Previous unit

Return to Unit Titles page

Next unit

Unit Aims, Objectives and Prerequisites
C.1.4 - The container yard operation

1. Unit Aims

This Unit is designed:

1. To describe the storage operation and to explain its importance in container terminal operations
2. To describe the principles of container yard layout and facilities
3. To describe the container yard address system.
4. To describe the import and export stacking rules and practices.
5. To discuss the planning of container yard operations
6. To describe the movement of containers into and out of storage and the related information and administrative systems

2. Unit Objectives

After completing this Unit, the learner will be able to:

1. List and explain the four functions of container terminal storage.
2. Describe and account for the broad design and layout of the container yard, and the general and special facilities provided there.
1. Describe the layout and operational features of the container yard in a terminal using a chassis/trailer transfer system.
2. Describe the layout and operational features of the container yard in a terminal using a lift-truck transfer and stacking system.
3. Describe the layout and operational features of the container yard in a terminal using a straddle carrier direct transfer and stacking system.
4. Describe the layout and operational features of the container yard in a terminal using a straddle carrier relay transfer and stacking system.
5. Describe the layout and operational features of the container yard in a terminal using a rubber-tyred yard gantry stacking system.
6. Describe the layout and operational features of the container yard in a terminal using a rail-mounted yard gantry stacking system.

3. Describe and explain the basis of the yard address system used on the terminal.
4. Given a ‘slot’ address, correctly identify the storage location in the container yard.

5. Explain the basis for allocating zones and sections of the container yard to particular container categories during storage planning.
6. Name and explain the three factors that determine the space required within the container yard storage blocks for the stacking of different categories of containers.
7. Describe and explain the functions of the two basic components of the container yard operation’s information system.
8. Describe and explain the principal procedures and practices followed when storing export and import containers in the container yard.
9. Outline the in-terminal and interchange movements of containers and the control procedures relating to them.
10. List and explain the safety and security rules relating to working in the container yard.
11. Define, recognize the best definition of, or distinguish between true and false statements concerning, the technical terms used in the Unit, as listed in sections 3 and 4 below.

3. Unit Prerequisites

It is assumed that trainees will, before starting this Unit, have completed successfully the following Units or will have demonstrated (eg by successfully completing the Tests for those Units) their understanding of the topics covered by them:

• Container terminal operations (C.1.1)
• Container ship loading and discharge operations (C.1.2)
• The container terminal quay transfer operation (C.1.3)
• Container numbering and marking (C.3.2)