What is container haulage?

Transporting goods is an essential part of many businesses, but finding the right container haulage partner can be a challenge. 

Every business has different requirements, from the type of goods being transported to delivery schedules and destinations. Understanding how container haulage works and choosing the right provider can help ensure your goods are transported safely, efficiently and on time. 

In this article, discover everything you need to know about container haulage and how it can help your business moving forward.

How Does Container Haulage Work? 

Container haulage is the movement of shipping containers by road between ports, warehouses, distribution centres and other business locations. 

Whether its transporting imported goods from a port or delivering export containers ready for shipping, haulage companies ensure containers are moved safely, securely and to a schedule.

At Transmode, our container haulage services are tailored to your business needs. We transport shipping containers through all major UK ports, including Felixstowe, London Southampton and Seaforth, providing reliable, cost-effective solutions across the UK. 

Whether you need a one-off delivery or ongoing support, we can provide a detailed quote to suit your requirements.

Different Types of Container Haulage  

There are multiple different types of haulage, and you may find one type fits your plans better than the others:

Standard Container Haulage

Standard container haulage is exactly what you would expect it to be. Hauling your goods from one place to another with standard containers and no special services or containers used.

Drop and Collect

Drop and collect haulage is a more flexible service that offers more time for loading and unloading. An empty container will be dropped off and then collected once it is full. If you’re handling fragile goods or goods that are difficult to load, this might be the better option.

Intermodal Rail Freight 

Intermodal rail freight is where containers move via freight trains for a long-distance leg of a journey, paired with local trucks for final delivery.

When discussing container haulage and all the options with it, you’ll often come across the term container transport, which is sometimes used interchangeably. While the two are closely related, they don’t mean exactly the same thing.

What is Container Transport? 

Container transport, also called freight transport, extends to cover goods transportation via sea and aircraft. 

Generally speaking, container freight transport additionally means that large quantities are being transported to another location where they are needed for processing, sorting, or consumption. For example, you could have items being delivered from a warehouse to a store.

Understanding the difference between container haulage and container transport can help businesses choose the right logistics solution for their needs. By partnering with a specialist provider, businesses can ensure their goods are transported efficiently, helping to keep supply chains running smoothly.

Types of Shipping Containers 

Not all cargo is the same, which is why a range of shipping container types are available. The type of container used will depend on the size, weight and nature of the goods being transported.

Dry Storage Containers

Dry storage containers, as previously mentioned, are 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.

What Goods Are Transported in Shipping Containers? 

There is such a wide variety of cargo that can be moved, so the possibilities are limitless. Common goods transported in containers include:

Dry Bulk Items

Dry bulk cargo includes various items such as sand, cement, grains, coals, sugar or salt. This could be for infrastructure purposes or for the food industry, but basically, if it’s dry and you’d like to move it in bulk, it is possible with container haulage. 

More often than not, these products are not packaged and transported in large quantities. It’s important to choose a haulage provider that is experienced in handling these types of cargo.

Food Items

Transporting food items can prove to be slightly more challenging as different types of food require different types of transportation. Non-perishable foods can stay within containers for weeks and months, however fresh produce, frozen foods, packaged and processed foods are more likely to need to reach their destination promptly. 

Refrigerated cargo has been specifically designed to transport meat, fish, vegetables and fruits to make sure it lasts longer and keeps them intact.

Vehicles

From cars and vans to trucks and motorbikes, these can all be transported in containers as they can bear the weight and bulk. Whether you’re moving brand new vehicles or old ones across the country, roll on/roll off (ro-ro) cargo is commonly used. 

This is where goods can be loaded and unloaded using the principle of rolling, Ro-ro cargo has the capability of transporting vehicles of all size and weight wherever you need it to go.

Equipment & Materials

Similar to vehicles above, containers are also used for heavy equipment and materials such as unprocessed metallic materials, wood, paper and steel rolls. By packing them up, they are easier to load and unload as well as more secure and less susceptible to damage.

Livestock & Animals

It is important to note that you must use specialised carriers and licences to transport livestock and animals because the animal’s welfare must be considered. 

Sheep, goats, cows and other animals are usually moved across destinations and there are specific livestock containers used to transport them. They are well ventilated and sturdy enough to ensure the animals are safe and secure.

Chemical & Hazardous Materials

These materials must be transported in specialised containers for toxic substances and much also use licences to transport them. In order to avoid corrosion of the container and any dangerous leakage, they are normally moved in chemical tankers or specialised containers.

Choosing The Best Option For You

Every business is different, and the option that’s best for you will depend on a number of factors. 

• Do you have your own loading space? 
• Do you need additional time to load your items into a container? 
• Are you shipping inexpensive or sturdy goods that don’t require any special handling? 

Considering your budget, requirements and the nature of the goods you’re transporting can help you determine which haulage option is right for your business.

Container haulage plays a vital role in keeping supply chains moving, ensuring goods are transported safely and efficiently between ports, warehouses and businesses across the UK. By understanding how container haulage works, the different services available and the types of containers used, businesses can make more informed decisions about the right logistics solution for their needs.

At Transmode, we provide reliable container haulage services tailored to the needs of businesses of all sizes. Get in touch with us today to discuss your container haulage requirements or request a tailored quote.