What types and dimensions of seafreight containers are there? How do I know which is the right solution for my goods?
The vast majority of goods can be transported by seafreight using containers. This includes food, beverages, chemicals, plastics, rubber, textiles, wood, paper, metal, machinery, furniture, cars, electronics and many other things – from raw materials and machines to finished products.
When sending an inquiry to your freight forwarder or carrier, it is good to know the basic types of containers so that you can make the right choice according to your needs.
Most seafreight vessels carry 20 ‘or 40’ containers. These standard containers or all-purpose containers are suitable for any general cargo, mostly packed on euro pallets or in boxes.
A twenty-foot container can hold a maximum of 21,727 kg, or eleven standard EUR pallets with 120×80 cm each. Forty-foot containers can hold a maximum of 26,780 kg, or 24 EUR pallets. If you do not have enough cargo to fill an entire container (FCL), you can opt for consolidated transport (LCL).
High cube containers are structurally similar to standard containers, but taller. Just like standard containers, they can be used to ship all kinds of cargo. However, they are especially suitable for lightweight, high-volume or bulky cargo.
Of course, special containers are used for specific goods. Refrigerated or “reefer” containers have their own electric cooling / heating units and can be used to transport chilled or frozen goods. They are ideal for transporting vegetables, fruits, flowers, meat, milk and dairy products. Open top containers are used for packing and unpacking goods from above or through a door with a crane, as well as for transporting high loads.
Flat rack containers only have walls at the short ends of the container. They are especially suitable for heavy, high or oversized loads that cannot fit into a standard container. The walls of these containers are strong enough to withstand the necessary cargo securing attachments. It is also possible to stack multiple of these containers on top of each other.
The platform container, which has no walls at all, is an ideal solution for heavy and oversized cargo that cannot be transported using a flat rack or open top container. Flexitank containers are used to transport bulk and liquid cargoes, such as edible oil, fruit syrups and concentrates, oil additives or detergents.
Contact your cargo-partner transport experts for more information!
Best regards,
cargo partner | transport + iLogistics
