Understanding the different types of shipping containers and their specifications

1. Understanding the different types of shipping containers and their specifications Understanding the different types of shipping containers and their specifications When we talk about international shipping, we talk about 90% of the world’s cargo which is transported via ocean and moved by ships. To carry such vast amounts of goods, different types of shipping containers are needed, each having different specification. It is better to know about the various shipping containers as it helps choose the right one as per the need. Here we have mentioned a few common containers: 1. 1. Gen General purpose ISO containers or dry containers eral purpose ISO containers or dry containers These are the most common containers which are used for most types of normal cargo. These are enclosed from all sides, having a rigid roof, side walls and floors. Dry containers are well protected, weatherproof and come in the size of 10ft (very rare, usually used on small islands in places like the Philippines) 20ft standard, 40ft standard, 40ft high cube and 45ft high cube. People usually tend to get confused between high cube containers and general purpose containers as these look similar. But the difference lies in their height, these are taller than general containers by 1 foot; these containers come in sizes 40' and 45'. 2. 2. Flat rack containers Flat rack containers Flatrack shipping containers comes with collapsible end walls which can be folded to make a flat rack. It comes with stable end walls which allow cargo securing and so is best suited for goods that are oversized, such as vehicles, heavy machinery, construction materials, etc. 3. 3. Open top containers Open top containers Open top containers are especially designed to accommodate cargo that is over-height and cannot be easily loaded through the door of the container. These have a laced convertible top which can be removed and so it is ideal when handling and loading products with a crane or a rolling bridge. If the goods fit within the height of the open top, the loader can then replace the top so the top is covered.

2. 4. 4. Double door containers or tunnel containers Double door containers or tunnel containers These kind of containers have doors on both ends which make them look like a tunnel and allows for quick loading and unloading of materials. Not just this, but as these also have a wider room, these are preferred for goods like steel and iron. 5. 5. Insulated containers Insulated containers Insulated container regulates temperature and is ideal for products that require controlled temperature such as food, blood, beverages, organs, chemicals, etc. These are designed to cool or heat air within the container. Insulated containers work more or less like a “thermos” bottle. 6. 6. ISO Tank containers ISO Tank containers Tank containers are preferred choice for shipping liquid materials. These are usually made of steel or other anti-corrosive materials. A tank container must not be less than 80% or there would be chances of surging of liquids, neither should it be more than 95% full to prevent the thermal expansion caused by temperature. 7. 7. Platform containers Platform containers As the name suggests, platform containers have no sides, ends or roofs, only a flatbed structure which is built from wood with a steel frame. These are available as 20ft and 40ft platform and are perfect for loads that cannot be loaded directly on a ship but can be leashed from all sides, for example minibuses and yachts. 8. 8. Half height containers Half height containers Half height containers are designed for high density products that do not require large cubic capacities such as mineral sands, salt, iron ore and other types of such cargo. These multipurpose containers come with rear doors, tipping hatch and hard lid. With low centre of gravity, these are also better than taller containers at handling heavier loads. 9. 9. Swap body containers Swap body containers Swap body containers are exchangeable containers ideal for transporting cargo via road and rails but not via sea as these cannot be easily stacked. Mostly used in Europe, these have convertible top which makes them a preferred choice for a number of goods. 10. 10.Hard top containers Hard top containers Contrary to its name, hard top containers have a removable steel roof instead of a tarp. It is basically a better version of general dry containers as the detachable roof allows cargo having height more than the container height, thus acting like an open top container. While this was just a brief of all the important containers, you should rely on your freight forwarder who would choose the right container for your cargo. Freight forwarders are experienced and well equipped to decide on the kind of container depending on the freight type.