The shipping containers play a key role in transporting millions of tons of freight to ports around the world. There are different types of containers that support different freight types. Whether you want to transport perishable goods, bulky items or oversized items, the ideal shipping container types ensure your freight moves safely. In this blog, let us guide you through the various types of containers in freight and their key features.
What are Shipping Containers?
Shipping containers are large, strong metal boxes that are used to transport goods by sea or land. These are made from durable materials that make them withstand any condition such as damage, weather or corrosion. Most of the goods are transported with the help of these containers and they are an important element that facilitates international shipping. There are various shipping container types, and each is designed to carry different types of freight.
These shipping containers enable easy transfer between ships, trains or trucks without the need for unloading that makes logistics operations efficient. One shipping container lasts for about 25-30 years if maintained properly.
8 Most Common Shipper Container Types
In the shipping industry, you may see different types of freight ranging from perishable items to bulky or non-perishable items. For each of such items, there are various containers and types of trucks required. Let us learn about the different types of shipping containers:
1. Standard Dry Containers
Standard dry containers are the most common type of shipping containers that are typically made of steel. These come with weatherproof built to protect cargo and secure locking systems to prevent thefts. They typically come in sizes of 20 foot and 40 foot and are designed for the transportation of non-perishable goods safely. Industries like retail, manufacturing, construction use the standard dry containers for moving freight.
2. Flat Pack Containers
The flat pack containers are built in a way that they can be easily disassembled and reassembled, offering great flexibility. This flexible feature is ideal when you have temporary storage solutions. These containers are ideal for retail stock storage, event storage and animal feed rooms.
3. Open Side Containers
Open side containers which have full length doors on both sides are best suited for loading and unloading of wide or bulky items. These containers offer reduced risk of damage during the loading and unloading of cargo. Heavy machine exporters, furniture companies and automotive manufacturers use open side containers for their cargo.
4. Refrigerated Shipping Containers
Refrigerated shipping containers or reefers are used to transport perishable goods across distances. These containers keep your perishable goods at a constant temperature to ensure the items arrive in the initial condition. They are equipped with advanced temperature control systems and robust insulation. Fresh produce exporters, pharmaceutical and poultry distributors use reefers for transportation of their goods.
5. High Cube Containers
High-cube containers are quite similar to standard shipping containers but offer extra foot to provide extra volume for tall cargo. These containers are useful for automotive parts, voluminous goods and bulky inventory. They are available in tall sizes ranging from 40 feet to 53 feet. You should make sure that you coordinate with a reliable truck dispatch service that ensures you get suitable vehicles to accommodate the extra goods.
6. Double Wide Containers
Do you wish to have more space than a single wide container? Then double wide containers are your go-to solution. These containers are joined side by side to create a single unit with twice the width. If you have oversized equipment or require large modular spaces, double wide containers can be your ideal option. And when it comes to dispatching these containers, choosing the right truck dispatch teams is what you need to transport your goods efficiently.
7. Insulated Shipping Containers
If you have temperature sensitive cargo to transport, then insulated shipping containers can be the perfect choice. These containers are designed with high-quality materials like polyurethane to provide insulation within. Transportation of pharmaceuticals or food items that require specific temperatures can be carried in these containers safely. Choosing a professional truck dispatch service will ensure that the right truck is assigned for such temperature-controlled goods.
8. Mini Containers
Mini containers, as the name suggests, offer small scale or limited space for your goods. These containers are mini sized with a length of 6-10 feet and offer durability and security just as the other shipping container types. These mini containers are perfect for small businesses that have less small inventory.
Let’s Wrap Up
So now you must be aware of the different types of shipping containers that offer different features. If you have goods that require a specific temperature, choose the insulated shipping containers and if you require to move heavy machinery, opt for open side containers. Also remember that efficient logistics will depend not only on the container but also on the types of trucks you choose to move them.