Shipping containers are large, standardized crates used to transport goods by sea, land, and air. Most of these are made with corrugated steel and have a hinged door at one end.
You can stack these crates and load them from one side. Then the great thing about that is you do not have to lift the trunk in and out, and you can unload items from the other side. It’s a multi-feature that makes shipping items easy for you.
Today’s factors would give you three more elements to note when shipping using boxes and other types of crates.
The Ease of Using Shipping Crates
Freight Forwarders use shipping containers to consolidate items from multiple suppliers into a single transport chest. This reduces costs and transit time.
Shipping containers are known as intermodal or ISO containers because of their standard sizes. These metal boxes are used interchangeably across different modes of transport without the need to repack.
Did you know? A typical 20-foot (6.1 m) container can carry about 28,000 pounds (12,700 kg) of cargo. Imagine the time you would save from stacking and repacking in multiple crates or boxes.
2 Types of Shipping Containers
There are two types of shipping containers: dry freight containers and reefers.
Dry freight containers
These general-purpose containers are used to transport non-perishable goods, and they come in several standard sizes, the most common being 20 feet (6.1 m), 40 feet (12.2 m), and 45 feet (13.7 m).
Dry freight containers have solid walls and a hinged door at one end. They are stackable and can be loaded and unloaded from the top or the side.
Some everyday items shipped in containers include:
– Automobiles
– Machinery
– Electronics
– Clothing
– Furniture
– Finished products
Refers
These are refrigerated containers used to transport perishable goods, and they are a little bit bigger. They are available in sizes of 20-foot, 40-foot, and 53-foot (16.1 m).
These containers have solid walls and a hinged door at one end. They are also stackable and can be loaded and unloaded from the top or the side.
Reefers have an internal cooling system that keeps the temperature inside the container at a set point. An external source such as a generator or the electrical grid would supply the power to run it.
Some items shipped in reefers include:
- Foodstuffs
- Raw materials
Uses for Shipping Containers
Shipping containers are often used to transport goods by sea, land, and air. They are also used to store goods and as temporary or permanent shelters.
Transporting Goods by Sea
In 2014, there were over 18 million shipping containers in use worldwide, and a large chunk of this number refers to shipping goods via sea.
Companies and businesses used most of these shipping containers to transport goods between ports.
First, the shipping container company loaded their products onto container ships, specially designed to carry large numbers of containers.
Afterward, the containers are unloaded at the destination port and transported to their final destination by truck or train.
Transporting Goods by Land
Individuals and businesses can also use shipping containers to transport goods by land. These containers are often used to transport goods from factories to retail stores.
In some cases, shipping containers become a temporary or permanent storage unit for goods transported by land.
Transporting Goods by Air
Individuals and businesses can also use shipping containers to transport goods by air, but this is less common due to the cost and weight of the containers.
Air freight is typically only used for high-value or time-sensitive goods.
Storing Goods
Individuals and organizations can also use these containers to store goods on a short- or long-term basis.
These containers are often used to store goods transported by land or sea.
In some cases, shipping containers are used as temporary or permanent storage units for goods transported by air.
Shelters
Some transport crates would serve as emergency shelters after natural disasters. However, they can also be used as permanent homes, offices, or shops.
Shipping container shelters have many advantages, including durable, weather-resistant, and easy transport.
Buying vs Renting Metal Containers
Here are the factors you need to consider before buying or renting a metal container, such as the following:
- the type of container you need
- the size of the container
- the duration of use
3 Factors to Consider
Here are the factors you need to consider when planning on buying or renting shipping containers:
Type Of Goods To Be Shipped
The type of container you buy or rent will depend on the goods you are shipping. For example, dry freight containers transport non-perishable goods, while reefers transport perishable goods, which you must keep at a specific temperature.
Size of the Container
The size will depend on the number of goods you are shipping.
Shipping containers come in several standard sizes, the most common being 20 feet (6.1 m), 40 feet (12.2 m), and 45 feet (13.7 m).
Duration of Use
The duration of use will also affect your decision to buy or rent a metal container. If you only need the container for a short period, such as a one-time move, renting may be better.
However, buying may be the better option if you need the container long-term, such as for storage.
You may also contact or check TUFF shipping containers for more information.
Warranties on Purchasing or Renting Shipping Containers
Most companies that sell shipping containers offer a warranty on their products. However, the warranty length will vary depending on the company and the type of container.
Dry freight containers typically have a more extended warranty than reefers since they do not have an internal cooling system that can break down.
Shipping containers used as shelters or homes often have shorter contracts than those used for transport since they are subject to more wear and tear.
It is essential to read the warranty carefully before purchase or rental to understand the terms and conditions.
Cancellation Policies
Most companies that sell or rent shipping containers have a cancellation policy. This policy will vary depending on the company but typically allows for a full refund if the container is canceled within a specific time frame.
It is essential to read the cancellation policy carefully before purchase or rental to understand the terms and conditions.
Permits for Shipping Containers
Depending on the intended use, you may need a permit to keep a shipping container on your property.
For example, you will need a building permit to use the container as a storage shed. Likewise, you will likely need a zoning permit if you plan to convert the container into a home or office.
Therefore, check with your local zoning department to see if you need a permit to use the shipping container.
Building Codes
Are you thinking of converting a shipping container into your home or office? Then you must follow local building codes. The building codes vary from one location to another but typically include requirements for things like windows, doors, insulation, and electrical wiring.
Thus, consulting with a local building inspector is essential to ensure your plans meet all the requirements.
Final Thoughts
Shipping containers have many advantages, including durable, weather-resistant, and easy transport. In addition, it is versatile and convenient for transporting goods by land, sea, or air.
So if you plan on using them to store goods on a short- or long-term basis, it is vital to consider the type of container you need, the size of the container, and the duration of use.
It’s also worth remembering that most companies that sell or rent shipping containers offer a product warranty and have a cancellation policy.
Thus, you may also need a permit to keep a shipping container on your property, depending on the intended use. You must follow local building codes if you’re planning to transform a shipping container into a home or office.
