It is a continuous process of shipment of goods from one part of the world to another, and it cannot be done without shipping containers. From consumer products to raw materials, everything has to be carried over a large distance with the help of shipping containers. Shipping containers are available in several shapes, sizes, and specifications-all designed for particular purposes. As such, this guide covers the different container types applied in carriage, description of their distinct characteristics, and best applications.
What Are The Different Types of Containers, And What Are They Used For?
Standard Dry Containers
General-purpose containers, commonly known as standard dry containers, are the most common types used in the haulage industry. Normally made of either steel or aluminum, they are fully enclosed and weatherproof, thus offering a safe atmosphere for transportation of cargo. The standard dry containers come in 20 and 40-foot lengths, hence versatile in handling a mixture of different goods from packaged goods to machinery and textiles.
High Cube Containers
High cube containers are also dry containers and are a type quite similar to the standard container except that it adds another foot in height. This extra space is exceptionally useful while shipping jumbo or oversized cargo that really cannot sit in a standard-sized container. High cube containers are suitable for shipping large machinery, stacked pallets, and goods requiring added headroom.
Refrigerated Containers
Refrigerated containers can be defined as containers that transport perishable cargo and have a facility to maintain proper temperature throughout the transit. Such containers hold temperatures at a constant level during travel, which is very important in the shipping of sensitive goods such as foods, pharmaceuticals, etc. Reefers can be set at any temperature within a very wide range, hence accommodating both frozen and chilled goods.
Tunnel Containers
Compared with retort containers, tunnel containers have doors in the front and rear, and it is so convenient in loading and unloading. This type of design is the most appropriate for use where the need to access or access particular shipments in a hurry is necessary or where particular shipments need to be loaded and unloaded one after the other. Tunnel containers are preferred for transportation of huge loads such as construction products, automobiles or other equipment’s.
Open-top Containers
Open-top containers would be able to provide the flexibility in loading cargo that surpasses the height limit of a standard container or requires loading over the top. These containers have a removable tarpaulin roof, which allows access by cranes and other similar lifting equipment. Open-top containers are used for heavy machinery carriage, big construction material, and in general any oversized items that cannot be loaded through normal container doors.
Pallet Wide Containers
The pallet-wide containers are specially designed for holding standard European pallets in a more efficient manner. The containers are slightly wider than usual, whereby two Euro-pallets can be loaded side by side without wastage of space. Pallet-wide containers are very popular in European logistics, with a standard pallet size widely in usage. This design ensures the best use of available space, reduces the number of trips needed to transport cargo, and hence the cost.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat rack containers are designed for shipping large, heavy or unusually shaped articles which can not fit in a standard container. Having foldable sides, these boxes may provide additional directions for additional width to accommodate huge objects which include automobiles, machines, or industrial stock. Flat racks are of two kinds, namely 20 ft and 40 ft in length and when not needed, they can furthermore be stacked on top of one another in transportation.
Side Door Containers
Side door containers have an extra door in the side together with the normal doors at the extremities. This design makes it easier to load and offload goods, especially special cargoes which are usually off-loaded through the rear doors. Side door containers are usually preferred for loading materials that are long, bulk and that may prove difficult to load through the rear door, including timber and pipes among others.
Insulated Containers
Insulated containers, also known as thermal containers, are designed to maintain a consistent internal temperature without requiring an active refrigeration system. They are used to transporting goods that need protection from extreme temperatures, such as certain foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Insulated containers are often used in combination with refrigerated containers for goods that need a specific temperature range but don’t require active cooling or heating throughout the journey.
Tank Containers
Tank containers are designed for transporting liquids, gases, and powders and are constructed with a stainless steel inner tank and a protective outer frame, these containers ensure safe and secure transport of hazardous and non-hazardous substances alike. Tank containers are available in various sizes, with the most common being 20 feet in length. They are widely used in the chemical, oil, and food industries to transport everything from fuels to edible oils and even wine.
Half Height Containers
Half height containers are, as the name suggests, half the height of standard containers. They are typically used for heavy, dense cargo such as ores, minerals, and scrap metal, which don’t require a full-height container. The lower profile of these containers makes them easier to load with heavy materials, and their robust construction ensures they can handle the extra weight.
Dry Storage Container
Dry storage containers, also known as storage containers or cargo containers, are the most widely used type of shipping container. They are suitable for transporting a vast range of dry goods, including electronics, clothing, furniture, and more. These containers provide a secure, weatherproof environment for cargo, protecting it from the elements and physical damage during transit. Available in 10-foot, 20-foot, and 40-foot sizes, dry storage containers are versatile and adaptable to many types of cargo.
ISO Reefer Containers
ISO reefer containers are a specific type of refrigerated container that adheres to International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) specifications. These containers are designed for intermodal transport, meaning they can easily be transferred between ships, trucks, and trains without unloading the cargo. ISO reefer containers are essential for the global trade of perishable goods, ensuring that products like fresh produce, meat, and dairy arrive at their destination in optimal condition. They are available in various sizes, with the most common being 20-foot and 40-foot lengths.
How to Choose The Type of Shipping Container For Your Needs?
Selecting the right type of shipping container depends on several factors, including the type of goods being transported, the volume of cargo, and any specific requirements such as temperature control or easy access. Understanding the nature of the cargo is crucial—perishable goods will need refrigerated or insulated containers, while heavy machinery might require a flat rack or open-top container.
Another consideration is the size of the cargo. High cube containers are suitable for taller items, while pallet wide containers are more efficient for transporting goods on Euro-pallets. The loading and unloading process should also be taken into account; for instance, side door or tunnel containers can make handling certain types of cargo much easier.
Finally, the type of transport used will determine which container will be used. Should the cargo be transferred from one type of transport to another, such as it being moved from a ship to a truck, then choosing ISO containers will ensure that compatibility is right. Tank containers, for instance, are ideal for liquids and gases that require secure transport over long distances and different transport modes.
Final Thoughts
Safe and efficient haulage is all determined by the type of container used, and this is crucial. Each container type has its strengths, making it suited to specific cargo types and transportation methods. Whether you’re moving perishable goods, heavy machinery, or hazardous materials, there is a container designed to meet those needs. By understanding the various options available, you can make an informed decision that ensures your cargo arrives at its destination in the best possible condition.
If you are looking container haulage service throughout Felixstowe, we have an extensive fleet of vehicles to choose from. Get in touch with us.