How to Open a Cargo Container
Cargo doors are normally heavy and complicated to open. This is necessary so they can protect the cargo inside the compartments. If you wish to retrieve the cargo and open the doors, you will need to do so carefully. Heavy cargo doors may require more than one person to open them.
- Unlock the cargo container. The container will most likely be locked with a padlock that will require a key to unlock it. Once unlocked, pull down on the lock to open it, and slide it off the handles.
- Turn the metal piece that the lock was attached to so that the lever can be pulled through it. Pull the lever toward you to release it from the door. Continue to pull back on the lever until it is parallel with the door.
- Pull back on the handle of the door to free it from the lever. Let go of the lever and allow it to fall back into place.
- Pull on the handle on the right door to open it. The right door will press against the left door, so it must be opened first. Pull it as far back as the hinges will allow, and allow it to swing backward.
- Pull on the handle of the left door to open it. Pull back as far as you can, and allow it to swing backward as well.
- Some cargo container doors have hydraulic bars that hold them open. This prevents them from falling closed unexpectedly. If the door you open has this option, engage the bars by sliding them in place.