How to Enhance your Cognizance on Maritime Shipping Containers | LOTUS Containers
Undeniably maritime transport is one of the most popular methods of international transport. It has been the backbone of all imports and exports and was widely adopted by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, Arabs and Europeans. The maritime transport industry has evolved over the years. We’ve come a long way from the use of sailboats, dhows, dragon boats and steamships to the current state-of-the-art ULCVs, VLOCs and VLCCs.
Global trade by sea constitutes 89.5% of the shipping industry. Globalization has thrown the corridors open for international trade. Today, a variety of containers are used for freight and cargo transport whereas the majority of international trade is carried out via sea. Hence, having an understanding of containers which are essential in international trade is largely beneficial.
Glimpse of Maritime Shipping Containers: Maritime shipping containers come in different sizes and colors. This is not the apparent difference that matters but the specifications and benefits of the container do. A well-informed decision needs to be made before selection. Want to know more about maritime shipping containers?
- Maritime shipping containers are measured in feet
- It’s important for buyers to know the container’s internal structure and door dimension before buying. Generally, containers are standard but can be changed to suit the carrier
- Payloads are variable based on the size of the carrier and it needs to be verified before shipment of cargo.
- Generally, the weight of containers is common for freight transport by both train and truck
- Containers are made of steel with corrugated sides. The bottom area of containers is made of treated wood or plywood.
Types of shipping containers and their benefits
Standard Shipping Containers: These are enclosed units with rigid walls, roof, floor, and its one wall end can be opened for easy access.
Available size- (length x width x height). This is applicable to all types of containers unless customized
20`x8`x8`6`
40`x8x8`6
40`x8`x 9`6
Standard containers are a highly popular shipping option and are mainly used for transporting dry cargo packaged in boxes, bags, and bales, etc.
Hard top containers: These are mainly used for transporting heavier cargo. Its steel roofs can be removed for packing and the door can be swung out.
Hard top open containers are meant for heavy loads and items taller than 40’ with a 40’ cube option
Flat rack containers: It has a steel frame and no sidewalls with a wooden floor. Fitted or collapsible end walls accommodate the cargo. Flat rack containers are used to transport heavy, bulky and oversized (length or width) cargoes. These containers enable maximum utilization of space as the goods can be stacked one over the other.
Platform container: It has a floor structure without side or ends walls. It is made up of a steel frame and wooden floor. Platform containers are mainly used for extremely heavy and oversized loads.
Open top container: It is a general standard container without rigid roofs. The door wall can be swung out. A flexible tarpaulin roof can be adjusted. Used for overweight cargo.
Reefer containers:- This is a refrigerated unit with a compressor to heat or cool packaged/perishable goods. Specially fitted with polyurethane foam reefer containers also have adjustable ventilation.
Insulated container: It is similar to reefer containers. Polyurethane foam walls maximize insulation to store cargo which needs to be kept at a constant temperature.
Looking to buy or hire maritime shipping containers?
If yes, make LOTUS Containers your first choice. Whether you need maritime shipping containers for rent, cargo shipping containers for sale, or want to buy freight shipping containers, look no further than us.
