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International Shipping Container Dry Cargo Knowledge Sharing: A Comprehensive Summary of Shipping Knowledge


1.Basic Knowledge of Containers


Common Container Types


• 20-foot Standard Container(20GP):

Length:20 feet(6.096 meters)

Height:8 feet 6 inches(2.6 meters)

Width:2.35 meters

Cargo Volume:Approximately 28 cubic meters.


• 40-foot Standard Container(40GP):

Length:40 feet(12.192 meters)

Height:8 feet 6 inches(2.6 meters)

Width:2.35 meters

Cargo Volume:Approximately 58 cubic meters.


• 40-foot High Cube Container(40HC):

Length:40 feet(12.192 meters)

Height:9 feet 6 inches(2.9 meters)

Width:2.35 meters

Cargo Volume:Approximately 68 cubic meters.


• 45-foot High Cube Container(45HC):

Length:45 feet(13.716 meters)

Height:9 feet 6 inches(2.9 meters)

Width:2.35 meters

Cargo Volume:Approximately 75 cubic meters.

 

• Container Type Classification

• Dry Cargo Container (DC): Used for the transportation of general cargo, such as 20GP, 40GP, 40HC, etc.

• Open Top Container (OT): No fixed top, suitable for loading oversized cargo.

 

 

1.Special Containers


• Special Containers:Such as Refrigerated Containers(Reefer Containers)and Tank Containers,used for the transportation of special cargo.


2.Less than Container Load and Full Container Load


• Less than Container Load(LCL):A container loaded with small quantities of cargo from multiple owners,suitable for situations where the cargo volume does not fill a full container.

• Full Container Load(FCL):A container loaded with cargo from only one owner,suitable for large quantities of cargo.


3.Container Number and Seal Number


• Container Number:A unique identifier for the container,consisting of four letters and seven digits,used for identifying and tracking containers.

• Seal Number:The number of the seal used to lock the container door,ensuring the safety of the cargo during transportation.


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4.Container Transportation Process


Loading and Unloading


• Loading:Placing cargo into the container,paying attention to securing and stacking methods to avoid damage during transportation.

• Unloading:Removing cargo from the container at the destination,usually done at a warehouse or designated location.


Backloading and Drop-off


• Backloading Empty/Loaded Containers:Picking up empty or loaded containers from the terminal to transport to manufacturers or warehouses.

• Drop-off Empty/Loaded Containers:Returning loaded or empty containers back to the terminal.


Transportation and Transshipment


• Multimodal Transport:Containers can be transported through various modes such as sea,rail,and road,achieving"door-to-door"service.

• Transshipment Port:Cargo may need to be transferred at a transshipment port to reach the final destination.


Port Operations


• Terminal Yard:An area for storing containers,divided into import and export yards.

• Loading and Unloading Equipment:Such as quay cranes,Automated Guided Vehicles(AGV),etc.,used for efficient loading and unloading of containers.


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5.Advantages and Disadvantages of Container Transportation


Advantages


• High Loading and Unloading Efficiency:Container loading and unloading is mechanized,greatly reducing the time ships spend in port.

• Low Cargo Damage Rate:Cargo is sealed inside the container during transportation,reducing damage and loss.

• Low Transportation Costs:Natural formation of sea routes,large transport volumes,and low unit costs.

• High Flexibility:Seamless connection of various transportation modes through multimodal transport.


Disadvantages


• Highly Affected by Weather:Severe weather may cause delays in shipping.

• High Port Facility Requirements:Requires specialized loading and unloading equipment and yards.


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6.Precautions for Container Transportation


Loading Requirements


• Ensure cargo is secured to prevent movement during transportation.

• Comply with the maximum load capacity of the container to avoid overloading.


Customs Declaration and Documentation


• Bill of Lading(B/L):Records cargo information,vessel name,voyage number,container number,etc.

• Equipment Handover Document:Used for picking up and returning containers.


Transportation Time


• Pay attention to the cut-off time to ensure cargo arrives at the port on time.


Costs


• Includes freight,terminal handling fees,storage fees,seal fees,etc.


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7.Future Development Trends


Intelligence and Automation


• Ports and vessels will increasingly adopt automated equipment,such as Automated Guided Vehicles(AGV)and automated cranes.

• Internet of Things technology will enable real-time tracking and status monitoring of containers.


Green and Low Carbon


• Promote the green transformation of container transportation to reduce carbon emissions.


Market Growth


• With the continuous development of international trade,the scale of the container transportation market will continue to grow steadily.


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Conclusion

I hope the above content is helpful to you!If you need more detailed information,feel free to consult us.

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