When shipping goods, it’s essential to use the right cargo container for your needs. If you don’t choose the right one, you might end up with damaged goods or a storage fee from the carrier.
Luckily, there are many different types of cargo containers that can be used for shipping different types of freight.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best options so that you can easily find what works best for your business!
Standard Shipping Containers
Standard shipping containers are the common choice for shipping goods and supplies. They are steel boxes that vary in size and have vertical wall sections, horizontal wall sections, a floor and a roof.
The standard dimensions for shipping containers are 8 ft x 8 ft x 20 ft. However, there are other types available in different sizes (e.g., 4x4x8 and 10x10x40). Generally speaking, if you want to transport larger items such as cars or motorcycles, then it’s best to use one of the larger-sized containers!
They’re strong enough to withstand being dropped off a ship straight onto their sides (or even upside down), and they can last for decades without requiring major repairs or maintenance.
Refrigerated Containers
Refrigerated containers are used to transport perishable goods. They are designed to keep the contents at a specific temperature and often feature an onboard generator that keeps the inside cool. These containers are mostly used in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
If your cargo needs to be kept cold at all times (as opposed to just for short periods), you’ll want to invest in a refrigerated container. You can get these from any major shipping company or freight forwarder – it’s common practice worldwide, so it should be easy to find one!
Flat Rack Containers
Flat racks, also known as flatbeds and hoppers, are the most common type of cargo container for transporting goods on the flatbed of a truck. These open-sided shipping containers allow easy loading and unloading of goods without having to lift them over the sides of a truck bed.
Most flat rack containers are made from steel for strength and durability and are either 20 or 40 feet long. Some are collapsible (making them easier to store), and some come with additional walls that can be attached to the frame to create more secure storage space.
The downside to a flat rack is that it doesn’t offer protection from the elements as the container is open on top and at the sides. You’ll need to provide extra protection for your goods if you use this type of container. You can place tarps over the top and sides of the cargo and secure them with ropes or bungee cords.
Open-Top Containers
Open-top containers are usually used for transporting heavy equipment. They have an open top that is usually covered with a tarp, allowing for more oversized cargo to be loaded in easily.
These containers are also ideal for shipping goods that need to be easily accessed, such as pallets or crates containing parts that can be easily removed from the container without having to be unloaded completely.
Open-top containers are most often used in construction sites, where they’re used to transport building materials between locations such as building sites or warehouses.
Tunnel Containers
The tunnel container is your best bet if you’re looking for a cargo container that’s easy to load and unload. They come with doors on both ends of the container and can be used for a variety of goods.
Tunnel containers are handy when you need to quickly load and unload materials, which makes them ideal for transporting heavy equipment or machinery. They also come in different sizes, so there’s no need to worry about getting one that will be too small or too big (though it might cost you more).
Moreover, tunnel containers are also cost-effective because they’re cheaper than most other types – this is especially true if you have quite a few items to move at once.
The Takeaway
The key to using the best cargo containers for transporting goods is to make sure that you plan carefully and choose a container that can fit your needs.
There are also simpler solutions if you’re just looking to transport goods from truck to truck or truck to warehouse, including a parcel cage stillage unit, pallet cage or roll pallet.
