Container Shipping Guide

Container shipping makes shipping goods of all kinds safe and convenient. With a multitude of standardized container types, you can ship everything from fuel in metal tanks to perishable produce in refrigerated trucks. Each of these containers may simply be referred to as a “container” but may also be called an intermodal, freight, ISO, or cube container.

Here we will look at the importance of standardized containers, types of containers, important shipping documentation, and the differences between full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL).

What is an ISO Container?

One of the most important developments in container shipping is the standardization of container sizes. With standardized sizes determined by the International Organization for Standardization, it is possible for containers to easily be moved from one type of transportation to another. For example, an ISO container can easily be taken off of a train and fitted directly onto a truck or stacked on a ship. Without standardization, this would not be possible.

iso container

Types of Shipping Containers and their Uses

There are 6 main types of shipping containers which allow for transportation of everything from relatively simple items like clothing to perishable items, fuel, and even livestock. These are the primary types of shipping containers and their uses:

Tank Container: Tank containers are designed to hold liquids, powders, and gasses. This includes substances like milk, water, fuel, bulk items and more. These containers are water tight and can be used to transport both hazardous and non hazardous substances. Additionally, these containers are intermodal meaning they can be safely moved between a truck, plane, and boat.

Dry Storage Containers: As the name implies, these containers are used to ship dry goods. Also called “general purpose containers,” these are among the most commonly used container types. Fully enclosed, these containers keep out the elements to safely ship and store items like clothing, non-perishable foods, and other palletized items. Additionally, dry storage containers can be outfitted with adaptations like liner bags to carry liquids though a tank container is usually preferred.

Flat Rack Containers: This container type has collapsible sides in order to allow larger items to be transported safely. These are often used for large equipment, vehicles, and boats. Not only can they accommodate the large items but they also make it easier to load and unload them.

Open Top Containers: These containers have four sides but no top. This makes them ideal for shipping taller items that cannot fit into the other container types with roofs. Certain boats, large equipment, statues and other very tall items are shipped this way.

Open Side Containers: These containers have sides that can be slid open all the way for easier loading of wider items. Open side containers are very similar to dry good containers and can be used for similar items, however; they are easier to load and unload thanks to the open sides.

Refrigerated Containers: Also known as reefers, these containers provide a temperature controlled environment for sensitive items. Most often used for refrigerated goods like food and medication, they can also be used for items that must be kept from freezing. For example, shipping certain items like flowers during winter may require a container that can keep them from getting too cold.

types of shipping

LCL and FCL Container Shipping

Less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL) give shippers the flexibility to ship both large and smaller loads. With LCL, you can send a smaller load that does not fill an entire container. Instead, your shipment will be combined with other shipments and the shipping costs will be divided among the different shipments.

Packaging Materials: Whether you ship by FCL or LCL, your shipment will likely need to be on pallets. Shrink wrap or ratchet straps will also often be used to further hold items in place.

FCL Vs LCL Pricing: Pricing for shipping is based on the weight and dimensions of your cargo. If you ship via FCL your cost per pound or kilogram will be less, however; total shipping costs will be less on LCL shipments since you are shipping less cargo. While it can be ideal to ship via FCL when possible, LCL increases efficiency and speed for those who deal in smaller shipments.

Speed of Shipping: FCL shipping has the advantage when it comes to speed and customizable delivery options. This is because you can control the entire route of the shipment while LCL shipments may need to make multiple deliveries. However, this should not be a deterrent to using LCL since there are often plenty of options that will still get your shipments to their destination on time.

lcl shipping

Container Shipping Documentation

No matter how you are shipping items, proper documentation is key to ensuring there are no delays or property losses. Also, if there are damaged or lost items, proper documentation will increase the likelihood that these losses can be recouped.

Purpose of BoL: The most important documentation you will need to consider when shipping via container is the Freight Bill and the Bill of Lading (BoL). The freight bill documents costs pertaining to the shipping from the initial pickup to the final delivery while the BOL serves as a contract between the shipper (person/company wanting to ship items) and the carrier (person/company transporting the shipment).

The BoL provides a detailed description of items that the carrier will use to confirm the contents of the shipment. This document also provides a way to confirm the transfer of goods from the shipper to the carrier has occurred. Ensuring the BoL has an accurate, detailed description of the items should always be a priority for this reason.

shipping documentation

Find the Right Shipping Container

Container shipping makes safe and cost effective shipping possible when you choose the right container for your shipments. At Ontario Container Transport we offer a wide range of intermodal shipping containers to ensure the secure delivery of all your items. Get started with a free container quote today by calling (905) 695 1501.

Add a comment

*Please complete all fields correctly

Related Blogs

local delivery services
house mover
uses of flatbed trailers