The choice of container to use in shipping your cargo can ease or complicate the shipping process. If you are a motorist who wants to transport a vehicle or an auto parts enthusiast who needs to ship some parts, then you have to know how containers work and which one suits your needs best.
There is more than one type of container, and each container varies in size and shape. They include dry standard containers, special reefers, and flat racks. Once you know the correct container for your cargo, you will be able to maximize the safety, efficiency, and cost of your shipment.
In this guide, we will discuss the most common types of containers and their advantages, as well as outline the characteristics to consider when selecting a container for your shipment and cargo. Keep reading!
Understanding Container Types and Sizes
Making the most appropriate container selection involves knowing what types of containers are available and what their purposes are. Here’s a deeper look at the more frequently used shipping container types and their uses.
Standard Dry Containers
Standard dry containers are the most common and versatile type of container in the shipping industry. Available in both 20-foot and 40-foot lengths, these containers are made to transport a wide variety of bulk goods, including electrical products and furniture.
Because the containers themselves are hard, sealed, and rigid, the risk of the cargo getting wet during transportation is minimized. Therefore, the containers maintain the integrity of the goods throughout the voyage.
Also, These containers are stackable and can be easily loaded onto ships, trains, and trucks, making them suitable for local and foreign transport. Because they come in standard sizes, it becomes easier to move from one mode of transport to another, which makes it easier to coordinate overall logistics.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat rack containers are used to ship heavy and oversized cargo that cannot be housed within a normal container unit. The walls of these types of containers can be folded down, and a flat base is always left free when the sides are stowed.
As a result, this design is ideal for heavy machinery, cars in container shipping, boats, and all large loads with unusual shapes. The flat rack container is manufactured in 20 foot container shipping and 40-foot sizes depending on the size of the load.
The flat rack containers also have lashing points to which the load may be secured, keeping it safe during transit. Due to their open design, it is possible to move and position flat racks with a crane or forklift, which can only be done in ports equipped with such devices.
Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)
Reefers (or refrigerated containers) are specialized containers used for the transport of perishable items that require certain temperature levels.
This is possible as these containers have refrigeration equipment that is capable of providing a conducive environment for various items such as food, medicine, and chemicals during transit.
Reefers range in length and breadth from 20 feet to 40 feet, with appropriate settings at a wide range of temperatures conforming to the payloads. The insulation and refrigeration system of these containers makes them an important asset to any user in the international trade of perishable or temperature-sensitive goods.
Open Top Containers
These containers have a removable roof which makes it easy to load the cargo through the cranes situated at the top. As a result, goods such as heavy machines, construction materials, and other long or oddly shaped items can be transported efficiently.
Open-top containers come in height variants of 20 feet and 40 feet, which are easier to load and are fitted with doors at the ends of the containers for easy access to the goods. To prevent the risk of weather intrusion during shipping or movement, container shipping companies place tarps over the top part of the goods.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Container
Now that you understand the different storage container shipping types and sizes, let’s move on to the most important factors to consider when choosing a container for your cargo. These include:
Type of Cargo
You should first consider the type of your goods so as to pick the most appropriate container for packing. Standard dry containers fit the bill for many general cargo types, such as electronics, textiles, and various machine parts.
If on the other hand you are transporting goods that are prone to damage like food or medicines, you will need to have a reefer container in order to assist you in the transportation of such containers at the right temperatures.
Dangerous goods will always need certified containers that have been constructed according to certain features such as liquid or gas tank containers.
Size of Cargo
How big and heavy is your cargo? For most cargo containers, a 20-foot and 40-foot dry container should be enough given that most shipments will be in standard sizes. But if the shipment is excessively big and heavy it would be wise to bring in specialized containers such as flat racks or open tops.
Flat rack containers would work well as packing containers for heavy equipment or vehicles that are bigger than the average container due to their open sides. Open top containers are used for items like machines and construction materials, providing flexibility for items that are too high to fit in a normal container.
Destination Requirements
There are regulations on the specific size and type of containers depending on the destination. Such regulations are not uniform and will differ from country to country and even region to region.
For example, some countries have shipping laws that prohibit the use of certain international container shipping carriers or cargo sizes. In order to prevent any delays or incurring unnecessary additional fees, it’s fundamental to make sure the container you opt for satisfies the requirements set by the destination.
In this case consider contacting a shipping company like Easy Haul to better understand these rules and the best way to navigate them.
Cost and Budget
Shipping containers come in different types and sizes as some are equipped with refrigeration or other forms of specialized handling. Because of these attributes, the shipping costs tend to vary quite a bit.
Generally, dry containers are suitable for general cargo and are less expensive than the specialized containers, but other types of containers like reefers and flat racks may be more costly.
So, in this case, suitable budget considerations are very important in identifying the most appropriate container for your needs.
Security and Protection
Having lockboxes and other difficult locking mechanisms helps enhance the safety and security of your valuable items. The shipping company should also be security conscious, especially regarding your cargo.
Another option is using containers with padding or enough lashing points to keep the hazardous or fragile goods safe during transport. In addition, other checks should be made to confirm that the containers have not been damaged or have wear that would impact their structural integrity.
Benefits of Choosing the Right Container
There are four noteworthy benefits you can expect to experience if you follow these tips on how to ship a container overseas. These include:
1. Efficiency
Selecting an appropriate container reduces the time needed to move products between locations. In other words, specialized and properly sized containers make it easier to load and unload cargo, reducing turnaround times and waste of space.
For example, flat rack containers do not require additional handling of oversized machinery, which helps in shortening the time taken for the entire process. Proper use of containers improves the movements of cargo from one transport mode to another, for example, from ship to truck or rail, thus improving the logistics
2. Cost Savings
Using the right container reduces the chances of damage to the goods, thereby saving you money on container shipping cost. For instance, perishable goods that risk going bad can be shipped in cool containers to avoid wastage that would result in unexpectedly high costs.
Furthermore, using the appropriate container helps prevent paying extra for large or special containers when they are not needed. If your goods are packed properly and sheltered from the outside, you can avert expensive restoration or replacement and so, save on costs.
3. Security
Security is a key issue when transporting any valuables or sensitive items. The container used goes a long way in providing protection to your cargo so as to ensure that it is not damaged during transit.
Most containers come with some security measures in place, such as provided locking devices or tamper-proof seals, which will aid in preventing theft and unauthorized usage of the containers. In the case of hazardous materials, it’s best to use special containers that will contain the cargo to avoid leaks and spills to protect the cargo as well as the environment.
4. Compliance
Regulations and requirements to be met when transporting goods to a given destination are essential in ensuring that your goods are not delayed or subjected to any penalties. All countries and regions have their own requirements on the type of containers, sizes, and methods of handling.
Choosing the right container type that falls under these requirements and regulations will help facilitate customs clearance with ease and mitigate the chances of any fines or rejection of shipments.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing a suitable container for your cargo guarantees an uncomplicated and affordable shipping process. In addition, assessing your needs, such as the type of cargo, size, the requirements of the destination, and costs, provides room for optimization of your logistics to avoid possible complications.
For additional recommendations and dependable services, contact EasyHaul. EasyHaul makes vehicle shipping easy and stress-free due to many years of experience.
Contact EasyHaul for your shipping needs today!
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