Container Types and their Uses

I know most people have come across almost all the types of containers but have no clue about their names, types and even their uses. Grab yourself any beverage of your choice and let us educate ourselves.

Standard Container: It is standard because we have a high cube and standard container. Well, mostly from my experience I have never come across a twenty-feet high cube container before but there is actually some, just that it is not common. This type of container is mostly used for general cargo goods. The only difference between the forty-foot and the twenty-foot type of container happens to be the size. Let's just say it is the twice of the twenty-foot container and so serves the same purpose as general cargo but could carry enough goods as compared to the twenty-foot. This type has a height of 8.5ft.

High Cube Container: The only difference between this type of container and the standard container is the hight which happens to be 8.6ft, just a 0.1ft higher than the standard. Also, this type happens to serve the same purpose as the standard.

Open-Top Container: These are types of containers which do not have metal as it roof but its covered with tarpaulin, lines and bar and has a wooden floor. This type is used to carry oversized cargoes such as timber, scrap metal, steel, machinery, etc.

Flatracks: The first time I came in contact with this type of container I was in awe. I remember when I was asked to receive it into our container terminal i asked if really it is at the right place. I had no idea what that was but you have the opportunity to educate yourself. This type of container is collapsible, have no walls and it comes in different sizes as well. It can be categorised into 20ft & 40ft. It is used in the transportation of cargoes with a unique dimension. Eg. machinery & pipes.

Platforms: This type of containers has no walls as well and it is used to carry cargoes that do not fit into full covered containers. eg of these cargoes are the RORO (Roll-on Roll-off).

Ventilated Containers: To prevent depreciation of the cargo by rain or spray, this type of container is ventilated. These containers have ventilation openings in the top and bottom side rails. these types carry cargos that need ventilation. Eg is coffee beans which require ventilation throughout its transportation is carried by this type of container.

Insulated & Refrigerated Containers: talk of the most expensive containers? Popularly known as Reefer containers, then look no further than the refrigerated container. This type needs its plugs and cable intact to function throughout its transportation and even on land to keep its cargoes fresh. They come in sizes as well. These are used for the transport of fresh foods and pharmaceutical products.

These are not all the containers we know of but are the most popular. I hope this helped and now, you have the chance to identify them when you see one. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more education.