Cargo and Containers – Container Types
Different types of cargo require different types of containers. Most cargo is carried in standard dry cargo containers, i.e. closed aluminum or steel boxes with doors at one end. But the cargo type or cargo dimensions may require that different equipment types are used.
Different types of cargo require different types of containers. Most cargo is carried in standard dry cargo containers, i.e. closed aluminum or steel boxes with doors at one end. But the cargo type or cargo dimensions may require that different equipment types are used.
The shipping line that has special equipment available and is able to handle such shipments onboard its vessels has an advantage over others.
Some of the main container types are:
Dry freight / standard containers
A dry freight container is a closed box with one set of doors, and is designed for general cargo. Shipping Line dry containers are made of aluminium or steel and are equipped with inside plywood lining.
A dry freight container is a closed box with one set of doors, and is designed for general cargo. Shipping Line dry containers are made of aluminium or steel and are equipped with inside plywood lining.
Reefer containers
A reefer container is a container equipped with lining and machinery that can maintain and control temperature, humidity and ventilation during shipment.
A reefer container is a container equipped with lining and machinery that can maintain and control temperature, humidity and ventilation during shipment.
Flat rack containers
A flat rack container is a unit which consists of a base frame and two end walls, or alternatively, four individual corner posts. Flat racks are ideal for transporting heavy machinery and pipes, since they can be loaded from the top or from the sides. The end walls/corner posts can be either fixed or collapsible. Shipping Line flat rack containers are available in 20’ and 40’ lengths.
A flat rack container is a unit which consists of a base frame and two end walls, or alternatively, four individual corner posts. Flat racks are ideal for transporting heavy machinery and pipes, since they can be loaded from the top or from the sides. The end walls/corner posts can be either fixed or collapsible. Shipping Line flat rack containers are available in 20’ and 40’ lengths.
Open top containers
An open top container of aluminium or steel allows cargo to be lowered into the container by means of a crane if the cargo is not suited for loading through the doors. Rather than having a permanent metal roof, the open top container is equipped with removable roof bows and a tarpaulin cover. Also the door header can be removed. Bullrings for securing are mounted on the floor.
An open top container of aluminium or steel allows cargo to be lowered into the container by means of a crane if the cargo is not suited for loading through the doors. Rather than having a permanent metal roof, the open top container is equipped with removable roof bows and a tarpaulin cover. Also the door header can be removed. Bullrings for securing are mounted on the floor.
Open top containers are designed primarily for heavy loads requiring top loading, and of course for over height cargo.
Cargo and Containers – Container Sizes
Containers also exist in different sizes to accommodate different customer needs.
Containers also exist in different sizes to accommodate different customer needs.
Length and Height
In international shipping, containers follow standard measurements which allows for efficient handling in terminals and onboard vessels.
In international shipping, containers follow standard measurements which allows for efficient handling in terminals and onboard vessels.
Standard lengths are 20 and 40 foot. Additionally, 45 foot containers may be available.
Standard height is 8 feet and 6 inches. Additional height is added to some 40’ and 45’ containers which are then referred to as High Cube containers.
Payload and Capacity
There is a limit to how much a container can carry in terms of weight and volume.
There is a limit to how much a container can carry in terms of weight and volume.
It is primarily the volume of cargo to be shipped (cubic metre / square feet volume) and the cargo dimensions that determine which container size is used but weight must also be considered. Heavy containers may require special handling during terminal operations, container stacking and transport by road.
“Payload” is the maximum cargo weight the container is built to carry (depends on the size of the container and which type of materials it is built of, e.g. aluminium or steel).
“Capacity” is the absolute maximum cubic capacity of the container (CBM or Sq. Feet) but note that if cargo is e.g. palletised or packed in boxes, the loading capacity is often less. For example, the maximum capacity of a 20’ container is approx. 33 CBM (if you filled it with water) but the “true cargo maximum” is probably closer to 28 CBM.
Standard container sizes and payload/capacity
20 foot container (20’)
- Length: 20’
- Height: 8’6”
- Payload: up to 28.3 tons
- Capacity: Max. 33 CBM
40 foot container (40’)
- Length: 40’
- Height: 8’6”
- Payload: up to 30.4 tons
- Capacity: Max. 67 CBM
40 foot high-cube container (40HC)
- Length: 40’
- Height: 9’6”
- Payload: up to 30.4 tons
- Capacity: Max. 76 CBM Version 1.1. March 2005
45 foot high-cube container (45HC)
- Length: 45’
- Height: 9’6”
- Payload: up to 30.4 tons
- Capacity: Max. 86 CBM
Cargo and Containers - TEU/FFE
Within container shipping, the number of containers that a carrier owns or operates, the number of containers that a vessel can carry, or the number of containers that a customer ships per year is expressed in so-called TEU or FFE.
TEU means Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (one 20’ container). FFE means Forty-Foot Equivalent unit (one 40’ container). 40HC and 45HC containers are also referred to as FFE.Within container shipping, the number of containers that a carrier owns or operates, the number of containers that a vessel can carry, or the number of containers that a customer ships per year is expressed in so-called TEU or FFE.
Cargo and Containers - Container Seal and Number
All containers have their own unique identification number which consists of 4 letters and 6-7 numbers (e.g. SAEU8564592).
The container number enables carriers to keep track of their containers at all times and customers to follow their shipments, e.g. via the carriers’ internet tracking systems.
Container Seal
To make sure that nobody interferes with the cargo during transit, a seal must be affixed to the container doors at the time the cargo is stuffed into the container and must not be broken until the container reaches its final destination.
A seal is a numbered locking device. The seal number is recorded in the carrier’s IT systems and on relevant shipping documents.
Seals minimize the risk of unauthorised access to the container contents and therefore reduce the risk of theft, pilferage as well as other interference such as placement of contraband (illegal or non-declared goods).
Seals are in the interest of all parties in the shipping process.
Cargo and Containers
Within shipping it is common to refer to FCL and LCL shipments, and CY and CFS locations.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Container which is loaded by the shipper is referred to as a Full Container Load (FCL).
Container which is loaded by the shipper is referred to as a Full Container Load (FCL).
Less than Container Load (LCL)
Shippers who do not have enough cargo to fill a container on their own will deliver their goods in cartons, pallets or other packaging to the transport provider or a freight forwarder.
Shippers who do not have enough cargo to fill a container on their own will deliver their goods in cartons, pallets or other packaging to the transport provider or a freight forwarder.
The transport provider or freight forwarder will consolidate the goods into a container together with other shippers’ cargoes going to the same destination.
This is called a Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipment.
