If you’re looking for a suitable shipping container when importing from China, then this is a must-read guide for you.
Reason?
I am going to help you choose the right shipping container for your imports.
This guide covers every single detail you’d like to know – from shipping container sizes, designs, applications to transport relationship, among others.
Here is a quick overview of what you’ll learn here:
What is a Shipping Container?
A shipping container is a vessel or box that is commonly used to transport goods over a long distance.
It is also preferred for shipping goods across countries and continents.
Why do you need a Shipping Container?
You need a container for your business or company due to the several advantages that come hand in hand with them.
Some of the pros of using a shipping container are as follows:
They are suitable for storage of a variety of goods. From heavy bulky goods to livestock and flammable products.
Surety of the safety of your cargo. This is a secure means of goods transportation.
The containers are versatile and flexible. Therefore, they are easily movable across diverse locations.
They are strong and durable thus they can be used over and over again without being written off (usually for many years).
The containers can be used over various global destinations since they are internationally accepted.
They are also vast and spacious offering you just the adequate space you require for your consignment.
Affordable and effective, hence offers low transportation cost plus initial inexpensive buying cost.
Can be modified and used with other accessories e.g. padlocks, lock boxes to suit your needs.
Available in different sizes and therefore offers you the chance to select your preferred size. From 20 feet to 40 feet container.
By now am sure you have already made up your mind that you need a shipping container.
But before you make a purchase, you need to make a decision on the most suitable type.
With that in mind, why don’t we look at the various types of these containers?
What are the Types of Shipping Containers Available in the Market?
1. According to the Types of Goods you’re Shipping
Therefore, these containers also fall into the following classes:
i. General cargo container.
ii. Bulk shipping container.
iii. Liquid cargo container.
iv. Reefer shipping container
v. Tank shipping container.
vi. Flat rack shipping container.
vii. Open top shipping container.
viii. Car shipping container
ix. The livestock shipping container ( Pen Container)
x. The hide container
§ General Cargo Container
§ Bulk Shipping Container
§ Liquid Cargo Container
§ Reefer Shipping Container
§ Tank Shipping Container
§ Flat Rack Shipping Container
§ Open Top Shipping Containers
What is NVOCC ?
NVOCC is famously known as a Freight forwarder or forwarding agent.
Interestingly, the forwarder does not transport goods, but does logistics.
This agent usually contracts other carriers to do the shipment.
In most cases, shipments undertaken by forwarder involve several modes of transport that are ships, air, road, and rails.
Additionally, there exists international NVOCC who
- What is a Shipping Container?
- Why do you need a Shipping Container?
- What are the Types of Shipping Containers Available in the Market?
- Shipping Container Transport Relationship
- Shipping Container Handover Mode
- Shipping Container Import and Export Business Process
- Tj chinafreight Forward Freight Services from China
- Conclusion
Ensure you read till the end.
Let’s do this.
What is a Shipping Container?
Well, it sounds a pretty obvious question.
Shipping containers are preferred by many due to their rigidity, ability to sustain adverse weather conditions and strength together with their stipulations for use in turnover.
Apart from that, you will most likely like the containers since they have a unique and distinct identification mode.
All these containers are embedded with 11 alphanumericalpatterns referred to as box number.
The first four digits are usually letters while the last seven digits are numbers.
The process of shipment of the goods is very simple.
They are loaded at the consignor’s warehouse or factorystoreroom thereafter shipped to the consignee’s warehouse.
The goods are thus unloaded at this point.
The good news is that, even if the truck is changed in the process of transportation, you need not worry.
Why?
Because your goods are safe and cannot be mishandled.
They shall remain within the box untampered with.
Due to the popularity of shipping containers, various countries and governments have made a significant input to ensure the safety and protection of customers and users of containers.
These nations, including China, Japan, USA, France and others have incorporated quality assurance bodies.
The containers are thus certified by the following organizations.
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- International Container Safety Convention (CSC).
- Container Customs Convention (CCC).
- British National Standards
If you are indeed not sure whether you need to acquire a shipping container.
Then have a look at the next part.
What are the Types of Shipping Containers Available in the Market?
Well, for clarification, the shipping container types are classified based on FIVE categories.
They are thus grouped on the basis of:
- Types of goods you’re shipping.
- The shipping container material.
- Design and structure of the shipping container.
- Dimension and size of shipping container.
- Total weight of the shipping container.
Interesting uh?
I will take you through all these categories.
Ensure you continue reading till the end.
1. According to the Types of Goods you’re Shipping
Every type of container is designed with respect to the kind of cargo to be loaded into it.
