These 6 Containers Type are Most Often Used in the Cargo Industry!

Containers type, there are various types of containers depending on their function and size. Before entering into a discussion about container types, did you know that various products that we use every day, from food to medicine, smartphones and furniture, often travel long distances across national borders to reach us.

For example, rugs from India, ceramics from Turkey, or clothing and industrial goods from China (around 90% of the total 11 billion tons of goods transported annually) by sea. Nearly 60% of them are transported in large containers, while commodities such as crude oil or grain are shipped directly within the ship’s structure.

Container shipping can be called the backbone of international trade. There is in-depth knowledge in properly arranging cargo transportation through global shipping routes. This article will explore the various types of containers, container sizes. Get to know more in TransTRACK article!

What is a Shipping Container?

Shipping containers are large sturdy boxes made of metal, used to transport goods over long distances. Standard containers, often referred to as multi-purpose containers, are widely used in transportation by rail, road, or sea, simplifying the process of transporting, storing, and handling cargo. This provides more efficiency to international freight forwarding and generates economic benefits.

Containers Type Based on Size

Choosing the right container not only guarantees cargo safety, but also saves costs. Using standard containers for medicines can increase the risk of damage and customs issues, potentially costing time and money.

In addition, it is important to choose a suitable container size according to the cargo volume. For example, if the cargo does not fit in a 20 FT container, it is wiser to choose a 40 FT one. That way, there is no need for two 20 FT containers, which means you can save money.

Below are the containers type sizes that you should know:

20 FT Container

A container that is 5.90 meters long, 2.35 meters wide and 2.39 meters high is a 20-foot variant. The payload capacity reaches 25,000 kg, and the cubic volume is 33 cubic meters for a 20′ container.

As well as the standard 20ft container variant, there are also special containers with similar dimensions. Keep on reading to understand their sizes and capacities so you can choose the most suitable container for cargo shipping.

40 FT Container

The 40-foot container is 12.03 meters long, 2.4 meters wide, and 2.39 meters high. The payload capacity of the 40-foot container reaches 27,600 kg and the room has a volume of 67.7 cubic meters.

40 foot containers are also available in special container variations such as reefer containers, open-top containers, hard-top containers, and others.

45 FT Container

Designed to transport goods across various modes of transportation, these cube containers that reach a height of 45 feet are suitable for large, lightweight cargo and are susceptible to minimal damage. The container has two doors at one end, and the extra height makes loading and unloading easier using a forklift.

With an additional 5 feet of length compared to a 40-foot container, the 45-foot cube container option is worth considering. This extra capacity can reduce the need for two smaller containers, potentially saving costs.

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Containers Type Based on Load

Shipping containers come in a wide variety of dimensions and types. This is a refresher on the different types of shipping containers, including some that are rarely used today, along with their sizes and information regarding their use and purpose.

Containers Type: Dry Storage

Dry storage containers are the most common type used in the shipping sector. Available in 20, 40, and 45 feet, these containers are made for transporting dry cargo. However, the temperature in the container cannot be controlled, making it unsuitable for food items or chemicals that require refrigeration.

Containers Type: Flat Rack Containers

Flat rack containers are a specially designed type of container with no walls or roof on the long sides. This advantage allows loading of cargo with various dimensions and shapes to be more efficient and practical. As a result, this special type of container can be used to ship and store large cargo such as machinery, wood, pipes, vehicles, and the like.

Containers Type: Open Top Containers

Open-top containers have a top that is not covered with a strong roof, but is covered with tarpaulin. In this way, large cargo such as lumber and scrap metal could be loaded from above. In addition, open-top containers are generally equipped with a door at one end, similar to closed containers, to facilitate the loading and unloading process more flexibly.

Containers Type: Tunnel Containers

Tunnel type containers offer double access with two standard sets of double doors, one at each end. This makes access to both sides of the container easier. Typically, tunnel type shipping containers are ordered by clients who want easy access to the contents of their container.

Containers Type: Open Side Storage Containers

An open-sided container or side-opening container is a type of shipping container that has double doors that can be locked at one end, as well as an additional pair of folding doors at one of the longer sides. The side door equipped with a folding mechanism allows for two different opening sizes.

Containers Type: Refrigerated ISO Container (Reefer)

Refrigerated Containers, also known as reefer containers, refrigerated containers provide a shipping alternative for goods that require controlled temperature settings.

Conclusion

There are many types of containers, each with a specific purpose and serving a wide range of industries and lifestyles. No matter whether you are shipping cargo across oceans, storing personal items, or ensuring the freshness of food, there is always a container made specifically to meet your needs.

This versatile tool not only reduces task complexity, but also contributes to maintenance, efficiency and environmental sustainability. Therefore, explore the world of containers and find the right solution for your needs.

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