The significance and usefulness of shipping containers are not just contained within the shipping industry. Inter-border shipping also makes global trade easier by shipping containers that secure goods, whether perishable or non, for various industries.
With diverse commerce niches that vary with their demands, shipping containers are also made to adapt to these needs. Below are several types of containers, along with their uses.
1. Standard Dry Containers
Commonly used for non-perishable goods such as clothing and machinery, the standard dry container is the most typical. They are used for general cargo transport that does not need temperature regulation. Its contents are typically packed using pallets or boxes, often secured with a pallet wrapping machine, to prevent the cargo from shifting if the loading vehicle is in motion.
Standard Dry Container is suitable for several modes of transportation, encompassing ships, trains, and trucks. Their standardized sizes allow the cargo to be transported intermodally. This container type has durable and lockable doors, minimizing the risk of its contents being damaged, tampered with, and stolen.
Dimensions of Standard Dry Containers
The common dimensions among this type of container are 20 feet and 40 feet. Twenty-foot standard dry containers are labeled TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). On the other hand, Forty-foot standard dry containers are labeled FEU (Forty-foot Equivalent Unit). Nevertheless, there are other sizes for this container type. Its standardized size makes it stackable and space-saving in cargo handling.
2. High Cube Containers
What distinguishes the high cube container from the standard dry container is its height (as its name implies). They can be loaded with larger cargo because they are 9.5 feet tall, taller than the standard’s 8 feet height. Tall goods, machinery, and equipment can be shipped using high cube containers. Furniture and other lengthy household goods that require significant room can also be accommodated.
In addition, other oversized cargo can also be shipped using high cube containers. Recreational vehicles (RVs), off-road vehicles, and some cars are included. Construction projects and equipment that do not exceed the container’s height are shippable. Even artwork, sculptures, and scientific instruments that need vertical space are okay.
3. Open-Top Containers
As its name suggests, open-top containers come with removable tops, which, like high cube containers, can accommodate large cargo. Bulky and odd-shaped cargo can be hauled into these containers, including construction materials, large machinery, industrial equipment, etc. People can avoid the hassle of loading this cargo, which does not fit in the opening of standard dry containers.
With the open-top container’s removable top, cranes or other heavy equipment are operated to load and unload oversized cargo. In addition, it still has the common container door for contents that do not need to be loaded, like bulky goods.
4. Refrigerated Containers (Reefers)
Perishable goods need temperature and humidity control as they are shipped. Refrigerated Containers or reefers are insulated containers suitable for fruits, vegetables, frozen goods, and pharmaceutical products. Most reefers have emergency power systems in case there is power supply disruption. SCF containers are quality containers that can be made to suit your shipping needs.
Refrigerated containers can maintain cool or warm temperatures with a built-in refrigeration unit and ventilation systems. Temperatures can also be controlled along with its interior’s humidity and air circulation. Therefore, temperature-particular items like seafood, dairy products, and the perishable goods mentioned previously can be shipped without shelf-life threats.
5. Tank Containers
Tank containers have various sizes and are lined with materials that suit their target cargo. They are meant to contain chemicals, fuels, food-grade products, and other liquid or gas goods. Heating and cooling systems are installed in some tank containers to regulate cargo temperature.
Carrying sensitive contents, they are designed with safety measures in consideration. Three tank container features are pressure relief tools, rupture discs, and safety valves. For instance, loading and unloading its contents can be done through its top and bottom using pumps.
Its Impact on Economies
The economic importance of containers is not only seen within the boundaries of one country. As shipping containers travel across countries, they also help economies grow by making trade possible. With specialized containers designed to accommodate goods, it minimizes the possibility of economic losses and encourages more to participate in global trade.
Shipped goods are not only sent for profit. Some are also sent to address humanitarian needs. Therefore, shipping containers are important in the workings of today’s world.