Therefore, these containers also fall into the following classes:
i. General cargo container.
ii. Bulk shipping container.
iii. Liquid cargo container.
iv. Reefer shipping container
v. Tank shipping container.
vi. Flat rack shipping container.
vii. Open top shipping container.
viii. Car shipping container
ix. The livestock shipping container ( Pen Container)
x. The hide container
Our focus now is based upon these classes.
It’s time we discuss them.
§ General Cargo Container
It is also called a general – purpose container.
If your business deals with general groceries, then I bet this kind of container will just serve you dearly.
Besides, it is very common and available.
Actually, it is liked by many since it serves many kinds of purposes.
In addition, it does not need to be adjusted to meet specific temperature ranges.
§ Bulk Shipping Container
Just as its name suggests, this container is basically used for loading and transporting very bulky goods.
It is built to withstand the immense stress of handling and pressure caused by the freightload.
The cargo associated with this container may include powder, granules and large components.
§ Liquid Cargo Container
Are you in need of shipping liquid consignment?
Then you are catered for, this container is specifically built to assist in the transportation of liquid cargo.
It is therefore customized to suit the liquid loads and minimizes leakages that may be caused.
§ Reefer Shipping Container
Commonly known as refrigerated containers.
This is an inter-modal container used for the shipment of goods that are sensitive to temperature changes or conditions.
These containers are suitable for transportation and holding of perishable goods.
To serve their purpose, they are distinctively constructed.
There exists a refrigeration unit in their compartment.
The freezer relies upon electrical power points called reefer points.
Some of these reefers are also equipped with water cooling scheme to serve together with the freezer for thermal regulation.
Their interior walls are constructed using a special material which has low thermal conductivity.
This helps to minimize any variation in the regulated temperature range.
Refrigerated containers usually control temperatures in the range of -65˚C to 40˚C.
§ Tank Shipping Container
Also known as tanktainer.
It is used for the transport of liquids, gases,and powders.
They are built in accordance to the ISO standardization.
They are thus effective for transport of both hazardous and non-hazardous freight.
This kind of container is specially structured.
It has a stainless steel wall coated with a layer of insulation and protection.
The container is usually made to fit into the center of a steel rigid frame with dimensions of 6.05 meters long, 2.40 meters wide, 2.55 meters high.
Measurements are aligned according to ISO standards.
Both smaller and larger containers are available for this kind.
Additionally, the components of these tanks should range from 17,500 liters to 26,000 liters.
The certified tanks used to transport of hazardous goods or products have to pass the quality tests and regulations.
Some of these requirements are those of the IMDG US DOT, etc. a variety of UN-portable tanks are used for transport of dangerous bulk chemicals.
§ Flat Rack Shipping Container
Unlike bulk containers, this type is suitable for loading large and bulky cargo that is impossible to fit in an ordinary container.
So then the cargo needs to be loaded from the top or sideways.
The cargo associated with flat rack container may include pipes, cables, steel coils and heavy machinery.
You will be amazed by the fact that they have collapsible and non-collapsible end walls.
Some with side walls while others without.
The sole advantage is that you can still stack many of these containers together.
The collapsible flat rack containers have got a big loading capacity floor.
They also have two end walls, but lack side walls.
However, their end walls are non-fitted and collapsible if need be.
They are therefore important for shipping wide cargo and due to their collapsible ends, it is possible to store them in limited space.
They are manufactured from steel and available in two sizes that are 20 feet and 40 feet.
Let’s have a look at their respective dimensions.
The table below shows the dimensions of the flat rack containers.
| Parameters | 20 feet | 40 feet |
| Tare weight | 2,360kg / 5,203.8 lbs | 5,000kg / 11,025 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 30,140 kg / 66,458.7 lbs | 40,000 kg / 88200 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 32.7 m³ / 1,154.3 cu ft | 62.2 m³ / 2195.7 cu ft |
| Internal width | 2.35 m / 7.7 ft | 2.40 m / 7.9 ft |
| Internal length | 2.3 m / 7.55 ft | 2.14 m / 7 ft |
It is important to note that these dimensions may vary depending on the manufacturer’s preference.
§ Open Top Shipping Containers
Unlike the flat rack containers, this kind of containers has got a wide open top and firmly intact walls.
However, the top may be covered if need be using a material such as removable tarpaulin or hardened roof.
This feature suits the oversize, irregular and bulky cargo that needs to be loaded from the top by use of a crane.
Some of these goods are timber and scrap metal.
They additionally have got end doors to serve hand in hand during loading and offloading of goods.
Loading is a lot easier when using an open top container.
This is because items can be loaded and offloaded directly into the container by a crane.
Afterward, the roof may be reattached if required and ready for shipping.
This kind of container is preferred by shipping companies, especially when clients need a container for overseas shipping.
Like flat racks, the open top containers are also available in 20 feet and 40 feet.
