Shipping containers are basically used for temporary storage of goods while it is being transported from one place to another. These containers are made out of different materials and are designed differently to fit different usages. These come in different sizes and weights as well.
Dimensions: The different lengths of shipping containers are – 10 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, and 40 feet. The width is 8 feet. Heights are either 8.5 feet or 9.5 feet.
It is important that one understands the terms when talking about shipping containers. There are three words you must understand. First, there is the shipping container’s rating. Rating is the maximum weight permissible for the shipping containers plus its contents. Then we have the tare mass or tare weight. This is the weight of the empty container under normal operating conditions. Then the payload – that refers to the total weight that a shipping container can carry. In the actual scenario though, the payload maybe less as there are some areas that have laws governing the maximum load a vehicle could carry.
These shipping containers have stickers that show its rating, tare weight and payload. Also a sticker showing the identification code is also placed outside and inside the container walls. The identification codes of these shipping containers would show the owner of the containers and the container numbers. These data will be used in the bill of lading for better monitoring, control and tracing of the container and its cargo.
Shipping containers are generally classified into two groups. First we have the general purpose or dry cargo container, which is the most common container used in the industry. It is built strong and is waterproof. One of its sidewalls usually has a door. The second group would be the special cargo containers. Such would be the tank containers, which are used for transporting chemicals, and the thermal containers that are used for goods such as meat, fruits, etc.
Whatever your needs are, the various shipping containers available can address your shipping container needs. Depending on the goods you plan to transport, have the shipping containers that are fit for it. The shipping companies will usually handle this for you, but it is always better to ask what shipping containers they will be using for your case. With some knowledge about these you are better ensured of getting the right shipping service and shipping containers for your goods.
