Optimize Container Capacity: The Key to Success in Logistics and Shipping!

Posted on 19 September 202329 September 2023 by Nur Wachda Mihmidati

Container capacity plays a central role in ensuring goods reach their destination on time and in good condition. This article will discuss the importance of understanding and managing container capacity, and how technology such as TransTRACK‘s Truck Appointment System can be an effective tool to achieve that goal.

By opening this article, you will understand how important container capacity is in the complex world of logistics. We will discuss how to effectively manage this capacity with the help of the latest technology. Let’s explore further how optimizing container capacity can be the key to success in shipping goods in this era of globalization.

Container Size

Container sizes are standard measurements used to measure the physical dimensions of containers used in the goods shipping industry and international trade. These sizes are determined by international standards organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to ensure consistency and compatibility of containers throughout the world.

Apart from the sizes that will be explained below, there are also special containers such as Reefer Containers for transporting refrigerated goods, Open Top Containers with removable roofs, and Flat Rack Containers without rigid sides or roofs.

Choosing the right container size is important to meet your shipping or storage needs. Standard container sizes are very commonly used because they can be transported easily using various types of vehicles and ships.

Container Type

Here is a brief explanation of each of these container types:

Dry Storage Containers

Common Types: Dry storage containers are the most common type of container and are used to transport various types of dry goods that do not require controlled temperatures or special ventilation.
Key Characteristics: These containers usually have a double door on the back for easy filling and emptying. They have a dry and waterproof structure to protect items from external moisture and weather.
General Use: Used to transport goods such as clothing, electronic equipment, heavy equipment, household equipment, and various other types of dry cargo.

High Cube Containers

Common Types: High Cube containers are a variant of dry storage containers with a higher height than standard containers.
Key Characteristics: They have extra height (usually 9 feet 6 inches or about 2.89 meters), while the length and width remain the same as standard containers. This makes it possible to transport goods of greater height or larger volume.
General Use: Used when the goods being transported have a greater height or to maximize volume in shipping.

Ventilated Containers

Common Types: Ventilated containers are specifically designed to transport goods that require additional air flow and ventilation.
Key Characteristics: These containers have ventilation holes that allow air flow through the container, helping to maintain good air conditions and avoid moisture collection. They also usually have a protective system to prevent outside contaminants from entering.
General Use: Used to transport goods that are sensitive to moisture, such as wood, agricultural products, or goods at risk of poor air conditions.

Choosing the right type of container is very important to ensure your goods remain safe and suit your shipping or storage needs. If you are transporting goods that require controlled temperatures, you can also consider using a Reefer Container that has refrigeration facilities.

Container Capacity

Container capacity is a measure of how much cargo can be contained in a particular container. This capacity is measured in cubic volume, which is how much space is available inside the container for your items. Factors that influence container capacity include the size of the container, the specific gravity of the cargo, and the way the cargo is arranged within the container.

Container Capacity 20 Feet (20′ GP)

Capacity: Approximately 33.2 cubic meters.
This is the most commonly used standard size. The cargo capacity that can be loaded in this container is around 33.2 cubic meters. This means you can fill this container with as many items as you like, as long as they don’t exceed the weight limits specified for safe shipping. This is usually enough to transport items such as clothing, electronic equipment, or household appliances.

Container Capacity 40 Feet (40′ GP)

Capacity: Approximately 67.7 cubic meters.
A 40-foot container has almost twice the capacity of a 20-foot one, about 67.7 cubic meters. This makes it ideal for transporting larger quantities of goods, such as heavy equipment, manufactured products, or other bulky items. However, you need to ensure that the weight of your cargo is within the permitted limits.

Container Capacity 45 Feet (45′ HC)

Capacity: Approximately 85.3 cubic meters.
A 45 foot high cube (HC) container has a larger volume, around 85.3 cubic meters. This is a good choice if you have items of greater height or if you want to maximize your shipping volume. These containers are usually used in special situations where there is a need for greater capacity.

It is important to remember that container capacity is an estimate of the volume of cargo that can be filled under ideal conditions. However, in reality, you also need to consider the weight of the cargo and the weight restrictions imposed by the transport authority or ship operator. Overloading a container above the specified weight limit can endanger shipping security and damage the container or even the ship.

In addition, the way the cargo is filled and arranged in the container can also affect how much cargo can be loaded. Maximize the use of space by arranging cargo efficiently and safely to fit the available capacity in the container.

In an era of increasingly developing logistics, optimizing the use of container capacity is a key step to increase the efficiency of shipping goods. However, to achieve this goal successfully, companies and logistics operators must also leverage advanced technologies that support better container management and monitoring.

One very useful solution is the Truck Appointment System from TransTRACK. With this system, companies can plan and manage container pick-up and delivery schedules more efficiently. By arranging appointments for transport trucks, this system helps in avoiding long queues at ports, reduces waiting time, and minimizes costs associated with shipping delays.

In addition, TransTRACK can also provide real-time monitoring of the location and status of containers, allowing companies to optimize the use of container capacity more accurately and efficiently.

By using the Truck Appointment System from TransTRACK, companies can face logistics challenges with more confidence, reduce operational costs, increase efficiency, and ensure more timely delivery of goods. So, don’t hesitate to utilize this advanced technology to maximize your container capacity and gain a competitive edge in this competitive market.