Container transport
International freight transport, especially in the maritime sector, relies heavily on container transport. So what is container shipping? How did this shipping system come about and what container shipments can be made? The following article will give you an overview of container shipping services.
What is Container Shipping?
Container shipping refers to the transportation of goods in standard containers via rail and sea. The two most common types of internationally standardized containers are the twenty and forty foot containers. These containers are made to standard sizes for efficient transport over long distances and transfer from a vehicle without opening. Standardized containers have changed the shipping and shipping industry, enabling the easy transport of goods by rail, road and sea as containers can accommodate different modes of transport. .
The standardization of containers has increased efficiency and economies of scale in shipping. The flexibility of container shipping contributes significantly to reducing transportation costs. In essence, this is the most economical form of freight transport, especially when transporting consumables in bulk.
History of container shipping
The idea of using some sort of shipping container is not entirely new. Boxes resembling modern containers were used for combined rail and carriage transportation in England as early as 1792. The United States government used standard sized small containers during World War second world, this proved the container to be a fast and efficient means of loading and unloading and distribution in the military. However, in 1955, Malcom P. McLean, a trucking businessman from North Carolina, USA, bought a steamboat shipping company with the idea of transporting entire trailers with cargo. chemical is still inside. He realized that it would be much simpler and faster to have a container that could be lifted directly from the vehicle onto the vessel without having to unload it first. Containers can be moved seamlessly between ships, trucks and trains. This would simplify the entire logistics process and eventually, the implementation of this idea led to a revolution in international freight and trade.
Almost from the very first voyage, the use of this freight method has grown steadily, and within just five decades, container ships have carried about 60% of the value of goods transported by sea. This mode of transport has developed to bring great benefits to international trade in terms of reducing transportation costs, reducing damage to goods and theft. Since the product remains in the container from the very beginning, then from the manufacturer to the final customer, the distribution chain is simplified and every movement is automated using specific vehicles.
Types of shipping containers
For specific uses, customers can choose from different types of container shipping. In general, the overview of container transportation services is divided into 6 basic categories as follows:
- Containers for transporting liquids: refrigerated containers, storage tanks, open tanks (with openable roofs) and containers with openable side walls are used..
- Dry storage containers – these are the standard shipping containers mentioned earlier, used to transport dry materials, typically 10ft, 20ft and 40ft in length.
- Flat Containers – these have collapsible and foldable sides, ideal for transporting boats, equipment and cars.
- Side Opening Container – here, the Container doors can be fully opened on one side, allowing for a wider loading of ingredients, ideal for transporting vegetables.
- Convertible Containers – as their name suggests, these Containers have no roof, allowing the transport of cargo of any height, such as logs or machinery.
- Refrigerated containers – for food or medicine.
Above is some general information about container shipping services, hopefully the article has provided useful information to help customers have more choices about a type of international shipping!