Shipping containers are basically used for the temporary
storage of goods while they are being transported
from one place to another. These containers are made out of
different materials and are designed differently to fit
different usages. They come in different sizes and
weights.
Dimensions:
The different lengths of shipping containers are – 10
feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, and 40 feet. The width is 8 feet.
Heights are either 8.5 feet or 9.5 feet.
Terminology:
When talking about shipping containers, there are three
words you should be aware of. First, there is the
shipping container’s rating. Rating is the maximum weight
permissible for the shipping container plus its
contents.
Then there is the tare mass or tare weight.
This is the weight of the empty container under normal
operating conditions.
Then there's the payload – this refers to the total
weight that a shipping container can carry.
In the actual scenario though, the payload maybe less as
there are some countries or even areas within some
countries that have laws governing the maximum load a
vehicle is permitted to carry.
Shipping containers should have stickers that
show their rating, tare weight and payload. Also, a
sticker showing the identification code is placed outside
and inside the container walls. The identification codes of
shipping containers should show the owner of the containers
and the container numbers. This data is used in the
bill of lading for better monitoring, control and tracing
of each container and its cargo.
Groups:
Shipping containers are generally classified into two
groups. First, there is the general purpose or
dry cargo container, which is the most common container
used in the industry. It is built strong and is waterproof.
One of its sidewalls usually has a door.
The second group would be the special cargo
containers. These would be the tank containers, which
are used for transporting chemicals, and the thermal
containers that are used for goods such as meat, fruits,
etc.
Whatever your shipping needs are, the various shipping
containers available can address your shipping container
needs.
Depending on the goods you plan to
transport, always ensure that you select the
shipping containers that are fit for them. The shipping
companies will usually handle this for you, but it is
always better to ask what shipping containers they will be
using for your case.
With some basic knowledge about shipping
containers, you are better equipped for getting
the right shipping service and shipping containers that are
suitable for your goods.
