Shipping containers have played a pivotal role in global trade. These large, standardized steel boxes have made transporting goods easier and cheaper.
Depending on your cargo, you may need a container with different specifications. Explore the different types of shipping containers for sale to find the right one for your business.
Open-Top Containers
The world of global trade relies on shipping containers to efficiently transport goods across oceans. Containers come in many different sizes and designs to accommodate a range of industrial applications. One of the most unique and versatile is the open top container, a freight carrier that can be used to transport oversized or heavy cargo. In this exploration, we’ll take a closer look at the open top container and some of the common types of oversized cargo it can be used to transport.
Open-top containers are similar to standard containers except they don’t have a solid roof. Instead, they have a tarp-covered opening at the top that can be accessed with a crane for loading from above. This makes them ideal for storing and transporting oversized or tall cargo, such as machinery and construction equipment.
These containers can be shipped in two ways: FCL and LCL. FCL is when a shipper uses an entire container exclusively for their own cargo and pays for the full cost of transporting it. This is more economical for large companies that don’t want to split their cargo with other consignments. LCL is when several shipments are consolidated into one container for transport, which can be less expensive than shipping a single full-sized container.
Other types of specialty containers include flat racks, which are designed for oversized cargo that can’t fit through standard doors; tank containers, which are made of strong steel and other anti-corrosive materials to safely store and transport liquids; and swap bodies, which are exchangeable units that allow trucks to carry containers on both roads and rails. These units also provide extra storage space and can be modified for special needs, such as temperature control.
In addition to varying in size and design, each type of cargo container has specific weight restrictions that must be adhered to for safe transportation. This is important to keep in mind when selecting the right container for your specific application, as it will help you avoid any unnecessary fees or penalties for exceeding shipping weight limits. By taking the time to understand how the various containers differ, you can select the right one for your business.
Flat Rack Containers
When it comes to shipping containers, there’s something for every type of cargo. For instance, there are flat rack containers, which are designed to transport oversized and specialty goods. In other words, these units are perfect for shipping oddly shaped materials or those that can’t be loaded through the doors at either end or through the roof (as with standard containers).
In order to prevent these containers from bending, special precautions must be taken. Typically, this involves using extra dunnage or blocking and bracing the cargo within to prevent shifting. In addition, lashing should be used to further prevent movement and protect the cargo from the elements during transit.
There are two main types of flat rack containers: collapsible and non-collapsible. Collapsible flat racks have removable walls and take up less space than their solid counterparts, which makes them ideal for storing and shipping oversized items. Non-collapsible flat racks, on the other hand, have fixed walls and are able to withstand greater loads.
Another important thing to note about flat rack containers is their lack of side faces. Conventional containers have a number of side faces, which help to dissipate material stresses. Without this, these units are prone to bending and can suffer from point load failure. This is why extra simulations are usually performed on flat racks to ensure that they can be safely loaded onto ships and carriers without bending.
Because flat racks don’t have sides or a roof, they are also more vulnerable to damage from the elements. In some cases, this means that a waterproof tarp must be used to keep water from damaging the cargo. In addition, lashing must be used to prevent the container from moving during transit, as this could result in the cargo becoming unloaded or spilling out of the container.
If you’re in need of a shipping solution for oversized or heavy-duty items, flat racks might be the best option for your business. However, make sure to consult a logistics specialist to determine if this is the right choice for your company and to discuss any additional steps that may be necessary to protect your cargo from unforeseen circumstances.
Swap Body Containers
Swap body containers are a type of freight container that is interchangeable for both road and rail transportation. These containers feature a convertible top that makes them suitable for shipping a range of goods, and they have foldable legs under their frame that allow them to be easily swapped from a truck chassis to a railcar during transport. Swap body containers are also commonly known as exchangeable containers, and they often come in different sizes. You can have different containers that are available at TulsaContainers.com.
When compared to other types of freight containers, swap body containers are more cost-effective. This is because they have been designed to minimise empty weight during transportation, which can significantly reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions. They are also a good choice for companies that regularly transport items of high value, as they can be trusted to remain secure during transit.
One of the main drawbacks of swap body containers is that they cannot be stacked, which means that you can only transport a limited amount of goods at once. This can be inconvenient for some companies, especially if they frequently transport large quantities of goods over long distances. If you need to transport a lot of goods at once, you may want to consider investing in another type of shipping container.
A tank container, also known as a tanker, is used to transport liquids over long distances. These containers are made of strong steel and other anti-corrosive materials to ensure that they can withstand the high pressures that are exerted on them during transportation. They can be used to transport a variety of liquids, including chemicals and petrol.
Another option for storing and transporting vehicles is a car carrier, which can be modified to fit any kind of vehicle. These containers are typically fitted with collapsible racks and hooks to securely hold cars during transportation. Car carriers can be used to transport vehicles across the country or even overseas, depending on your needs.
In addition to standard shipping containers, there are also a variety of other types of freight containers that can be used for a wide range of purposes. Some of these include refrigerated containers, which can be used to transport foods and other perishables over long distances. These containers are typically made from a weathering steel called Corten, and they can withstand varying temperature levels to keep the contents cold.
High Cube Containers
Known as the “tall cousin” of standard shipping containers, high cube containers are an excellent choice for the storage and shipment of over-height cargo. These durable and versatile boxes are made of high-quality steel that ensures sturdiness, resilience, and durability in any environment. They feature wooden timber flooring that protects the container floor from spillage and rust and makes it easy to load large cargo. High cube containers also come equipped with double doors that provide 270 degree opening and are weatherproof, windproof, and waterproof to keep the contents secure during transit.
These containers are popular among shippers as they can accommodate oversized or bulky cargo that cannot fit into regular shipping containers. They are also better equipped to hold stacked pallets, and can handle forklifts that lift cargo. Additionally, the extra foot in height can make them a better choice for storing or transporting equipment with tall cabs like skidsteers and tractors. The additional headroom is also a great feature for those seeking to modify containers for use as offices or homes. The extra space provides more room for ventilation and allows for comfortable standing height in a home or office.
The only drawback to the high-cube variant is that it tends to be slightly more expensive than a standard shipping container. However, this is offset by the ability to transport much more in terms of weight without risking exceeding the payload limit.
The choice of whether to opt for a high cube or standard shipping container depends on the specific needs and requirements of each customer. For example, if an item is very tall and can be transported flat, the extra space in a high-cube container may not be required. Additionally, if you are not concerned with capacity and need to save on cost, a standard container may be a better option.
