The shipping, export, transport, and trade -all these industries depend significantly on container units for the transportation of products from one place to another with the help of different types of containers. Shipping containers are responsible for storing different types of products that are usually shipped from a specific part of the world to another. While exporting products from India, exporters are expected to understand ICEGATE specifications in detail as well.
As exporters tend to dispatch a particular shipment, packaging the product with proper caution is regarded as the best practice. The ultimate practice is loading it in the manner that will ensure minimum movements while delivering the desired support. Scaling the same to international consignments, the products should be dispatched in a manner that they are capable of bearing the hassles of the transit. At the same time, the shipment should reach the desired destination while maintaining the quantity and quality of the shipment -irrespective of the weather conditions.
What are Shipping Containers?
When you have understood the ICEGATE specifications, it is important to understand the process of shipping products securely. Shipping containers play a vital role in this context. Shipping containers are regarded as dedicated storage units required to move products from a single location to another without damaging the products within the consignment.
Shipping containers tend to be reusable that are capable of withstanding the common challenges associated with the transit. Shipping containers can help in reducing the overall cost of transportation to a major extent. This ensures the possibility of a long-distance trade.
What are Different Types of Shipping Containers?
A wide range of multimodal and maritime containers have emerged due to the response from the logistics chain to make sure that the entire load is handled correctly. Some of the important points to keep in mind are:
- The cargo’s degree of standardization
- The weight and size of the load
- The type of spreader and crane required for the cargo
- The liquid or solid nature of the cargo
Some of the common types of shipping containers are:
#Dry Storage Container
These containers are one of the most used instances of containers utilized in the shipping market. They are typically available in lengths of 20 feet, 40 feet, or 45 feet. They are usually used for the transportation of dry goods. These shipping containers do not permit effective temperature control. Therefore, they are not preferred for the movement of chemicals or food materials requiring refrigeration.
#Flat Rack Containers
A dedicated flat rack container features only two sides and no top. This feature makes ample room for the storage of heavy loads to be set from the side or the above. Most of the flat rack containers tend to be 20 or 40 feet in length. They are usually made out of stainless steel for ensuring the overall durability and strength. Some flat rack containers are designed to be collapsible. On the other hand, there are some available with additional walls that are attached to the frame.
#Open Top Containers
This container is typically a type of dry storage container without any top. It allows for easy loading of cargo in bulk quantities. It is a roof structure made out of plastic. It is secured to the container with the help of ropes. It offers ample protection against rain and other types of precipitation.
Open top containers are handled by leading exporters to ensure the security of the shipment.
#Open Side Storage Containers
This type of storage container features an elongated side that is capable of opening completely. It is beneficial for merchandise that is wide and might face difficulty in going through the end of the container. The side swings of the open side storage containers open as if it features two large doors. However, the doors can still be used for securing and protecting the merchandise inside.
#Refrigerated ISO Containers
It also goes by the name as refeer. It is an intermodal form of container that is used in the intermodal transportation of freight that gets refrigerated before transportation of the temperature-sensitive cargo. A refeer or refrigerated ISO container will feature an integral unit for refrigeration. Refrigeration usually relies on external power.
#ISO Tanks
These feature tanks in the form of storage containers that are designed to transport hot liquids. They are usually designed with the help of anti-corrosion materials due to the chemicals they might be transporting. Tanks are also utilized in the transportation of dry goods.
Conclusion
If you are involved in the import-export industry, it is imperative for you to know about some of the important types of containers for shipping. Additionally, it is also important to know about export-related documents or information like ICEGATE specification.