The various dimensions of the open top containers are summarized in the table below.
Again, note that they all depend on the manufacturer and sometimes can be customized.
Have a look.
| Parameters | 20 feet | 40 feet |
| Tare weight | 2,350 kg / 5181.8 lbs | 3,850 kg / 8489.3 lbs |
| Payload capacity | 28,130 kg / 62, 026.7 lbs | 26,630 kg / 58,719.2 lbs |
| Cubic capacity | 32.5 m³ / 1,147.3 cu ft | 66.4 m³ / 2,343.9 cu ft |
| Internal length | 5.9 m / 19.3 ft | 12.03 m / 39.5 ft |
| Internal width | 2.35 m / 7.7 ft | 2.35 m / 7.7 ft |
| Internal height | 2.38 m / 7.8 ft | 2.38 m / 7.8 ft |
Please note:
- Ft – Feet
- Cu ft – cubic feet
- M – Meter
§ Car Shipping Container
Are you a car dealer?
Do you want to purchase some cars?
This type of container is therefore ideal for you since it has several adjustments to enable secure shipping of cars across the world and even overseas.
This container floor can be divided into two or more layers.
The automobiles are securely blocked and tied down to ensure absolute security during shipping.
This helps to minimize the chances of damage to the autos.
§ The Livestock Shipping Container (Pen Container)
It is now more easy and safer to transport your livestock than ever.
This because the livestock container has several adjustments to accommodate your farm animals.
The customizable provisions are:
- Floor, side walls, a closed end wall and a roof.
- Portioned interior space of the container.
- Stalls for the livestock.
- Feed storage segment for the livestock.
- Ventilation partitions
All these justify the need for transporting your livestock, over a long distance in a pen container.
- Hide Shipping Container
For this kind of container, it is particularly designed to transport the leaking portions of the animal skin such as rawhide’s.
It is fixed with a double bottom floor segment to trap the leakage.
Additionally, hangers are stationed at the roof to hook the hide leaving them hanging to enhance complete leaking of the liquid.
Let’s move onto the second classification of shipping containers.
2. In Accordance with the Shipping Container Material
The materials used to manufacture the containers are diverse depending on the suitability of each material.
Therefore the containers may be subdivided into:
i. Steel shipping container
ii. Aluminum alloy shipping container
iii. FRP Shipping containe
iv. Fiberboard shipping container
v. Wooden shipping container
Shall I guide you now through these types?
§ What is a Steel Shipping Container?
This kind is composed of steel as a major raw material.
Now, I know you might have some reservations about steel due to its bulky nature and reduced corrosion endurance.
Nevertheless, you might want to give that a second thought.
Below are some of the advantages of steel container you really need to know.
- Extraordinary strength
- Concrete structure
- Great weldability
- Good waterproof
- Relatively cheap to buy
· What of the Aluminum Alloy Shipping Container?
This kind of container is manufactured of aluminum alloy materials.
Rewards for using this container are.
- Light in weight
- Beautiful exterior
- Resistance to corrosion
- Elastic
- Appropriate processing
- Reduced processing cost
- Little repair costs
- Durable
It is prudent to mention that some of its disadvantages are that it is expensive to buy and inferior welding performance.
Still, you need to consider their numerous pros.
· FRP Shipping Container
This kind is constructed by use of Fiber Reinforced plastic material.
They are ideal for both shipping and storage of your cargo.
Some of the benefits of using this container are: its’
- High power or strength
- High rigidity
- Great interior volume
- Adequate capability for heat insulation
- Resistance to corrosion
- Ability for chemical resistance
- Ability to enhance easy cleaning and repair
The limitations associated with it are that:
- It is heavy
- It is notlong lasting
- With time the bolt strength is minimized
· Wooden Shipping Containers
These vessels are entirely made of wood or timber.
They are commonly used for transporting heavy and immensely compact products.
Did you know that they are usually preferred for use by government agencies, especially in the shipment and delivery of military and government equipment?
Now you know.
· Fiberboard Shipping Container
The fiberboard is usually used to build a folding container.
It can be molded into corrugated fiberboard container whose primary role may be for protection.
This container offers you a superior combination of services i.e.
- Shipping
- Material utilization
- Availability of a variety of designs and structures.
Due to the fiberboard construction:
- Container has got lightweight
- It can be recycled
- The container is firm enough to ship a wide range of goods
Having known that, it is time to move onto the next category.
3. In Relation to Design and Structure of Shipping Container
The container designs and structures differ widely.
Therefore, they can be classified into:
- Folding shipping containers
- Fixed shipping containers
- Thin shell shipping containers
· Folding Containers
Are you in need of storage space?
Do you have a small floor space?
Then folding containers are the perfect answer for your situation.
