Container transportation is the utilization of the container to carry cargo via transport vehicles. These containers come in different sizes and can store a variety of goods.
Container transport is an integral part of global trade as it can help the trade move more efficiently. It also makes it easier for us to ship goods from one country to another.
Our world becomes more interconnected, the trading of goods is rising as of result container shipments are becoming more trendy and high in demand
History Of Containers:
The history of containers can be known back to the early 1800s when they were being utilized by crews on whaling ships to store whale oil. In 1956, the first container vessel was introduced by Malcolm McLean which transformed transportation and logistics.
In the 1970s, containerization became an increasingly popular mode of transport due to its fast loading and unloading. This made it a better option for trade between countries and adhering to different regulations. The first standardized shipping container was designed in 1978 with a capacity of 8 TEUs (20 ft long)
Containers are an ideal way to transport goods because they are easily stackable, which maximizes the load.
Types of containers available for transportation:
Dry Storage Containers: These containers are the most used in the shipping industry. They are generally in lengths of 20, 40, and 45 feet, and are specifically designed to transport dry goods. Dry storage containers are suitable for dry products like furniture. Dry storage containers have further types:
- Open top Container: these containers do not have a top and are designed to load over height products
- Open Side Storage Container: These are open from the side and are usually used for over-length products.
Flat Rack Container: These Containers have no top and only two sides. This allows heavy loads to be set on the rack from the sides of the above. Most of the flat rack containers are either 20 or 40 feet long, and they are made of steel for more strength and durability. Some flat rack containers are collapsible, while some come with additional walls that can be joined to the frame.
Refrigerated ISO Containers: Reefer is an intermodal container that is used in intermodal freight transport for the transportation of goods that are temperature sensitive like apples, frozen food, and many more. These types of containers are handled by spreaders.
ISO Tanks: Storage containers or tanks are being designed to hold liquids. Anti-corrosive material is used to construct them as they are used to carry the chemicals. They can also be used to store dry goods like sugar
Special Purpose Containers: These containers can be built in nearly any shape or dimension. They are used for items that require special custom containers. They are costly to create so the companies mostly avoid the use of special-purpose containers.
Let’s discuss the advantages of container transportation:
Standardization. The container is known as a standard transport product that can be carried anywhere in the world (ISO standard) through specific modes (ships, trucks, barges, and wagons), equipment, and terminals. Each container holds a unique identification number and a size type code permitting it to be a unique transport unit that can be managed as such.
Flexibility. Containers are beneficial for carrying a wide variety of goods such as commodities, manufactured goods, refrigerated products, hazardous products, heated products, and many more also there are adapted containers for dry cargo, liquids (oil and chemical products), and refrigerated cargo. The Discarded containers are also recycled and reused for other purposes.
Costs. Container transportation provides lower transport costs due to the advantages of standardization. Carrying the similar amount of break-bulk freight in a container is almost 20 times less expensive than conventional means. Containers permit economies of scale at modes and terminals that were not possible through standard break-bulk handling. The prime cost-benefit of containerization is procured from lower intermodal transport costs.
Velocity. Trans shipment operations are nominal and rapid, and ship port turnaround times have been decreased from 3 weeks to about 24 hours. Due to this transshipment advantage, transport chains involving containers are faster. Container shipping networks are properly connected and provide a wide range of shipping options. Container ships are also faster than normal cargo ships and offer a frequency of port calls allowing a stable velocity.
Warehousing. The container is a warehouse on its own, safeguarding the cargo it contains. This means simpler and less expensive packaging for containerized cargoes, especially consumer goods. The stacking capacity on ships, trains (double-stacking), and on the ground (container yards) is a prime advantage of containerization. With the desired equipment, a container yard can expand its stacking density.
Security and safety. The container contents are not known to carriers since they can only be opened at the origin (seller/shipper), at customs, and the destination (buyer). This means less spoilage and thefts.
Shipping of the containers demands special care. Having logistical knowledge is essential if you want to ensure that all things run smoothly. In ensuring hassle-free transport, you need to consider the following:
- the goods that you want to transport
- the nature of the goods that you are about to transport
- the process of loading
- the process of unloading
- The transportation for the containers.
Things you need to consider while going for Container Transportation in Surrey, BC.
Container Certification
This is the most crucial factor to consider when hiring professionals. This is the very first thing that will make your transport smooth and efficient.
Container Size
Once you are sure that you have chosen a professional logistics company with accurate certification. You may then move further by looking for the required size of the shipping container.
We recommend you consult your logistic company to figure out the suitable shipping container that can fit your goods. Choosing the wrong size can affect your transportation procedures that directly increase your cost of shipping and add to your costs only.
Transportation Vehicle
Also, consider the vehicles you would use for transport. Choose the heavy-duty trucks that will be able to handle the nature and weight of your shipping container and goods. For example, if you want a truck that can quickly load and unload your shipping container, look for a container that is a tilt trailer. You can also opt for a container side trailer if you want to use lift modules or cranes for loading and unloading your shipping container.
If you want to avail container transport services in Surrey, BC then consult All Track Transport- the best container transport company in Surrey, Vancouver. We will also guide you on how to reduce the cost of cross-border transport.
