The types of containers based on its load and sizes are key factors in the logistics operations of goods through sea and land routes. In this article, we will discuss various types of containers such as Dry Storage, Reefer, Car Carrier, Open Top, Flat Rack, and others. Choosing the right container is an important decision as it can affect your overall business operations, from shipping large cargoes to ensuring the security of goods. A good understanding of containers will help your business optimize shipping costs and maintain the quality of the shipped products.

1. The Importance of Understanding and Choosing the Right Type of Container for Your Business Operations

The selection of the right type of container is crucial in your business operations. It affects the overall operations, especially in dealing with challenges such as shipping large cargoes and ensuring the security of goods. Some important points to consider in choosing the type of container include:

• Large quantity of cargo: The right container allows efficient shipping of large cargoes, optimizing space and reducing shipping costs.
• High level of security: The chosen container should be able to ensure the security of goods during the shipping process, protecting them from damage or theft.
• Type of container: Various types of containers such as Dry Storage, Reefer, Car Carrier, Open Top, Flat Rack have specific functions according to the cargo to be transported.
• Size: In choosing a container, size is also an important consideration to match the volume of cargo to be shipped.

A deep understanding of container types and proper selection will have a positive impact on your business operations.

2. Various Types of Containers Based on Their Cargo

In the shipping and logistics industry, there are various types of containers designed to transport specialized cargo. Each type of container fulfills different specific needs. Let's discuss in more detail about some common types of containers based on their cargo:

a. Dry Storage Containers

Dry storage containers are the most commonly used type of container in shipping and logistics operations. The main purpose of these containers is to transport cargo such as electronics, clothing, or household goods that do not require special temperature control.

The advantages of dry storage containers are as follows:

• Weather Protection: These containers are designed with strong materials that can protect the cargo from adverse weather conditions during transportation.
• Cargo Security: By using dry storage containers, you can ensure that your goods are safe from theft or damage during the journey.
• Flexibility: Dry storage containers are available in various standard sizes such as 20 feet and 40 feet, so you can choose the size that suits your cargo volume.

For example, if you have an e-commerce business that ships electronic products to customers in different locations, using dry storage containers would be a suitable choice. These containers provide sufficient protection for your cargo without requiring special temperature control.

b. Reefer Container

Reefer containers, or refrigerated containers, are specifically designed to maintain controlled temperature conditions for sensitive cargo such as fresh produce, frozen foods, or pharmaceuticals. These containers offer the following key features and advantages:

• Main Function: The primary function of reefer containers is to regulate and maintain specific temperature settings to ensure the quality and integrity of perishable goods during transportation.
• Advantages: Reefer containers provide a reliable solution for transporting temperature-sensitive items, preserving their freshness and effectiveness throughout the shipping process.

These containers play a crucial role in preserving the quality and safety of medical supplies, food products, and other perishable items, making them an essential asset in industries that rely on maintaining strict temperature requirements for their cargo.

c. Open Top Container

Open top containers are a unique type of container that allows for the transportation of cargo with heights taller than average. Here are some key points about open top containers:

• Design advantage: The main advantage of open top containers is their unique design, which allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo with heights that exceed the standard dimensions of regular containers.
• Removable roof: Open top containers have a removable roof, which provides flexibility in accommodating tall items such as machinery or equipment.
• Suitable for bulky cargo: These containers are ideal for transporting goods that cannot fit within the height constraints of standard containers, such as construction materials or oversized machinery.

Open top containers offer a solution for businesses that need to transport goods with non-standard dimensions or heights. Their unique design allows for efficient loading and unloading, making them suitable for various industries such as construction, mining, or heavy equipment transportation.

d. Flat Rack Container

Flat rack containers are a special type of shipping container that is designed to transport oversized or irregularly shaped cargo that cannot fit into standard containers due to their size or shape.

These containers have the following features:

• Removable Sides: The sides of flat rack containers can be removed, allowing for easy loading and unloading of cargo from the sides.
• End Walls with Folding Mechanism: The end walls of flat rack containers can also be folded down, creating a flat surface for loading cargo from the top.
• Reinforced Corner Posts and Floor: Flat rack containers are built with extra strength in the corner posts and floor to support heavy loads.
• Versatile Loading Options: Flat rack containers offer flexible loading options, making them suitable for transporting a wide range of goods such as machinery, vehicles, pipes, and timber.

