There are various ways for cargo to be stored and transported. The shipping industry has been introduced with multiple kinds of vehicles and storage options. One of the most used kinds of storage is a shipping container. Businesses and individuals have the option of buying or renting shipping containers. This is very convenient as the movement of products needs to be done as quickly as possible these days. A concern that these people have with shipping containers is the size that they would need to accommodate their items. Knowing more about the different types of shipping containers may help in responding to this concern about which size people get for their freight.
What Are Shipping Containers?
Businesses and shipping companies need storage containers that can accommodate large amounts and sizes of freight. Other than using closed-type trailers wherein the freight may be loaded directly into, shipping containers are known to be great alternatives. A shipping container is usually built with a steel body and has a heavy-duty locking setup to ensure that the items are kept secure. It can be used in different ways, depending on the owner’s needs. Though shipping containers were usually used to store cargo that was being shipped to other destinations via land or ocean freight, some people are even customizing shipping containers to serve as offices or rooms for resting. This just shows the flexibility of these containers. Storage containers have been created with excellent quality as they need to meet certain global ISO standards. Brand new shipping containers can last for more than 10 years if they are maintained properly.
Different Types Of Shipping Containers
Before discussing the factors needed to be considered when choosing the right size of the shipping container that would meet your requirements, you should be more familiar with some of the common types of shipping containers. This is important since there are different classifications of items that may need specific types of shipping containers to store and transport them. By knowing this kind of information, you avoid wasting resources if you plan to purchase or rent one. Below are the common types of shipping containers:
Dry container
o This is the most common type of shipping container used by shippers and businesses. As the name indicates, this type is meant to store dry goods and items. These items do not have any temperature requirements and will not degrade in quality when stored for long periods of time. This is best used for items like furniture, appliances, gadgets, and other retail items.
Open top container
o This is a type of shipping container that has no solid roofing. There are walls surrounding the container. Tarpaulin is usually used to cover the items loaded in this type of container. A crane is needed to load freight into the shipping container. Tall equipment or machineries can be easily loaded in this type of shipping container since they will be loaded into the container from above.
Open side container
o This is a type that ensures that loading and unloading items can be done efficiently. The lengthy side of the shipping container can be opened, giving the shipper easy access to different areas of the container. Oversized items can be placed easily inside this shipping container. During offloading, there is less chance for the shipper to unload can you buy klonopin online some of the items just to reach certain areas inside the container.
Refrigerated container
o This is also referred to as a reefer container. Reefer containers are important for goods that need to be stored at certain temperatures to avoid spoilage. A refrigeration system is installed which has a thermostat that can be set to specific temperatures. This is necessary for those who have perishable items and live in an area that is exposed to extreme climate changes throughout the year.
Factors To Consider When Choosing the Size Of A Shipping Container
After determining the type of shipping container that would meet the requirements of the items you plan to store, you will need to consider the size of the shipping container that can accommodate your items. This is crucial to avoid wasting resources on buying or renting one that will either not fit all of your items or if there is too much space wasted after putting in all of the items. When it comes to storage and transport, cost-efficiency is important for any business or individual. For more information about the factors needed to choose the size of the shipping container, you may refer to the list:
Length and height of the items
o If you have a large number of items that need to be stored, you must compute the total length and height of the items when they have been safely stacked. This will take some precision on your part as you must account for items that may be more fragile than others. Carelessly stacking items might be a cause for damages. These dimensions will be used to compare with the actual dimensions of the shipping container. Dry shipping containers may come with a range of sizes. The commonly used sizes for this type of shipping container are 20’ and 40’. The interior dimensions of a 20’ shipping container are 19’5” (length) x 7’ 8” (width) x 7’9” (height). For a 40’ shipping container, the interior dimensions are 39’6.5” (length) x 7’ 8” (width) x 7’9” (height)
Total weight of the cargo
o A shipping container has a maximum payload limit set to ensure safe hauling of the cargo. A 20’ dry shipping container can carry up to 32,000 lbs., while a 40’ dry shipping container can carry up to 44,000 lbs. However, you must inquire if there are any laws that would require you to load cargo that should not reach the payload limit. Furthermore, if you are thinking of having your cargos transported by a shipping company, you must inquire about their weight requirements.
Choose Bigger Shipping Containers If You Are Unsure
Sometimes it may not be possible for you to compute the actual dimension or weight of the items you wish to store or transport. During these situations, it would be best to formulate a rough estimate of your cargo and choose a container that would come out bigger than what you had formulated. However, if you need to get the exact size for your items, it is highly recommended that you get in touch with a trusted shipping company to help evaluate your case.
If you need help with your freight, you can contact Ontario Container Transport at 416 (905) 695 1501. Our team of experts may be able to help you with your shipping concerns.
