One of the things that you are likely to take note of when it comes to shipping containers is that they are all pretty standardised. Standardised shipping containers are not, as it turns out, the only ones that can be found out there. In fact, there are many types of specialised shipping containers that can be found, with some mentioned below.
Why were shipping containers standardised?
The introduction of standardised shipping containers was in response to the methods of shipping that were in use around 1956 when these amazing steel boxes were first invented by Malcom Mc Lean. Back then, getting cargo from ship to train or truck was a real chore, which sometimes took extended periods of time to accomplish. Shipping containers turned out to be a revolution since they gave rise to a truly intermodal way of transporting goods.
Now, instead of hiring hordes of stevedores to do the work, all that was needed was a crane that could move a shipping container from ship to truck or train. This lead to immense changes in the shipping industry. Many traditional shipping companies folded up, while many stevedores found themselves having to look for alternative employment.
Specialised Shipping Containers
The standardisation that made intermodal shipping a possibility also gave rise to specialised shipping containers that come in many shapes and sizes.
Refrigerated Shipping Containers
Refrigerated shipping containers are used to transport various kinds of perishable goods from one end of the globe to the other. They are what enables people in the United States to, as an example, enjoy fresh fish that is caught somewhere off the shores of Japan.
Open Top Shipping Containers
This type of shipping container comes with the ability to be loaded from the top using a crane. That tends to be a significant advantage, particularly for those who are looking to carry oversized cargo. The top is, in this case, removable, and can be made of either steel or tarpaulin.
Flat Rack Containers
These are mainly used for the transportation of vehicles, heavy machinery, boats and aircraft engines. If you have cargo that needs containerization but that cannot fit into standard shipping containers, then flat rack containers will be your best option. The great thing about them is that they can still be stacked, despite the fact that they do not have side walls. That is because their corners are made of standard, weight bearing steel.
Bulker Shipping Containers
Grain is, without a doubt, one of the commodities that are most shipped around the globe in this day and age. Bulker shipping containers are designed to carry grain and other free running goods. They have hatches on the roof that allow for easy loading and hatches at the bottom for offloading.
Half Height Shipping Containers
This type of container is a favourite for conversion enthusiasts, who use them as swimming pools. Half height shipping containers are used mainly when shipping heavy industry commodities, including concentrates and ores.