In this context, shipping containers have become an integral part of the transport industry, enabling safe and efficient large-scale cargo transportation. Shipping containers provide standardization, convenience, safety, and optimization of logistical processes, contributing to increased efficiency and savings for businesses involved in international trade.
Table of Contents
- What are shipping containers?
- Possible applications of shipping containers
- How to load a shipping container?
- What does the choice of a shipping container depend on?
- What are the dimensions of shipping containers?
- Shipping container markings
- What are the types of shipping containers?
- Distribution of shipping containers
- Summary
In this article, we will present:
- Definition of a shipping container — we will explain what shipping containers are, their uses, applications, and significance in the maritime economy.
- Types of shipping containers - providing detailed dimensions for each type of shipping container, graphical representation, and the application of each container type.
- Container markings - how to correctly mark shipping containers and read the data of each container.
- Distribution of containers - purchasing containers, where shipping containers are stored, and the further transfer of shipping containers.
What is a shipping container?
Shipping containers are an inseparable element of global logistics and cargo transport. They are metal containers that provide a safe and efficient way to transport goods by sea. Containers are specially designed to accommodate various types of cargo, from pallet units to bulk goods. Thanks to the standardization of dimensions and construction, containers are easy to handle, and their transport is seamless on ships, trains, and trucks. Storing shipping containers takes place at loading yards, where containers can easily be loaded onto a ship, truck, or train. The significance of container transport is presented in the following graphic, which shows the 15 largest ports in Europe and their handling capabilities.
Source: gospodarkamorska.pl
What can be the applications of shipping containers?
Shipping containers have found broad application in international cargo transportation. They can be used to transport a variety of cargo types, such as food products, electronics, textiles, chemicals, building materials, and many more. Thanks to standardized dimensions, containers are compatible with various transport modes, such as ships, trains, and trucks, allowing for easy transfer of goods from one place to another.
Shipping containers find their application in many industries and sectors, such as logistics, international trade, manufacturing, construction, and even the medical sector. Thanks to the possibilities of storage, securing, and organized transportation of goods, shipping containers enable efficient supply chain management and minimize losses and damages.
How to load a shipping container?
The process of loading a shipping container requires proper planning and organization. It's essential to optimize the space inside the container to maximize its utilization. For palletized goods, an appropriate layout and stabilization are necessary to prevent the cargo from shifting during transport. There is also a need for proper securing of goods, such as using securing belts, locks, and anti-slip mats. For non-palletized goods, such as bulk goods, special loading equipment, such as cranes or forklifts, may be required. Container loading operations and handling take place in so-called Depots, which are logistics hubs responsible for the proper functioning of the entire supply chain. Our company has container Depots in cities such as Liverpool, Hamburg, Milan, and Barcelona.
What does the choice of a shipping container depend on?
The choice of the right shipping container depends on many factors that need to be considered. Here are some key factors that influence the choice of a shipping container:
- Type of goods: The first step is to determine the type of goods to be transported. Is it general cargo, refrigerated goods, hazardous material, or oversized cargo? Each type of goods may require a special type of container, such as a refrigerated container, tank container, or open-top container.
- Dimensions and volume of the cargo: The dimensions and volume of the cargo are important when choosing the right container. If the cargo is small, a 20-foot container (TEU) can be
selected, while for larger cargoes, a 40-foot container (FEU) is recommended. For cargoes with non-standard dimensions, the use of a flat rack or open-top container may be necessary.
- Temperature requirements: If the cargo requires maintaining a specific temperature, as in the case of fresh food products, medicines, or flowers, a refrigerated container (reefer) must be chosen to ensure controlled temperature inside the container.
- Security requirements: If the cargo is valuable or requires special security, consider using a container with sliding doors or additional security features, such as security seals.
- Logistical and transport requirements: The choice of container also depends on logistical and transport requirements. Consider the mode of transport to be used (ship, train, truck), as well as the specifics of the transport route and available port infrastructure.
- International regulations: It's important to comply with international regulations regarding the transport of goods, such as the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), which sets safety standards for containers.
What are the dimensions of shipping containers?
Shipping containers come in various sizes that are standardized worldwide. The most popular container dimensions are:
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20-foot container (TEU): It is 20 feet long (about 6.1 meters), 8 feet wide (about 2.4 meters), and 8.5 feet high (about 2.6 meters). It is the most commonly used container in the logistics industry. Check the availability of 20' DV container in our store!
