5 essential containers that are widely used in ocean freight services.
1. Dry containers:
Dry containers or DC are widely used in sea freight services across the world. According to research, more than 90% of cargo are loaded in dry containers. These freight containers are safe and assure secure transportation. Dry containers are generally manufactured from steel or aluminium that makes them sturdy. However, steel containers have a lower payload than aluminium containers. The specific capacities & dimensions of dry containers mainly depend on 2 factors. They include container manufacturer & container age.
2. Flat rack containers
Flat rack containers are mainly used for heavy-duty cargo & loads such as machinery, building columns & pipes. Goods are loaded from the sides or top. Flat rack containers are generally made of steel & they come in 20' & 40' sizes. Like dry containers, the specific capacities and dimensions of flat rack containers also depend on two factors including container manufacturer & container age.
3. High cube containers
High cube freight containers are the advanced versions of dry containers. This is because they provide extra space in height (12 inches, approx 30cm) in comparison to dry containers. According to the freight forwarders, the high cube containers are good for bulky or voluminous cargo. These freight containers are made of aluminium & steel & come in 40' and 45' sizes.
4. Open top containers
Open top freight containers come with an open top that is mainly covered by a tarpaulin. These types of freight containers are ideal for oversized cargo like scrap metals & timbers. Like closed freight containers, open top containers come with end doors. It provides good flexibility for both loading & unloading.
5. Reefer containers
Last but not the least, reefer containers are also known as refrigerated freight containers that are specially used to transport cargo that need temperature-controlled conditions. Goods like vegetables, fruits, meat, medicines & dairy products are mainly transported through reefer containers. The refrigeration unit of these freight containers is connected to the power supply of the ship.
The importance of freight containers is huge. They keep the goods safe and secured during transportation. The capacities of these containers depend on the age of containers & manufacturers.