Due to their unique design and features, flat rack containers are commonly used in the following scenarios:

• Transporting Oversized Cargo: Flat rack containers are ideal for transporting oversized cargo such as large machinery or equipment that cannot fit into standard containers.
• Shipping Irregularly Shaped Items: Items with unconventional shapes like boats or vehicles can be securely transported using flat rack containers.
• Handling Heavy Loads: The reinforced structure of flat rack containers makes them suitable for carrying heavy items such as steel coils or construction materials.

e. Open Side Container

Open side containers are an ideal solution to facilitate the loading and unloading of large or long cargo. With fully openable side doors, these containers allow for easier access when loading or unloading goods. This is especially advantageous when transporting cargo that is difficult to load through the front or top doors of standard containers. With its unique design, these containers provide additional flexibility in the logistics and distribution of goods.

f. ISO Tank Container

ISO Tank containers are types of containers used to transport liquid cargo, such as chemicals, oil, or gas. These containers are specially designed with strong and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure the safety and quality of liquid cargo during the transportation process. ISO Tanks have varying capacities, ranging from 21,000 to 26,000 liters, and can be customized according to the type of liquid cargo to be transported. The main advantage of ISO Tanks is their ability to safely and efficiently transport large quantities of liquid cargo by land or sea routes.

3. Important Considerations in Choosing the Right Container

When choosing the right container for your business operations, there are several important factors to consider. The decision between Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments, as well as the appropriate container size, can have a significant impact on the efficiency of space utilization and shipping costs.

Here are some important considerations to think about:

• Shipping Volume: First, consider the volume of cargo you need to ship. If you have a large enough load to fill a full container, then FCL shipping may be the best option. With FCL, you will have full control over the container and won't need to share space with other shippers. However, if your shipping volume is smaller, then LCL could be a more economical choice.
• Type of Cargo: The type of cargo should also be considered in selecting a container. If you are shipping perishable goods or pharmaceuticals that require temperature control, then a Reefer container with cooling capabilities would be the right choice. If your cargo is dry goods such as electronics or clothing, then a Dry Storage container would suffice.
• Container Size: Choose a container size that suits your volume and type of cargo. Standard containers come in sizes of 20 feet or 40 feet, with a height of 8 feet. If you have cargo that is taller than average, such as machinery or construction materials, then an Open Top container can provide flexibility with its removable roof. If you need additional vertical space, then a High Cube container with a height of 9 feet can also be a good option.
• Security and Protection: Make sure the container you choose has adequate security features to protect your cargo. The container should be designed to prevent falling or tipping over, and made of strong and durable materials.

By considering these factors, you can select the right type and size of container to meet your business needs. Additionally, consult with a logistics provider or shipping expert to get more specific advice tailored to your requirements.

Remember that choosing the right container can help improve the efficiency of your business operations and reduce overall shipping costs.

Types of Containers Based on Size

Container size is an important factor in choosing the right container for your business needs. Here is a detailed explanation of the most commonly used standard sizes and other variations that you need to know:

1. 20 Feet Container (20ft):

• Size: 6 meters long x 2.4 meters wide x 2.6 meters high
• Load capacity: approximately 33 cubic meters
• Used for transporting goods in moderate quantities or for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments

2. 40 Feet Container (40ft):

• Size: 12.2 meters long x 2.4 meters wide x 2.6 meters high
• Load capacity: approximately 67 cubic meters
• More commonly used than 20 feet containers due to larger capacity

3. High Cube Container:

• Size: same as 40 feet container (12.2 meters long x 2.4 meters wide), but with additional height of 2.9 meters
• Load capacity: approximately 76 cubic meters
• Suitable for use if you have cargo with above-average height or want to maximize the use of vertical space

Understanding the types and sizes of containers available will help you choose the right container according to your business needs. Select the size and type of container that suits the volume of cargo, type of goods, and shipping route to be taken.