15 Essential Types of Shipping Container Units in Logistics
In the dynamic world of global trade and logistics, the utilization of the right shipping container is pivotal to ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of goods. There exists a wide array of shipping containers, each meticulously designed to cater to specific cargo requirements. These versatile metal giants are the unsung heroes of the industry, facilitating the movement of over 90% of the world’s goods. In this article, we’ll delve into 15 indispensable types of shipping containers, shedding light on their unique features and purposes.
1. Dry Storage Container
At the forefront, we have the Dry Storage Container, also known as a general-purpose container. These fully enclosed containers boast robust roofs, floors, and sidewalls. They come in standardized sizes of 20 ft, 40 ft, and 10 ft, and can be adapted for shipping liquid bulk cargo with the use of liner bags.
2. Flat Rack Container
The Flat Rack Container offers flexibility for oversized cargo. Its collapsible sides make it an ideal choice for construction materials, heavy machinery, and vehicles. These containers secure cargo with sturdy end walls.
3. Open Top Container
Open Top Containers are designed with a unique feature – their top can be entirely removed. This makes them perfect for accommodating tall or bulky items that cannot be loaded through the container’s doors. Lashing rings provide added security.
4. Tunnel Container
True to its name, the Tunnel Container boasts doors at both ends, enabling swift loading and unloading. This design proves highly efficient for shipping heavy metals like steel, thanks to the added space.
5. Open-Side Storage Container
Open-Side Storage Containers resemble regular dry containers but come with doors that can be fully opened on the sides. This wider access makes them suitable for goods that cannot easily fit through standard container doors.
6. Refrigerated ISO Containers (Reefers)
Refrigerated ISO Containers, also known as reefers, maintain controlled temperatures for transporting perishable goods, such as fruits, meat, vegetables, and pharmaceuticals. They are typically made from weathering steel known as ‘Cor-ten’ steel.
7. Insulated or Thermal Containers
Thermal containers are designed for maintaining regulated temperature control, especially for items requiring higher temperatures. These containers are equipped with electrical systems to heat the air within, and they are commonly used for long-distance transportation of products such as foods, biological materials, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.
8. Tanks
Tanks are heavy-duty containers primarily used for transporting liquid materials in bulk. These containers are made from durable, anti-corrosive materials to ensure the safe and secure transportation of liquids.
9. Cargo Storage Roll Container
Cargo Storage Roll Containers are foldable units designed to transport goods in sets or stacks. They feature sturdy wire mesh and rollers, making the movement of goods remarkably efficient.
10. Half-Height Containers
Half-Height Containers, as the name suggests, are roughly half the height of standard containers. They are perfect for transporting heavy bulk goods, such as coal, iron ore, and stones, as their lower center of gravity ensures better stability in harsh industrial environments.
11. Car Carriers
Car Carriers are specially constructed containers designed for the safe transportation of vehicles over long distances. The collapsible sides of these containers secure the vehicles in transit.
12. Intermediate Bulk Shift Containers
Intermediate Bulk Shift Containers are built for handling bulk goods during transportation to specific destinations. These containers simplify the process of moving large quantities of goods efficiently and securely.
13. Drums
Drums are circular storage units designed for the bulk transport of liquid materials. Their compact, round shape occupies more space on a vessel, making them ideal for specific cargo needs.
14. Special-Purpose Containers
Special-Purpose Containers are tailor-made for unique purposes. They are customized for specific high-profile services, such as the shipment of weapons and arson, with the material used in their construction matching the intended purpose.
15. Swap Bodies
Swap Bodies Containers are exchangeable units primarily used for road and rail transport. They feature convertible tops and are versatile for shipping various goods. However, they are not stackable and are mainly restricted to land transportation in Europe.
Conclusion
In the realm of logistics, understanding and choosing the right shipping container is a critical decision. These 15 types of shipping containers are the backbone of the global trade industry, enabling goods to traverse the world efficiently and safely. From the transport of perishable goods in reefers to the secure movement of vehicles in car carriers, these containers play a vital role in the seamless flow of goods across the globe.
