What does Container Transport Include?
Nearly 80% of the world’s cargo is moved via container transport, so it should come as no surprise that different services cater to specific transport of large volumes of goods.
Here’s a primer on shipping containers, their size, purpose, types, and everything else related to transporting goods via containers.
What Is Container Transport?
Container transport usually refers to the international transportation of goods in standardized shipping containers, usually via sea or rail. Standard containers can be transported over long distances and transferred from one means of transport to the other without being opened.
Standardized storage containers have revolutionized the container haulage industry, allowing the transport of goods by rail, road, ship, and even air, which contributed to a significant reduction in costs of transport.
Types of Container Transport Services
Here’s a list of different container types that are used for transporting goods.
Less Than Container Load
Less than container load (LCL) is one of the most popular freight forwarding methods, since it’s cost-effective and reliable. This type of container delivery allows combining several smaller items with those of other businesses.
Full Container Load
Full container load (FCL) uses the entire space of the container available for ocean freight. This freight shipping type works best for packages that require more space and use more direct shipping lines to cut back on the delivery time. Ocean freight is the most cost-effective shipping solution between major ports and then container terminals.
Intermodal Rail Freight
Intermodal rail freight shipping is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to road haulage, especially for the state-wide haulage of construction material. Since it saves both time and money, rail freight is also fantastic for establishing a country-wide supply chain of goods.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest freight option for shipping cargo. Air freight shipping companies are dedicated to handling and shipping of smaller, more time-sensitive, and urgent packages.
Road Haulage
Hauliers use less-than-truckload (LTL) and full truckload (FTL) freight methods, equivalent to LCL and FCL services. They’re a more timely way of delivering goods across the state via UK roads, especially compared to rail freight, but it’s also a pricier option.
Types of Containers
There are two categories of shipping containers used to measure the cargo volume and vessel capacity, along with several different types of containers.
- Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU) refers to the freight industry’s standard, the 20-foot container.
- Forty-foot Equivalent Unit (FEU), which is basically two TEUs put together, is a 40-foot container and the most used container today.
Besides these two categories, we also recognize six different container types:
Dry Storage Containers
Dry storage containers are previously mentioned, standard shipping containers used to transport dry materials.
Flat Rack Containers
Flat rack containers feature collapsible, foldable sides, making them ideal for shipping boats, machinery, cars, and equipment.
Open Side Containers
Next to the typical doors, the sides of these containers also act as doors, which allows for faster loading of goods.
Open Top Containers
These containers have no roof, which enables the transport of goods regardless of their height.
Refrigerator Containers
This option is great for food or pharmaceuticals.
Tank Containers
These are specifically designed for the transport of liquids.
Container Transport Services from Transmode Logistics
Shipping via containers is the most cost-effective way to transport the bulk of your goods internationally. If you would like to discuss our container services, feel free to get in touch today or call our experienced team on 01394 675635.