Shipping | What Is Shipping By a Container? All You Need To Know

Shipping | What Is Shipping By a Container? All You Need To Know

Shipping containers have been around for over 50 years, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) spearheaded its standardization shortly thereafter. They are used to transport millions of tons of cargo every day to thousands of ports worldwide. Without shipping containers, the world supply chain would come to a halt, and the world economy would be highly affected.

If you want to know what container best meets your shipping needs most affordably, continue reading this post, to learn more about their types, and how to choose the right one.



What Are Shipping Containers?
Shipping containers are large, strong, rectangular boxes that are used to transport goods by ocean, land, and air. They are typically made of steel but can also be made of aluminum and are designed to be stackable and weatherproof. Shipping containers come in a variety of sizes, but the most common are 20 feet (6.1 meters) and 40 feet (12.2 meters) long.



Regular Shipping Containers Size Chart

-20FT Container
Twenty-foot containers are some of the most common models. Compared to a 40-foot container, their smaller size makes them better suited for on-site storage. For example, businesses that need to store tools or raw materials on a job site will typically use 20-foot containers.

-40FT Container
Forty-foot containers suit the needs of large teams and shipping companies. Freight carriers on cargo ships are designed around the weight requirements of a 40-foot container so they can ship more at once. Their expanded storage space provides enough room for machines like forklifts and their attachments.



Special Shipping Containers
While standard and high cube units are some of the most popular models, they aren’t the only shipping container sizes. Whether your goods need to remain at a specific temperature or can’t fit into standard units, a special container can help. While they generally come at a higher price, they allow for the safe storage of materials that other models can’t hold.


Picture is from the Web

Flat-rack shipping containers are used to transport oversized or oddly-shaped items that cannot be loaded into a standard shipping container. Flat racks are typically made of steel and are available in a range of sizes, from 20 feet to 40 feet in length. Flat racks can be equipped with walls, doors, or covers, depending on the shipment’s needs.


Refrigerated shipping containers, also known as reefers, are used to transport perishable goods that need to be kept cool or frozen. Reefers are typically made of steel and are available in various sizes, from 20 feet to 40 feet in length. Reefers are equipped with a refrigeration unit that maintains the desired temperature for the goods transported.


Open-top shipping containers are a type of container with a roof that can be removed. This makes them ideal for carrying tall or bulky items that must be loaded from the top. They are also often used for carrying dangerous goods or hazardous materials, as the open top allows for ventilation. Open-top containers are available in various sizes and can be made from steel or aluminum.


Tank containers specialize in transporting liquids. Sometimes referred to as tankers, these containers allow for the safe storage and transfer of water, oil or any other industrial fluid. Although the tanks are cylindrical, they fit into a rectangular container for optimized storage.



Key Benefits of Using Shipping Containers
They are extremely strong and durable, able to withstand heavy weather and rough conditions.
They are easy to transport and can be stacked on top of each other, meaning they take up less space.
They are simple to modify and can be adapted to suit various storage needs.
They are sustainable, made from eco-friendly materials, and can be recycled when no longer needed.
They are available in various sizes, meaning there is a perfect option for every project.



How to Choose the Right Shipping Container?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right shipping container for your needs. First, you need to decide what size container you need. Shipping containers come in a variety of sizes, from small 10-foot containers to large 40-foot containers. The size you need will depend on the amount of goods you need to ship.

Next, you need to decide what type of container you need. There are two main types of shipping containers: dry containers and reefers. Dry containers are used for general cargo, while reefers are used for perishable goods or temperature-sensitive products that need to be kept at a specific temperature.

When choosing a shipping container, it is essential to consider all of these factors to ensure you choose the right container for your needs.