Efficient and reliable transport is the backbone of modern logistics. The development of the shipping container revolutionised the industry, providing a standardised method of material handling that drastically reduced the cost and time of moving goods across the globe. However, not all containers are created equal, and understanding the various types of shipping containers available can greatly impact the success of your logistics operation.
From moving standard cargo to the transportation of perishables and irregularly shaped items, the versatility of shipping containers is boundless.
This comprehensive guide shines a light on the different varieties of shipping containers, their unique benefits, and the specific industries that depend upon them.
How Do You Choose a Shipping Container?
The right shipping container choice is critical and can determine the safety and security of your cargo. When evaluating which type of container is best for your needs, consider factors such as the nature of the goods being shipped, the mode of transport (sea, air, land), the destination, and required services (such as refrigeration). By understanding the various options available, you can make an educated decision that benefits your supply chain and, ultimately, your bottom line.
Standard Shipping Containers
Standard shipping containers are the workhorses of the industry. These versatile, enclosed boxes are typically used to transport dry cargo and come in two primary sizes: the 20-foot container and the 40-foot container. Known for their sheer ubiquity and stackability, they are the most common choice for general shipments.
Size Matters: The 20ft vs. The 40ft Container
The 20ft container offers around 33 cubic meters of storage space, while the 40ft container more than doubles that with approximately 67 cubic meters. The choice between the two often boils down to the volume of cargo that needs to be shipped; businesses shipping smaller loads or who need to split their freight across various shipments will often opt for the 20ft container, while the 40ft is great for larger, consolidated shipments.
Advantages and Limitations
Standard containers are advantageous for their ease of use, robustness, and compatibility with most shipping infrastructures. However, limitations include their inability to carry specialised cargo without modification. Additionally, certain types of goods may require containers with specific climate or handling features that standard containers lack.
Refrigerated Containers
When it comes to transporting goods that require temperature control, refrigerated shipping containers are non-negotiable. Also known as reefer containers, they maintain a specific temperature range, making them ideal for the safe transport of perishable items from pharmaceuticals to fresh produce.
Lifesavers for Perishables
Refrigerated containers can maintain precise temperatures, usually ranging from -25 degrees Celsius to +25 degrees Celsius. This makes them indispensable for maintaining the integrity of goods that are sensitive to temperature, such as live plants, seafood, and dairy products. The advent of reefer containers has extended the reach of global trade, allowing for the year-round availability of perishable goods.
Industries that Benefit from Reefer Containers
The food, pharmaceutical, and floral industries heavily rely on reefer containers. For instance, the pharmaceutical sector requires a cool, stable environment to transport life-saving drugs, while the floral industry employs reefer containers to keep flowers fresh during long international journeys.
Open-Top Containers
For oversized cargo that does not fit within the height confines of a standard container, open-top containers are the solution. Whether it’s industrial machinery, large tanks, or bulk materials, these containers allow for easy top loading and can accommodate items that might be difficult to manage inside a standard container.
Making Room for the Big Stuff
Open-top containers are typically made with removable top coverings, which can be either tarpaulin-based or solid. This design enables crane loading of the cargo, making the process quick and efficient, especially for particularly heavy or bulky items. The absence of a fixed roof also allows for over height cargo.
Loading and Securing Cargo
The way cargo is loaded and secured in an open-top container is critical to safe transportation. Lashing rings are often found along the sidewalls and, sometimes, on the top rails to secure the cargo during transit. It’s vital to consult with shipping experts to ensure proper bracing and securing are done according to best practices and regulations.
Ideal Industries Utilising Open-Top Containers
Industries dealing with steel, wood, machinery, and other bulky items are the primary users of open-top containers. Their flexibility and the strength of the containers make shipping large and heavy items across oceans a manageable task.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat rack containers essentially offer the frame of a standard container without the walls, and with their ends fixed, collapsible or removable. This design is particularly useful for items that are irregularly shaped, for which a standard container would be impractical.
Adaptable to Unusual Cargo
Flat racks are easy to adjust and customize to fit cargo that varies in size and shape. They are equipped with latching points on the base and along the sides, providing several options for securing the load effectively. This adaptability makes them a popular choice for items like boats, industrial equipment, and machinery parts.
Specialised Transportation Needs
Industries that require the shipment of unusually shaped cargo, such as the construction and energy sectors, often turn to flat rack containers. These specialised containers enable the safe and efficient transport of over-dimensional or project cargo that may be too wide or too tall for a standard container.
Specialty Containers
In addition to the mainstays of standard, refrigerated, open-top, and flat rack containers, the industry offers a range of speciality containers tailored for unique shipping needs.
High Cube Containers
High cube containers are similar to standard shipping containers but offer extra vertical space – a whole foot taller, in fact. This extra height allows for the storage of goods that don’t quite fit within the confines of a standard 20ft or 40ft container, such as light, bulky items or oddly shaped cargo. High cube containers are often utilized in residential and office moves for this reason.
Ventilated Containers
Ventilated containers are designed to allow air to flow through the container, making them suitable for items that need regular air circulation to prevent spoilage or condensation. Industries such as agriculture, where goods like potatoes and onions must be stored dry and ventilated, often rely on this type of container.
Bulk Containers
Bulk containers are large, unenclosed containers used to carry bulk cargo like grains, coal, and ore, transported in large quantities. They are equipped with hatches on the roof for filling and emptying and often feature interior coatings to facilitate loading and unloading.
Pallet Wide Containers
This type of container is slightly wider than standard containers, with the outer width being exactly wide enough to fit two euro pallets side by side. Pallet wide containers optimise space and can improve efficiency, particularly in industries where palletized cargo is standard.
Conclusion
The world of shipping containers is as vast as the sea it traverses. Each type serves a unique purpose and has its own set of advantages that cater to the specificities of modern supply chain demands. As we’ve seen, whether it’s the standardized excellence of the trusty 40ft container or the specialised capabilities of a ventilated or flat rack container, there’s a container type for every logistical necessity.
FAQs
What is the most common type of container?
The standard, dry cargo shipping container is the most widely used type. With two main sizes, the 20ft and the 40ft, it accommodates a wide range of general freight.
What are standard shipping containers?
Standard shipping containers are enclosed metal boxes used for the transportation of dry cargo. They come in various sizes but the 20ft and 40ft containers are the most common. They are particularly advantageous due to their universal design and compatibility with most shipping infrastructures.