Since the introduction of the first containers in the 1950s, a wide range of marine and multipurpose containers has arisen as a reaction from the logistics system to ensure proper load handling.
Before utilizing the service of shipping container transport keep the following points in mind:
- The load’s dimensions and weight
- Whether the cargo is solid or liquid
- The cargo’s degree of standardisation
- The crane, as well as spreader, are necessary for that cargo
Enlisted below are the types of shipping containers available.
Types of Shipping Containers
- Container for Dry Storage
The most frequent boxes used in the delivery business are dry storage containers. They are designed to move dry products and come in sizes of 20, 40, and 45 feet. Because these vessels do not have temperature sensors, they are not suitable for storing food.
Over seventeen million multimodal containers are in use worldwide, and cargo containers convey a significant amount of the world’s long-distance freight produced by international trade.
Their discovery aided the globalisation of business in the latter half of the 20th century by considerably reducing the cost of shipping products and, as a result, long-distance trade.
- Container with a Flat Rack
There is no top and, therefore, only 2 sides to a flat rack vessel. This frees up space on the rack for big goods to be placed from above or on the side. The majority of flat rack carriers are 20 to 40 feet long and manufactured of steel for durability and longevity.
Many flat rack carriers are collapsible, and others include extra walls that can be connected to the frame. There is a polyester design and deployment that can be fastened to the vessel with cables and offers rain as well as other kinds of weather protection.
- Storage Container with an Open Side
One long side of an open side shipping container transport can completely open. This is useful for too large items to fit through to the bottom of a tube vessel or a dry storage container. The side flies open like two enormous doors, but it may still be locked to keep the product inside safe.
- ISO Containers that have been Refrigerated
A refrigerated vessel, often known as a reefer, is an integrated container that is chilled for the transfer of temperature-sensitive goods in intermodal transport transit. A reefer is powered by external power sources such as electrical energy outlets.
They can be supplied by diesel-powered engines (“gen sets”) that attach to the vessel while being moved along the roadway. Refrigerated containers can maintain temperatures ranging from -65 °C to +40 °C.
- ISO Tanks
Tanks are vessels that are used to store liquids. Because of the substances they are used to transport. They are normally made of anti-corrosive substances. Tanks could also be used to hold dry products such as sugar. However, they are most commonly used to hold liquids.
- Half-height containers
These containers, primarily made of steel, are 1⁄2 the size of filled containers. Used for goods that require easy transporting, such as coal and stones. Containerized bulk transport is increasingly using this sort of container.
Conclusion
These standardised containers have revolutionised the shipping and transportation industries, allowing goods to be transported simply by rail, road, and ship, as the vessels can readily fit onto various modes of transportation.
Container standardisation has aided in increasing efficiency and scale economies.
