Types and types of containers

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

For a long time, a convenient way to move goods has been used all over the world. Nowadays, there are a large number of different containers for transportation, both small and large. The types of containers, and that is exactly what they are called, are different, they are used to transport cargo over short and long distances. The choice depends on what the transport company is going to transport, where and in what way. The types of shipping containers directly affect the price the customer pays. The more complex the transportation operation, the more he will pay.

The concept of "container"

Before considering the types of containers, you should understand what a "container" is. This is a kind of reusable container for transporting cargo anywhere in the world in any convenient way:

• car;
• by plane;
• by train;
• ship.

Containers can be made from different materials and have different sizes and shapes. We will take a closer look at what types are.

Whenappeared?

The use of such containers began during World War II, when this type of transportation was used by the United States. At first, the container was made of wood, but gradually it was replaced by steel containers, and already in the 50s, the first large-scale cargo transportation was made with a change in the type of transportation. The ability to change the type of transport in the process was very useful, as it was possible to transport cargo over long distances without disturbing the contents until the destination. This type of container is called intermodal. And later, in the 60s, generally accepted standards appeared that determined what all containers should be according to the standards of specialists.

Types, types of containers

By bringing together all the comments of transport companies and specialists, we managed to identify certain types of containers for transportation. Consider the types of containers presented on the modern service market. There are varieties of containers according to such parameters as:

• size;
• material;
• capacity;
• type of transportation;
• mount type;
• nature of the cargo.

With dimensions, everything is clear, with the material and capacity, everything is also quite simple. The type of transportation means how the carrier will transport the goods: by plane, train, sea, etc. Anchor is a mechanism that is needed to lift and transfer goods to a vehicle. The nature of the cargo affects whether the container has a refrigerator, or whetherits walls with emollients for the transport of fragile goods and so on.

Classification

So there are different types and sizes of containers. We will tell you about the most popular and frequently used options.

• "General Cargo". The container is closed, there are doors, the walls have high rigidity, the floor and ceiling are strong enough; the cargo has no access to the environment.
• "Specific Cargo". Also a strong container, but in addition to the first, here the cargo can be moved without the use of doors; due to its qualities, this type of container is often used as ventilation shafts.
• Close ventilated. Container with special holes for free ventilation; used to transport cargo that does not like dampness.
• Open Top. This view is similar to an ordinary wagon without a roof; it is possible to install it from any suitable material (plastic, awning); in such modes they transport cargo that has oversized dimensions, and there is no way to ship it through the door.
• "Flat Rack". This is an open platform to which the load is attached using special fasteners (auto, wood, etc.).
• "Thermal". These containers are popular with food manufacturers because they are equipped with refrigerators. Transportation of meat, fish, dairy products now does not cause great difficulties.
• "Tank". This type is suitable for moving liquid products or gaseous; the value is the absolute tightness of the container.
• Dry Bulk. This type is used formoving a large amount of dry cargo, which is loaded in bulk (cereals, sand, etc.).
• Named Cargo. Such types have a narrow special focus, as they are used only for the transportation of one specific type of goods (for example, pets); for this purpose, it is equipped with special devices for holding animals.

As for the direct purpose of containers, as already mentioned, there are containers:

• for dry cargo transportation;
• for moving liquids;
• for gas transportation;
• for the transport of living organisms (poultry, livestock).

Dimensions of containers also differ in their diversity. So, there are:

• "20 foot standard". Transportation of all types of cargo.
• "40-foot standard". For various products of large dimensions.
• Hicube. At forty feet long, it has a large capacity and very strong walls.
• "Open top", as well as all other types of containers. These containers come in both 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. The choice of size depends on the dimensions of the cargo.

Types of transportation

As already mentioned, the types of containers also depend on how the transportation will be carried out. Having studied the requirements for the transportation of goods and ensuring their safety, we understand that transportation by car is very different from transportation, for example, by a sea vessel. Based on this, the appropriate type of container is selected. Many customers prefer to deal with only onetransport company throughout the transportation. But there is also the option of changing the carrier in the process of moving. Nowadays, this is no longer a problem. The only thing to remember is that if you deal with one company, then shipping the goods will cost you much less than if you use the services of different companies.

Transportation by railway

To move any goods by train, a universal container is mainly used, which can hold from one hundred to thirty thousand kilograms. Very convenient is the fact that the containers have special devices for attaching to the platform. This provides a strong fixation of the cargo, and increases safety during transportation. Containers can be moved on platforms, wagons and open wagons. It is not worth saving money at this stage, since the outcome of the enterprise largely depends on whether you choose the right type of container and type of delivery.

Sea transportation

Types of sea containers can also be distinguished by size. But most often in such transportation, dry containers are used, universal and high cube type, while their capacity can be different, and sizes vary from twenty to forty feet. In any case, much depends on the nature of the cargo. It is always worth considering possible emergencies that can occur at sea. Therefore, the more reliable the container, the less likely it is to lose or damage the cargo. In this case, one ofThe key points are the method of securing the cargo and the container itself.

North type container

This is a special type of container, as it is used not to transport cargo, but to accommodate people in extreme northern conditions. This is a kind of mini-house, equipped with all the necessary amenities for a person's stay. This includes options such as:

• wall insulation;
• home fire safety;
• special doors and windows that do not freeze in severe frost;
• autonomous power supply;
• heating and more.

The development of this type of container has greatly reduced the inconvenience for people who work in the north. This type of container is very popular both in our country and abroad. More than once, both in the cinema and in life, we come across such a “northern” version of the house. It is difficult to call it a shipping container, but it is still possible to be in it during transportation. In recent years, this "house" has undergone many innovations. Every year more and more amenities and technical devices are added to increase the level of comfort.