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40-foot container (FEU): It is 40 feet long (about 12.2 meters), 8 feet wide (about 2.4 meters), and 8.5 feet high (about 2.6 meters). It is twice as long as the 20-foot container and offers more capacity. 40' containers are available in our online store!
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45-foot high cube container: It has the same dimensions as the 40-foot container but is taller, measuring 9.5 feet (about 2.9 meters) in height. It offers more cargo space for goods with greater volume. 45' container is available in our used container offer.
Shipping container markings
The markings on shipping containers are important for clearly identifying containers and ensuring proper management during transport and logistics. Here are the most important markings found on shipping containers:
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ISO Code: Shipping containers comply with international ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. Each container has a unique ISO code consisting of the letter "U" and a seven-digit identification number. Example: U1234567.
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Container dimensions: The exterior wall of the container may have markings related to its dimensions. Dimensions are given in the format length x width x height. Example: 20' x 8' x 8'6" means the container is 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches high.
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Maximum load: A container may also have markings related to its maximum load. This is important from a safety standpoint and not exceeding the allowable weight during container loading.
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Container number: Each container has a unique container number used for its identification. The container number consists of letters and numbers and is clearly marked on the exterior of the container. Example: ABCD1234567.
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Shipping line markings: Containers often have markings of the shipping line or operator that owns or manages the container. These can be logos, names, or symbols assigned to a specific shipping line.
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Safety markings: Shipping containers undergo various safety procedures, and their condition is regularly checked. Containers may have markings related to the technical inspection date, e.g., "CSC SAFETY APPROVAL".
Additionally, each container has a marking that includes, among other things, the owner's code, control digit, and serial number. The following marking is presented in the graphic below.
What are the types of shipping containers?
The types of shipping containers vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the cargo to be transported. Here are some popular types of shipping containers:
- Standard container (Dry Van): This is the most common type of container. It has a closed metal structure and is suitable for transporting
a variety of goods, such as food products, electronics, textiles, and other general cargo.
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Sliding Door Container: This type of container has an additional sliding door feature, which facilitates loading and unloading of goods, especially for longer cargoes, such as pipes or beams.
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Tank Container: This type of container is designed to transport liquid or gaseous substances. It has special protections and systems to ensure the safe transport of hazardous substances.
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Open Top Container: These containers have an openable roof, which allows for easy loading and unloading of cargoes that require additional space or may protrude above the standard height of the container, such as wooden crates or prefabricated elements.
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Flat Rack Container: Flat rack containers lack one or both side walls and the roof, facilitating easy loading and unloading of large, heavy, or non-dimensional cargoes, such as machinery, construction equipment, or steel elements.
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Refrigerated Container: This type of container is equipped with a cooling system that allows for controlled temperature inside, which is essential for transporting goods requiring constant temperature, such as fresh food products, flowers, or medicines.
Distribution of shipping containers
The distribution of shipping containers is a key element of the supply chain. The purchase of a container mainly concerns shipping lines that offer regular sea connections on various routes. Maritime carriers manage fleets of ships that are suitably adapted for container transport. In seaports, there are special container terminals where containers are loaded and unloaded. The distribution process also includes logistics related to the transport of containers from the port to the destination, using various means of transport, such as trains, trucks, and barges. We are engaged in the process of transporting containers by sea from one port to another worldwide. Our company is a key link in the global supply chain, enabling efficient and effective exchange of goods between different countries and regions. We offer a wide range of services related to the distribution of shipping containers, including container branding, container storage, and container transport. Our services are tailored to the individual needs of clients, providing comprehensive solutions for moving goods over long distances. Visit our shop to see our offer of new and used shipping containers.
Summary
Shipping containers are a key element of logistics and cargo transport. The standardization of dimensions and construction of containers allows for efficient and safe movement of goods by sea. Proper loading of the container and space optimization are crucial for maximizing the potential of the container. The distribution of containers is carried out through shipping lines and seaports, and container transport is performed using various means of transport. Familiarizing oneself with basic information about shipping containers will allow logistics professionals to better understand and utilize the potential of these indispensable transport tools. Contact us - we will be happy to answer all questions related to professional handling of shipping containers.