For a long time, a convenient way to move goods has been applied around the world. Currently, there are a large number of different containers for transportation, both small and large. The types of containers, and this is what they are called, are different, they are used to transport cargo over short and long distances. The choice depends on what the transport company is going to transport, where and in what way. Types of containers for transportation directly affect the price paid by the customer. The more complicated the transportation operation, the greater the amount he will pay.
The concept of "container"
Before considering the types of containers, you should understand what is a "container". This is a kind of reusable container for transporting goods to anywhere in the world in any convenient way:
- a car;
- by plane;
- by train;
- sea vessel.
Containers can be made of different materials and have different sizes and shapes. We will consider in more detail what types are.
When did it appear?
The use of such tanks began during the Second World War, when this type of transportation was used by the United States. At first, the container was made of wood, but gradually it was replaced by steel tanks, and already in the 50s the first major transportation of goods was made with the replacement of the type of transportation. The ability to change the type of transportation during the process was very useful, since it was possible to transport cargo over long distances without disturbing the contents up to the destination. This type of container was called intermodal. And later, in the 60s, generally accepted standards appeared that determined what all containers should be by the standards of specialists.
Types, types of containers
Having gathered all the comments of transport companies and specialists, it was possible to identify certain types of containers for transportation. Consider the types of containers presented on the modern market of services. There are varieties of containers by such parameters as:
- the size;
- material;
- capacity;
- type of transportation;
- type of fasteners;
- nature of the cargo.
With dimensions, everything is clear, with material and capacity, too, everything is quite simple. Type of transportation means how the carrier will transport the goods: by plane, train, sea, etc. Fastening is the mechanism that is needed to lift and carry goods to the vehicle. The nature of the cargo affects whether there is a refrigerator in the container, or whether its walls are equipped with emollients for transporting fragile goods and so on.
Classification
So, there are a variety of types and
sizes of containers. We will tell you about the most popular and frequently used options.
- General Cargo. The container is closed, there are doors, the walls have high rigidity, the floor and ceiling are quite durable; the cargo does not have access to the environment.
- "Specific cargo." Also, a strong container, but in addition to the first, here the cargo can be moved without the use of doors; due to its qualities, this type of container is often used as ventilation shafts.
- "Closed ventleytid." Container with special openings for free ventilation; It is used to transport cargo that does not like dampness.
- "Open top." This view looks like a regular car without a roof; it can be installed from any suitable material (plastic, awning); in such forms, cargo that is oversized is transported, and there is no way to load it through the door.
- Flat Rack. This is an open platform, to which the cargo is attached with the help of special fasteners (cars, wood, etc.).
- Thermal. These containers are popular with food manufacturers because they are equipped with refrigerators. Transportation of meat, fish, dairy products now does not cause great difficulties.
- Tank. This kind is suitable for moving liquid products or gaseous; the absolute tightness of the container is of value.
- “Drive Bulk.” This type is used to move a large amount of dry cargo, which is loaded in bulk (crops, sand, etc.).
- Neymd Cargo. Such types have a narrow special focus, as they are used only for the transportation of one particular type of product (for example, pets); for this purpose, special devices for holding animals are equipped in it.
As for the direct purpose of containers, then, as already mentioned, there are containers:
- for transportation of dry goods;
- for moving liquids;
- for gas transportation;
- for the transport of living organisms (poultry, livestock).
The dimensions of the containers also differ in their variety. So, there are:
- “20 foot standard.” Transportation of all types of cargo.
- 40 foot standard. For different products of large dimensions.
- Highcube. At forty feet long, it has a large capacity and very strong walls.
- Open top, as well as all other types of containers. Such containers are both 20-foot and 40-foot. The choice of size depends on the dimensions of the cargo.
Types of transportation
As already mentioned, the types of containers depend on how the transportation will be carried out. Having studied the requirements for the transportation of goods and ensuring their safety, we understand that carriage by car is very different from carriage, for example, by a sea vessel. Based on this, and the type of container is selected appropriate. Many customers prefer to deal with only one transport company throughout the transportation. But there is also the option of changing the carrier in the process of moving. Nowadays, this has ceased to be a problem. The only thing you need to remember is that if you are dealing with one company, then shipping the goods will cost you much cheaper than if you use the services of different companies.
Rail transportation
To move any product using the train, a universal container is mainly used, which can hold from one hundred to thirty thousand kilograms. It is very convenient that the containers have special devices for attaching to the platform. This provides a strong fixation of the cargo, and increases safety during transportation. Containers can move on platforms, wagons and gondola cars. You should not save money at this stage, since the outcome of the enterprise largely depends on whether you have chosen the type of container and the type of delivery.
Shipping
Types of shipping containers can also be distinguished by size. But most often dry containers are used in such transportations, universal and high-cube type, while their capacity can be different, and sizes vary from twenty to forty feet. In any case, a lot depends on the nature of the cargo. It is always worth considering the possible emergencies that may occur at sea. Therefore, the more reliable the container, the less likely it is to lose or damage the cargo. In this case, one of the key points is the method of securing the cargo and the container itself.
North Container
This is a special type of container, since it is not used for transporting goods, but for people living in extreme northern conditions. This is a kind of mini-house, equipped with all necessary amenities for a person to stay. This includes parameters such as:
- wall insulation;
- fire safety of the home;
- special doors and windows that do not freeze in severe frost;
- autonomous power supply;
- heating and much more.
The development of this type of container has significantly reduced the inconvenience for people who work in the north. This type of container is very popular both in our country and abroad. More than once in cinema and in life we come across such a “northern” version of the house. It is difficult to call it a shipping container, but it is still possible to be in it during transportation. In recent years, this "home" has suffered many innovations. Every year, all new amenities and technical devices are added to increase the level of comfort.