Believe it or not, there are various types of shipping containers used to transport goods. Further, each type has its specific purpose, making shipping loads much more straightforward. Get acquainted with some of the most common container options on the market and discover which one is best for your shipments.
Dry Storage Container
Dry storage containers are among the most common shipping containers on the market. You’ve probably seen them strapped to trains whooshing by on the occasional railroad stop. They’re also quite famous in massive shipping yards and docks. These 20- to 45-foot rectangles are specially designed to transport dry goods in bulk.
They cannot be temperature controlled, making them unsuitable for transporting food, chemicals, and other materials that require refrigeration. However, they’re still able to transport a wealth of dry products. In fact, dry storage containers are responsible for transporting a significant proportion of the world’s freight. As such, they’ve also played a major role in globalizing commerce.
Flat Rack Container
Flat racks are another common type of shipping container. However, these containers are a bit less common on railroad tracks. You’re far more likely to see them on boats and other forms of international freight shipping. The flat rack is partially exposed, which makes it an excellent option for those shipments that don’t quite fit the dimensions of a regular shipping container.
Moreover, they’re ideal for goods that don’t have to be entirely protected from the elements as they travel. This often means that flat racks are most functional for shipping heavy equipment, machinery, or machine parts, etc. As a result, any goods transported via flat rack container must be tied down using load securement equipment.
Refrigerated ISO Containers
Refrigerated containers—also known as reefers—are containers used in intermodal freight transport. That is to say that they’re used for shipping temperature-sensitive goods that require refrigeration. These containers have a built-in refrigeration unit. But it’s important to remember that they also rely on electrical power points at a land-based site, a quay, or container ship to “power-up.”
These units can be charged with diesel-powered generators during transport so that the container’s temperature remains consistent throughout. ISO containers of this kind can reach and maintain temperatures of -65 degrees to 40 degrees Celsius.
Special Purpose Containers
Last but not least, we have special purpose containers. These containers can be manufactured to fit almost any shape, size, and dimension. As their name suggests, these particular units exclusively transport goods that require a specially designed container to house them.
Most companies avoid this type of container whenever they can. Why? Because there’s a hefty price tag on a custom-built shipping container of any kind. Still, they’re an excellent option for loads requiring a specific type of container to be shipped safely.
In any case, there is a wide variety of shipping containers that the freight industry uses to ensure the safe transport of shipments. Moreover, there’s a container for pretty much any type of good you can imagine. Thus, knowing what some of them are can help you decide which fits the needs of your shipments. Hopefully, this guide helped explain some of the most common shipping containers on the market.
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Thanks so much for explaining what the types of shipping containers do. My uncle wants to buy one to use as a sturdy shed in his backyard where he can keep tools and vehicles. We’ll have to look more into what each type of container does and if it can be used for what he wants to do.
One of my pals has been thinking about how to select the best storage containers for his factory’s storage needs. I came on this page while trying to assist him in making a decision. Now that I understand there are various sorts of containers, I believe flat rack containers are the best fit for his case since his factory contains a lot of heavy equipment. I will absolutely inform him about this informative article. Thank you very much.
Thanks for explaining how each type of shipping container has a specific purpose to make shipping straightforward. I imagine that no matter the type of container, it’d be crucial to be able to transport them efficiently. In order to do so, I’d recommend investing in high-quality moving equipment.
It got my attention when you said that the most common shopping container on the market is dry storage containers. This reminds me of companies that need to have shipping containers on their trailers to continue transporting goods. I could imagine how your tips could ensure that they would find a reliable shipping container supplier.
Thanks for explaining how each type of shipping container has a specific purpose to make shipping straightforward. I imagine that no matter the type of container, it’d be crucial to be able to transport them efficiently. In order to do so, I’d recommend investing in high-quality moving equipment.
Thank you for informing us that dry storage containers are some of the most common options on the market since they are specifically designed to transport dry goods in bulk for massive shipping yards and docks. I imagine if you need to do heavy cargo shipping for your business, it would be wise to consider dry storage containers to ensure you have enough space for the items. I’ll keep this in mind and consider it in case I ever need storage containers in the future.
Well-explained classification.
We appreciate you notifying us that dry storage containers are among the most popular choices available due to their unique design for bulk dry goods transportation for large shipping yards and ports. I guess it would be prudent to think about dry storage containers if you need to carry large freight for your company to make sure you have adequate room for the things. If I ever require storage containers in the future, I’ll keep this in mind and consider it.
Great general guideline resource for various models of cargo containers, like the fact that flat racks are included as a category of specialized equipment and the mention of other custom builds are out there.