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Types of Shipping Containers and Their Uses

Updated: Jun 19

Shipping containers are the backbone of global trade, connecting businesses, cultures, and consumers across the world.


Crane lifting container

Harnessing these essential tools of trade, our comprehensive sea freight and container haulage services provide you with flexible and secure solutions for your shipping needs, including our advantageous Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping options. Whether you are transporting shoes, coffee beans, electronics, or heavy-duty machinery, there is a specialised container for each purpose.


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Shipping Container Types

 

LCL Shipping


Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping is a cost-effective solution for businesses that do not have enough cargo to fill an entire container. This service allows you to share container space with other shippers, reducing your shipping costs and providing a more environmentally friendly option. LCL shipping gives you access to regular sailings and is more flexible with the volume and weight of cargo.



 

Shipping Container Types


1. Dry Storage Containers


Dry standard containers

Dry storage containers are the most commonly used shipping containers. They come in standard sizes of 20ft, 40ft and 45ft and are used to ship dry goods such as furniture, boxes of clothes and machinery.


2. Flat Rack Containers


Flat rack container

Flat rack containers have collapsible sides that can be folded to create a flat rack. They are perfect for transporting heavy loads, such as machinery, pipework and construction materials.


3. Open Top Containers


Open top container

Open top containers, as the name suggests, do not have a solid roof; instead, they are covered with a removable tarpaulin. This design allows for the transportation of goods that cannot be easily loaded through the door, such as tall machinery, timber and metal scrap.


4. Tunnel Containers


Tunnel containers

Unique to tunnel containers are doors on both ends of the container, enabling easy loading and unloading. They're particularly handy when dealing with heavy or cumbersome cargo.


5. Side Open Containers


Side-open container

Side open containers offer a larger side door, useful for loading and unloading of bulky cargo. This makes them ideal for transporting large pallets, timber and pipes.


6. Refrigerated Containers


Reefer container

Refrigerated containers, also known as "reefers", are used for goods that need to be transported at specific temperatures, such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, dairy and even medicine.


7. Insulated or Thermal Containers


Insulated Container

Insulated or thermal containers are equipped with a regulated temperature control system. These are essential for shipping goods that demand a constant temperature, which could be either hot or cold.


8. Tank Containers


Tank containers

Tank containers are cylindrical containers set within a rectangular steel frame. They are used for safely transporting bulk liquids like oils, chemicals, or food products like milk and fruit juices.


9. High Cube Containers


High cube containers are similar to standard containers, but they have an extra foot in height. This makes them perfect for lightweight, bulky cargo as it allows for more space.


10. Half Height Containers


Half height container

Half height containers are typically half the height of full-sized containers and are made of steel. They are commonly used for heavy and dense cargo, such as coal or stones.


Shipping containers are designed with specific uses in mind; understanding the benefits and purposes of each container type can ensure you make the most suitable selection for your shipping needs. In the ever-evolving world of global trade, our sea freight and container haulage services stand as pillars of reliability and efficiency. With our extensive understanding of diverse shipping needs, we offer robust solutions to ensure your goods are transported seamlessly across the globe.Whether you are interested in exploring the cost-saving benefits of LCL shipping or require full container loads, we are here to handle the logistical aspects of your cargo’s journey, safely and efficiently making your worries of transportation a thing of the past.






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