All shipping containers are the same, right? Wrong. The type of product being shipped overseas will dictate the type of content needed to ensure it arrives safely. Fortunately, Container units protect their contents during the journey from one port of entry to another.
The best way to accommodate various products during shipment is to create several shipping containers of a different size, material, structure, and construction.
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Basic Containers
Dry Container
Dry Containers are available in different sizes, such as 10, 20, and 40 feet. They are designed to transfer general cargo and are the most commonly used type of shipping container. 90% of goods shipped by sea are loaded in dry containers.
Typically, the 20-foot and 40-foot cargo containers are made of aluminum or steel. Aluminum containers have a bigger payload but smaller internal cube than steel.
Specific dimensions and capacity of dry containers may vary depending on the container manufacturer, the container’s age, and the container owner.
Flat Rack Container
Flat Rack containers are used for storage of cargo with unique dimensions and transportation. The Flat racks only have sides on the shorter side of the box so that the shipment can extend out to the container’s side during the transportation process. These sides can either be fixed or folded down to accommodate heavy loads, oversized cargo, construction equipment, building supplies, or heavy machinery.
Flat rack containers have a softwood floor and a high load capacity frame. The tip of the flat rack container walls provide stability, so they can be stacked on top of each other without falling. The lashing rings on the side rails also help stabilize the cargo. These lashing rings can accommodate up to 2000 kg for 20′ flat racks and 4000 kilograms of 40′ flat racks.
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Temperature-Controlled Containers
Refrigerated ISO Containers
These containers are also called the reefer containers and functions to regulate the temperature to preserve temperature-sensitive products such as produce, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and even flowers.
There are different types of refrigerated containers, such as special super-freeze containers, which can keep products frozen at temperatures around -60 degrees C. There are also refrigerated containers with humidification systems that provide optimal humidity inside the box. Some refrigerated containers allow the atmosphere in the container to be controlled.
Refrigerated ISO containers usually come in 20 foot and 40-foot lengths, with the same general dimensions as dry cargo containers of the same size. However, there is generally less cargo space available inside the reefer container due to the space taken up by the refrigeration unit and ventilation equipment.
Thermal Containers
Thermal containers have regulated temperature control, which helps them survive a higher temperature. They are suitable for long-distance transportation of products. A time-temperature indicator helps monitor the temperature inside the container during the entire shipment process. Also, labels and appropriate documentation (internal and external) are usually required.
In deciding if thermal containers are needed, several factors need to be considered, including:
- The sensitivity of the product to temperatures.
- The specific distribution system being used for temperature range.
- Regulatory requirements.
- Specific packaging components and materials being used.
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Open Containers
Side Open Storage Container
Side open storage containers help facilitate specific loading and unloading requirements, such as the transportation of automobiles or in instances where a forklift or pallet truck is being utilized. The forklift or truck can drive in, then place and stack the goods with little effort.
Also, it allows for easier and quicker access to goods that were loaded first instead of offloading these items last in primary containers and onsite storage. This is mainly because these types of storage provide a wider opening for bulky products. Simultaneously, the easy access of goods makes organizing, storing, and retrieving items a quick and easy task.
Open Top Container
Open top containers have a convertible top that can be removed, allowing convenient access to products from the top of the container, and is primarily used for over-height cargo such as timber and scrap metal.
These containers typically have end doors to give flexibility to loading and discharging operations. Open top containers contain lashing rings to help secure the load inside and to keep it safe. Lashing rings can hold up to 1,000 kg.
Heavy Duty Containers
Tanks
Tanks are used for the transportation of liquid materials and used by most of the shipping industry. These containers are made of anti-corrosive materials, such as strong steel, which provide them with a long life and protect the materials being transported. Various types of products, like hazardous or non-hazardous ones, can be transported in tank containers.
The contents of the tank are between 17,500 to 26,000 liters depending on the size of the container. A standard tank container has a maintenance hole and has one valve on the top and one at the bottom. Loading and unloading a tank container is done by connecting hoses of the loading and unloading facility to the tank’s valves.
Cargo Storage Roll Containers
These are specialized containers to transport sets of stacked materials. They consist of robust mesh along rollers, which allow them to maneuver quickly, and the entire box is foldable.
Since these containers are expensive to make and transport, some companies avoid using them.
Drums
Drums are circular shipping containers that are more suitable for bulk items like liquid materials. They are made from steel, fiber, hard plastic, and lightweight metals. Even though they are smaller in size, they may need extra space because of their non-modular shape.
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Conclusion
The variation of containers is that the container units need to protect their products during the transportation process.
While we only shared a few types of containers, freight forwarders are knowledgeable of all kinds. They can help us decide the style and size of container needed to ship goods efficiently and safely.
Alba Wheels Up will assist with every aspect of your export process to ensure that your shipments arrive as planned
