Shipping containers are used for protecting the goods that are being transported overseas to different places. They provide a safe casing and preserve them, thereby guaranteeing intact delivery of the goods. Different kinds of goods call for different kinds of containers. They can be made of wood, steel, aluminum, plastic, etc. depending upon the type that is most appropriate for transporting the concerned good safely.
There are a few salient points and tips that need to be considered carefully before a pick is made when it comes to containers, or it may prove to be counter-productive. Temperature, moisture content, fragility, and composition of the goods are the essential facts to be taken into consideration at all times.
There are few guidelines that need to be followed to pick out the right material or kind of container to transport the goods, undamaged and safe because that is the ultimate motive.
Guidelines to Help Understand Shipping Containers Better
Mentioned below are a few tips and maxims that can help you figure out how to choose the right kind of shipping containers:
#1 Size - The phrase ‘size matters’ is applicable here. The standard measures are 9ft. high, 20-40 ft. long and 8ft. wide. However, this may vary from supplier to supplier; and your selection should be made depending upon the kind, the shape and the size of goods that the container will be casing. Another important factor to remember when choosing the shipping container is the availability of space in the storage facility or the ship. Unless there is adequate space, the container may get damaged. A thumb rule to follow is keeping 5 inches of space on every side, and it will give ample room to move and prevent major damages. Therefore, sizing of the goods and the container is extremely crucial.
#2 Inspection - The containers may be used or might be new, but that doesn’t matter if a thorough and detailed inspection done before the good has been loaded into it. An inspection of the interiors, as well as the exteriors, needs to be done and intricately to ensure that there are no problems or possibilities of problems to occur so that the good inside is left undamaged. You should ensure the casing, and its doors open properly, and the hinges are working efficiently. There should be zero or minimal damage to the structure.
#3 Water and Air Tight - The goods being transported might get damaged due to the presence of moisture and air, and therefore, such goods require protection of superior kind. When transporting such kind of goods, you should always ensure that the container transporting it is water proof as well as air tight and there can be no leakage whatsoever.
Airtight containers prevent the sensitive goods from getting destroyed or damaged. It is your onus to ensure the container is water and air tight, and technically and structurally sound in other areas as well when it comes to shipping container transport.
#4 Delivery Fees - Some shipping companies offer the containers for free while others charge you with a nominal rate for it. This is one also one of the key considerations before choosing a shipping container transport.
#5 Features - Depending upon the good you are transporting, the container is allowed to have a few features like proper ventilation, ramps, racks, etc. No doubt, containers that come equipped with more features are priced high as well.
These are some of the necessary rules or guidelines to follow when deciding to choose the kind of shipping container, and so follow them properly.
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