These containers can be folded down and easily moved to different locations with a lot of ease.
Additionally, they are quick to assemble for use whenever required.
This property gives them an edge over other pre-assembled containers that consumes a lot of time and space ,especially during transportation.
Some other advantages of foldable shipping containers are:
- They are compact and hence can be carried to any location.
- Due to they’re easy to carry nature, they help with savings of transportation and delivery costs.
- They are easy to assemble, simple to set up and fold.
- Strong and durable.
- They come in different sizes – 2m, 3m, and 4m but have a uniform width of 2m.
- They are also flexible and can be inter-joined to provide a larger storage area for your goods.
· Fixed Shipping Containers
These vessels are as well available in different types such as:
- Open top containers
- Rack containers
- Pallet containers
More details had been issued on this subject.
For more information about them, please refer to the earlier discussion in the guide.
· Thin Shell Shipping Container
For this kind, all its components are embedded into a steel body.
Its exclusive advantage is that it is very light in weight.
Besides, it easily adapts to stress and torsion generated by the goods.
But no worry since no permanent deformation of the container can occur.
4. According to the Total Weight of the Container
The container weights vary, but the common ones include 30 tons, 20 tons, 10 tons, 5 tons, 2.5 tons etc.
The weight, however, depends according to the container manufacturer.
Again, they can be customized to meet an emerging trend or serve a specific purpose.
5. In Relation to the Dimension and Size of a Shipping Container
The dry containers that are commonly used globally are diverse.
They are classified into 20 feet, 40 feet, 20-foot cabinet, 40-foot flat bottom container just to mention a few.
I have compiled the table belowto assist you to understand the classification of the containers in this category in relation to their dimensions.
| Container | Outer dimensions | Internal dimensions | Gross weight | Interior volume |
| 20 foot | 20 ft ×8 ft × 8 ft 6 in | |||
| 40 feet | 40 ft × 8 ft × 8 ft 6 in |
| 20-foot cabinet | 5.69 m × 2.13 m × 2.18 m | 17.5 tons | 24 – 26 m³ | |
| 40-foot cabinet | 11.8 m × 2.13 m × 2.18 m | 22 tons | 54 m³ | |
| 40 feet high cabinet | 40 ft × 8 ft × 9 ft 6in | 11.8 m × 2.13 m × 2.72 m | 22 tons | 68 m³ |
| 45-foot high cabinet | 13.58 m × 2.34 m × 2.71 m | 29 tons | 86 m³ | |
| 20 foot open top cabinet | 5.89 m × 2.32 m × 2.31 m | 20 tons | 31.5 m³ | |
| 40 foot open top cabinet | 12.01 m × 2.33 m × 2.15 m | 30.4 tons | 65 m³ | |
| 20-foot flat bottom | 5.85 m × 2.23 m × 2.15 m | 23 tons | 28 m³ | |
| 40 foot flat bottomed | 12.05 m × 2.12 m × 1.96 m | 36 tons | 50 m³ | |
| 20-foot folding platform cargo box | 5.95 m × 2.22 m × 2.23 m | 27.1 tons | 29 m³ | |
| 40-foot folding platform cargo box | 12.08 m × 2.13 m × 2.04 m | 29.2 tons | 52 m³ |
Please note that the initials used are:
- Ft – Feet
- In – inches
- m – Meters
- m³ – cubic meters
Furthermore, the outer dimensions comprise of:
- The longest length
- Width
- The height of the exterior parts of the container.
- This is also inclusive of the permanent attachment points of the vessel.
This outer dimension is essential in determining if a container can be fitted between a ship, truck, a chassis or any locomotive.
This is, therefore, a vital technical information that has to be grasped by transportation authorities and agencies.
Also,the internal dimensions referto the maximum
- Length
- Width
- Height
The height is the interior distance between the floor of the box and the inner topmost roof.
The width is the distance between the two interior liners.
On the other hand, the length now makes the distance between the inner part of box door and inner end wall.
These parameters aids in the calculation of the internal volume of the container and the maximum size of goods that can be fitted into it.
The interior volume of the container is also referred to as the loading capacity.
It can be calculated from the size of the vessel.
However, containers of similar specifications have got the difference in capacities due the varied structural designs and material.
Have you been wondering how the quantities of containers available are calculated?
Twenty- feet equivalent units (TEU) also called 20-foot conversion units is used.
Containerization in most countries, employs the use of 20 feet and 40 feet long containers.
For the sake of uniformity in the estimation of the number of containers, a 20-foot container is used as a single unit of calculation.
Likewise, a 40-foot container provides two calculation units to enhance the harmonization of the determination of container operations.
That brings us to the end of the discussion based upon the type of shipping containers.
You may be asking yourself:
