In logistics, containers are vital for ensuring safe, secure, and efficient transportation of goods across various modes of transport. A properly chosen container protects cargo from damage during transit and ensures timely and smooth deliveries. The right container can also reduce shipping costs and improve overall efficiency in companies' full supply chain operation.
With advancements in global container monitoring and automated container tracking, businesses can now keep track of shipments in real-time. These innovations significantly enhance supply chain visibility, making for a smoother transition from sea to land.
This article will help you explore various types of shipping containers, their specific uses, and how to choose the right one for your business needs.
What are Shipping Containers?
Shipping containers are standardized units specifically designed for the safe transportation and storage of goods across international borders. These containers are available in various types and sizes to cater to diverse cargo needs and are built to international specifications to ensure seamless operations worldwide.
Key Benefits of Using Shipping Containers
Shipping containers offer a range of advantages that improve logistics efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Let’s take a closer look at them:
- Cargo Protection: Shipping containers safeguard goods against external factors like weather, theft, and damage during transit. Their sturdy construction and secure locking mechanisms ensure high levels of protection for the goods being transported.
- Standardization for Global Use: Shipping containers are standardized in size and design, facilitating seamless handling across ships, trains, and trucks and ensuring compatibility worldwide.
- Cost Efficiency: Using containers allows for bulk transportation, reducing per-unit costs. They simplify the loading and unloading processes, cutting labor and time expenses.
- Enhanced Supply Chain Visibility: By tracking containers using Vizion, shipments can be monitored in real-time. This improves operational efficiency, transparency, and overall supply chain management.
- Environmental Benefits: Reusable and durable shipping containers contribute to reduced waste and more sustainable shipping practices.
To fully leverage these benefits, it's important to choose the right type of container for your specific cargo needs. Let's explore the various types of logistics containers.
10 Types of Containers
Container type refers to the design and features of a shipping container for transporting and storing goods. Various container types are available to meet cargo needs, including dry bulk, tank, flat rack, open-top, and specialized containers tailored for specific industries or purposes.
Below are detailed descriptions of each container type to guide your decision-making.
1.Dry Storage Container
Dry storage containers are the most common type used in containerized shipping. These standard, fully enclosed metal boxes, made from steel or aluminum, protect from weather, dirt, and theft. With secure, lockable doors, they are a versatile and cost-effective choice for transporting a wide range of goods.
2. Flat Rack Container
Flat rack containers are designed to carry large or heavy items that do not fit into standard containers. These containers are open on all sides, offering maximum flexibility for loading bulky or oversized cargo. They have no roof, making them suitable for taller or irregularly shaped goods that require open access. The flat structure is built with reinforced steel, providing stability and support for heavy loads.
3. Open-top Container
Open-top containers are similar to dry storage containers but have a removable or retractable roof. Open top makes them ideal for loading cargo that is taller than standard container heights. A tarpaulin can cover the container and protect it from the weather. These containers are typically made from steel and reinforced for heavy loads.
4. Refrigerated ISO Containers (Reefers)
Refrigerated ISO containers, also known as reefers, are specially designed for transporting temperature-sensitive goods. They have built-in refrigeration units that can maintain a precise temperature ranging from -65 °C up to 40 °C, even during long voyages. This makes them perfect for perishable items. Reefers can be controlled remotely to ensure optimal conditions throughout the shipment.
5. Tank Containers
Tank containers, or tankers, are made of strong steel or other anti-corrosive materials for the transportation and long-life protection of liquid materials. These containers consist of a large cylindrical tank inside a sturdy metal frame, which protects the liquid cargo from leakage or contamination during transit.
What’s more? A tank container must be at least 80% full to prevent the dangerous surging of liquids in transit, but it must also not be over 95% full, or there would not be sufficient room for thermal expansion.
6. Special-purpose Containers
Special-purpose containers are custom-built to suit specific types of cargo that need extra protection or special handling. They are used for loading hazardous materials, high-value goods, or fragile cargo that needs additional security, temperature control, or specific loading methods. Loading depends on the nature of the cargo and could involve pumps, cranes, or manual handling.
7. Ventilated Containers
Ventilated containers are designed for transporting organic goods that require airflow to maintain their freshness. These containers have ventilation openings along the sides or top to allow air to circulate freely and prevent moisture build-up.
8. Insulated or Thermal Containers
Insulated containers, also known as thermal containers, are designed to protect goods from extreme temperature variations. These containers are constructed with insulation material to maintain a stable internal temperature, whether to be kept warm or cool. They are not equipped with refrigeration but rely on insulation to reduce temperature fluctuations.
9. Double-door Container
Double-door containers have two sets of doors, one at each end, providing more flexibility for loading and unloading from either direction. This is particularly useful for time-sensitive shipments or when quick access is needed at both ends of the container.
10. Half-height Container
Half-height containers are designed to carry heavy, dense cargo that doesn’t require the full height of a standard container. These containers are built to handle rugged materials and are typically made with reinforced steel to ensure durability. They are ideal for specialized industries like mining and construction.
How to Choose the Right Type of Container for Shipping?
Selecting the right shipping container requires a thorough evaluation of your cargo’s characteristics, transportation conditions, industry regulations, and budget constraints. Let’s discuss the process in detail.
- Assess Your Cargo’s Characteristics
Determine the type of goods (e.g., perishable, hazardous, bulky, or liquid) and any special handling needs, such as refrigeration, ventilation, or extra security. Then, evaluate the size, weight, and volume of your cargo.
- Consider Transportation Conditions
Select the mode of transport according to the container and its compatibility with handling systems. Take into account journey duration and environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, that could affect your cargo.
- Understand Industry Regulations
Check for legal and safety requirements, especially for hazardous or restricted materials. Ensure the container meets international standards (e.g., ISO certifications) to avoid complications during transit.
- Evaluate Cost vs. Functionality
Compare container options based on cost, size, and features to find a solution that fits your budget. Decide whether renting or purchasing is more economical, depending on your shipping frequency and needs.
- Leverage Technology
Choose containers with tracking and monitoring systems for real-time visibility of your shipment. Utilize logistics tools or APIs to simplify container selection and enhance operational efficiency.
Conclusion
The choice of the logistic container plays a critical role in determining your logistics costs, operational timelines, and the protection of your goods during transit. To optimize the logistics process, integrating real-time shipment tracking is essential, allowing you to monitor the status and location of your containers at all times.
To enhance your logistics operations further, consider utilizing Vizion’s container tracking. Gain access to the most complete, standardized, and detailed container tracking events via API or user interface with real-time container tracking data.
Contact us today and take control of your logistics with Vizion.
