When planning the transportation of goods, it is necessary to take into account many points, including the dimensions of the containers in which they are planned to be transported. The correct choice of a suitable container will help optimize logistics and reduce costs, since you will not have to overpay for extra space in it, which in fact will remain empty. In addition, the correct determination of the dimensions of the container will affect the safety of goods in transit, allowing them to be transported over long distances without unnecessary risks.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Shipping Container
Choosing the size of a container for cargo transportation is very important. Its correctness directly affects transportation, safety, costs and compliance with regulatory standards. The correct choice will optimize costs, since it will be possible to avoid unnecessary expenses on transportation, because its cost depends on the volume and weight of the cargo.
Empty space is unnecessary expenses without benefit. But lack of space can lead to damage to the cargo for this reason or the need to unpack and repack it, which will also entail costs. Thus, by correctly determining the internal size of the container and correctly placing your cargo in it, you can increase the amount of goods transported.
If the correct size and type of container is selected in accordance with the type and other characteristics of the goods, it will serve as reliable protection for it, preventing damage, protecting it from humidity and temperature changes. Placed in a container of the appropriate size, the cargo will not move in its space, touch the walls of the container and each other, but will not be damaged by compression in case of lack of space. Another major factor influencing the popularity of container shipping, especially over long distances, is the ease of loading/unloading or reloading, as well as low cost.
Main types of shipping containers
There are several types of cargo transportation containers, each of which is designed for different purposes and types of cargo. Among them, the most popular standard containers are 20-foot and 40-foot. The most popular of all and used on vehicles of all sizes is the standard 20-foot container with internal dimensions (LxWxH) in meters – 5.9×2.3×2.6, respectively. The external dimensions are almost the same and differ only in height, which is 2.9 m. The maximum gross weight is up to 45,000 kg for flat racks and 30.48 tons for general-purpose containers. The payload of a 20-foot refrigerated truck is 27,400 kg.
The most economical choice for cargo transportation is considered to be a 40-foot container. With twice the parameters, it is only 15-25% more expensive to deliver. Its internal dimensions (LxWxH) in meters are 12×2.3×2.3 respectively. The external height is 2.5 meters, the other parameters are identical to the internal ones. For general-purpose containers, the maximum gross weight is 30,480 kg, for Flatracks platforms – up to 60,000 kg, for refrigerated containers – 35,000 kg. A separate type of container is refrigerated containers, which are designed to transport perishable goods. They maintain a consistently low temperature, such containers usually transport goods with special transportation and storage conditions, for example, chilled or frozen products. Also, open and specialized containers are often used for cargo transportation, in which large-sized and oversized goods are transported.
How to choose the right container for your cargo
Depending on the parameters of the cargo, you can choose different types and sizes of containers for its transportation. In this case, you need to consider the following parameters:
- Size – must correspond to the volume of cargo planned for transportation.
- Type – the choice is based on the nature of the goods, most often standard, refrigerated and specialized containers are used.
- Material – can be wooden, steel, aluminum and made of other materials. Steel containers are highly durable and long-lasting. The container must not have defects or damage.
- Storage conditions – certain goods require certain storage conditions, for example, compliance with temperature or climate indicators. You should make sure that the container meets such requirements.
In order for the cargo to reach its destination safe and sound, when choosing a container, you need to consider the type of goods and the nature of the cargo. For example, containers for transporting goods are suitable:
- standard — for dry cargo, such as electronics or textiles;
- special sealed — for cargo subject to corrosion;
- refrigerated — for transporting medicines and food products;
- open or special containers — for cargo of non-standard shapes and sizes, such as building materials or machinery.
For the transportation of hazardous and valuable cargo, special containers with double-layer walls may be required, in which flammable, chemical and other substances recognized as hazardous are stored and transported.
Why You Should Turn to TVL for Professional Help
It will be possible to simplify the process of choosing the appropriate type of container and its size, as well as avoid many problems associated with errors in their determination, if you seek help from professionals. TVL specialists have extensive experience in the field of container transportation and will help clients choose the best solutions for specific cargo. In order to ensure the safety and cost-effectiveness of transportation, the team also consults at all stages regarding all logistical features. Containers for transportation are selected taking into account all the nuances of the cargo and solutions are offered that best meet the specific requirements of each client, including containers for specialized types of goods.
