief sector, portable storage industry, shipping container delivery, or construction and heavy industries, ContainGo allows operators to accurately, quickly, safely, and securely deploy containers for a wide-range of needs, eliminating the need for additional machinery.
Alan and Marshall have worked extremely hard over the past 10 years. Over many cups of coffee, they sketched out idea after idea, continuously trying to solve the next big problem.
Without their dedication and commitment to assisting with disaster relief efforts, ContainGo wouldn’t exist.
There’s currently no other technology like ContainGo. It’s a one of a kind, patented product that solves a huge problem; getting supplies, shelter, and equipment to disaster zones.
From ‘how do we move these containers?’ to achieving the impossible, Alan and Marshall are true innovators, and to this day are finding new ways to build upon their original ideas to achieve even more.
Learn more about ContainGo here. To enquire about ContainGo shipping container trailers for sale, please
get in touch today and we’d be happy to answer any of your questions.
