Shipping Container Types: An All-Inclusive Guide
When we think of containers, we usually imagine closed steel boxes rolling down the road on trucks or moving along tracks on long trains. However, the market offers various container types to accommodate specific needs. Standard dry, high-cube, tank, reefer, and insulated containers exist. This article will take a closer look at each and explore their unique characteristics.
Dry Storage Containers
There are a few different types of dry storage containers. One is a foldable container, which can be shortened to half height for easier handling of materials. Another is a cargo storage roll container with a thick wire mesh and rollers for easy movement. Finally, half-height containers are designed for transporting heavy goods like coal and stones, making them suitable for long-distance shipping. Other than these, a standard freight container is also a popular option. It can be found in 20-foot and 40-foot lengths and is ideal for conveying non-perishable goods that don’t need temperature control. However, to transport perishable goods or chemicals requiring specific temperature conditions, you should look for a refrigerated container. These are the same as regular dry storage containers but feature an HVAC unit to keep humidity levels low and consistent. These can also be insulated to help them retain heat.
Liquid Bulk Containers
Containers used for liquid storage can be anything from a 5-gallon pail to a tanker truck. They are a great way to ship non-hazardous liquids over long distances. They are generally cylindrical and placed inside a regular shipping container-sized steel frame. Platform containers are a type of general container that has collapsible ends to allow you to load heavy freight from the top. Flat rack containers are another specialized container that has removable sides. These containers are often used to store oversized items or heavy machinery. Shipping spec containers spend most of their time on trucks, so they are designed for easy opening/closing while still being on the chassis. They feature lower handles so that people can easily open them at ground-level forklift pockets, and they are also available with a lock box for security. They can be new, one-trip, or refurbished (though it is essential to know that ‘ refurbished’ doesn’t necessarily mean the same thing as ‘as good as new’).
Insulated Containers
Insulated containers are the middle ground between reefer containers and standard dry storage shipping containers. They shield cargo from temperature fluctuations and humidity, making them ideal for shipments that need protection against extreme weather conditions but are not as sensitive as those necessitating reefer containers. To create an insulated container, a timber frame is fitted inside the steel body of the unit, and rock wool insulation material is placed between the two layers. The structure and insulating material are then timber ply-nailed together, leaving the container’s interior with an airtight seal that prevents moisture from entering. Businesses that ship perishable or temperature-sensitive goods can benefit from insulated shipping containers by maintaining product integrity ensuring that their customers receive the products they need in good condition. Additionally, insulated shipping containers can reduce the risk of damage during transit, saving businesses money by reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
Reefer Containers
Regarding shipping containers, reefer containers are where it’s at. They’re responsible for transporting much of the world’s freight and offer the best protection for temperature-sensitive products on long-distance journeys. Unlike dry storage containers, which can’t be temperature controlled, reefer containers circulate cold air to keep fresh produce, meat, fish, and pharmaceuticals fresh for longer. They can also slow the ripening process on bananas and prevent ethylene from spoiling other perishable foods. These containers are also perfect for storing and transporting cars or other vehicles, as they have collapsible sides to accommodate larger loads. They can also be used to build a car workshop business or converted into residential or commercial offices.