by Kyla Camille Nievera, Negosentro.com |
A shipping container is a container which has strength enough to withstand extremely heavy duty shipment, storage as well as handling. Nowadays, shipping containers have ceased to be merely containers used for shipping and have a wide range of other applications as well. There are various types of containers to facilitate all types of shipping and each type has a different characteristic. Below listed are the most commonly used shipping containers:
- Dry storage
- Flat rack
- Open top
- Tunnel
- Open side storage
- Double doors
- Refrigerated
- Thermally and electrically insulated
- Tanks
- Roll container
- Half height
- Car carriers
- Drums
The general uses of shipping containers for shipping purposes are mentioned below:
- It is used for shipping dry products and is one of the widely-used containers.
- It is used for loading of heavy loads and cargo which is to be loaded from the top or sideways
- It is also used for loading from the top and from a height as it can have a completely removable top which enables you to ship tall consignments.
- It has doors on both the ends like the tunnel which enables easy and quick loading and unloading. They also have doors which can open completely giving a wide opening to load or unload.
- They are provided with double doors and are made up of steel or iron for easy loading and unloading.
- It is used for shipping products like fruits, vegetable, meat, and other perishable products as it can have a temperature controlling system which helps to maintain low temperature. It also has heat regulation controls to maintain a high temperature which allows goods to be warmer when required.
- It is the most commonly used mode of transporting liquid materials as it can be made up of anti-corrosive coating inside and strong steel which prevents any chance of leakage and prevent it from causing any environmental damage. Mainly used to carry crude oil or toxic chemicals.
- It is used for carrying gravels, sand, and cement. The shipping containers used for these purposes can carry low volume and heavy cargo on ships and trains.
- It is used for car shipment for long distances and it has special attachments for loading and unloading the cars.
Container fumigation:
It is a process which involves usage of chemicals in gas form to treat the container for removing all the pest or disease. The containers are made risk free from pest so that they cannot enter the state or country. It can be done without any infestation at the port of loading clearance.
There are many ways the infestation can occur:
Fumigation is a vital process as there might be some hidden infestations. It can happen due to factors like:
- Place where the cargo has been stored before shipment.
- Poor quality consignments that have pest or insect infestations.
- Remains of the previous residues.
- Due to moisture.
Benefits of using a shipping container for transport:
- Durable and strong: Shipping containers are made up of a special type of steel called Corten steel which is extremely strong. They are built keeping in mind the extremities of weather conditions.
- Lots and lots of space: They are available in various sizes and can be huge enough to even fit a home within. So, you can easily transport huge structures.
- Waterproof and watertight: As they are used for transporting cargo overseas as well, they are built to prevent water from entering it and damaging your cargo. Thus, it is suitable for all types transport modes.
- Affordable: Considering the size, durability, and usefulness, they are comparatively cheaper.
So, it is obvious that shipping containers are the first choice to reliably transport goods without damage.
