Category: Storage Containers

Intermodal freight transport involves the transportation of freight in an intermodal container or vehicle, using multiple modes of transportation (rail, ship, and truck), without any handling of the freight itself when changing modes. The method reduces cargo handling, and so improves security, reduces damages and losses, and allows freight to be transported faster. Reduced costs versus over road trucking is the key benefit for intracontinental use. The negative is that it takes longer than normal truck delivery would.

What are Shipping Container Dimensions?

Containers, also known as intermodal containers or ISO containers because the dimensions have been defined by ISO, are the main type of equipment used in intermodal transport, particularly when one of the modes of transportation is by ship. Containers are 8-foot (2.4 m) wide by 8-foot (2.4 m) high. Since introduction, there have been moves to adopt other heights, such as 8-foot-6-inch (2.59 m), 9-foot-6-inch (2.90 m) and 10-foot-6-inch (3.20 m). The most common lengths are 20 feet (6.1 m) nominal or 19 feet (5.8 m) – 10+1⁄2 in (0.27 m) actual, 40 feet (12 m), 48 feet (15 m) and 53 feet (16 m), although other lengths exist. They are made of steel and can be stacked atop one another (a popular term for a two-high stack is “double stack”).

Shipping Container Dimensions Chart

What are the

Onboard ships they are typically stacked up to seven units high. They can be carried by truck, rail, container ship, or aeroplane. When carried by rail, containers can be loaded on flatcars or in container well cars. In Europe, stricter railway height restrictions (smaller loading gauge and structure gauge) and overhead electrification prevent containers from being stacked two high, and containers are hauled one high either on standard flatcars or other railroad cars. Taller containers are often carried in well cars (not stacked) on older European railway routes where the loading gauge is particularly small.

Shipping Container Variations

Some variations on the standard container exist. Open-topped versions covered by a fabric curtain are used to transport larger loads. A container called a tanktainer, with a tank inside a standard container frame, carries liquids. Refrigerated containers are used for perishables. There is also the swap body, which is typically used for road and rail transport. Built too lightly to be stacked, they have folding legs under their frame so that they can be moved between trucks without using a crane.

Various non-standard container forms are commonly used. These include non-stackable open box containers, and several slightly non-standard geometries. European containers are often about two inches wider than the ISO standard although otherwise conformant, which can carry the euro-pallet standard pallet load. Specialised containers used in Europe include containerised coal carriers, and recently “bin-liners” – containers designed for the efficient road/rail transportation of rubbish from cities to recycling and dump sites.

In countries where the loading gauge is sufficient, truck trailers are often used for freight that is transported primarily by road and rail. Typically, regular semi-trailers can be used, and do not need to be specially designed.

Further reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodal_freight_transport

Storage containers, also known as shipping containers, are large metal boxes that are used to transport goods by land, sea, or air. However, they are not just limited to the transportation industry. In recent years, storage containers have become an increasingly popular solution for businesses of all types and sizes who need to store goods or materials. In this article, we’ll explore how storage shipping containers can be used in different businesses.

Construction Industry

One of the most common uses of storage containers is in the construction industry. Construction companies often have to store large quantities of building materials and equipment on-site, and storage containers provide a convenient and secure way to do so. Containers can be used to store everything from lumber, cement, and tools to heavy machinery and vehicles.

In addition to on-site storage, storage containers can also be used as temporary construction offices or break rooms. Many construction companies use containers as a cost-effective alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar buildings. Containers can be modified with windows, doors, and HVAC systems to create comfortable and functional workspaces.

Agriculture Industry

The agriculture industry is another sector that can benefit from using storage containers. Farmers and ranchers often need to store large quantities of feed, equipment, and machinery, and storage containers provide a safe and secure way to do so. Containers can be used to store everything from hay and grain to tractors and other large machinery.

In addition to storage, containers can also be modified to create climate-controlled spaces for livestock or even hydroponic growing systems. These modified containers can help farmers and ranchers increase their productivity and profitability.

Retail Industry

Storage containers can also be used in the retail industry to store excess inventory or seasonal items. Many retailers use shipping containers to store products during off-seasons or during renovations. Containers can be placed on-site or in a secure off-site location, providing a convenient and cost-effective storage solution.

In addition to storage, containers can also be modified to create pop-up retail spaces or mobile stores. These containers can be customized with windows, doors, and other features to create a unique and eye-catching retail experience.

Event Industry

The event industry is another sector that can benefit from using storage shipping containers. Event planners often need to store large quantities of equipment and materials, such as tables, chairs, decorations, and lighting. Storage containers provide a secure and convenient way to store these items between events.

Shipping Containers can also be modified to create unique event spaces, such as pop-up bars, VIP lounges, or even performance stages. These modified containers can help event planners create memorable and engaging experiences for their attendees.

Shipping and Logistics Industry

Of course, the shipping and logistics industry is the primary user of storage containers. Shipping containers are used to transport goods all around the world, and they provide a safe and secure way to do so. Containers can be stacked and loaded onto cargo ships, trucks, or trains, making it easy to transport large quantities of goods across long distances.

In addition to transportation, shipping containers can also be used for temporary storage during transit. For example, a shipping container full of goods can be stored in a secure yard while awaiting delivery to its final destination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, storage containers are a versatile and cost-effective solution for businesses of all types and sizes. From construction and agriculture to retail and events, storage containers provide a secure and convenient way to store goods and materials. With the ability to modify containers to meet specific needs, businesses can create unique and customized storage solutions that help them increase their productivity and profitability.

More Industry Specific Storage Soltutions

• Agriculture
• Automotive
• Building & Construction
• Disaster Relief
• Events
• Home Renovations
• Hotels
• Manufacturing
• Moving
• Packaging
• Pallets
• Hay & Straw
• Racing
• Retail
• Schools
• Warehouse
• Waste Management

Basic dimensions and permissible gross weights of intermodal shipping containers are largely determined by two ISO standards:

• ISO 668:2013 Series 1 freight containers—Classification, dimensions and ratings
• ISO 1496-1:2013 Series 1 freight containers—Specification and testing—Part 1: General cargo containers for general purposes

Weights and dimensions of the most common standardized types of shipping containers are given below. Sizes vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, but must stay within the tolerances dictated by the standards.  If you are renting shipping container storage make sure to verify the dimensions of your unit(s).

Empty weight (tare weight) is not determined by the standards, but by the container’s construction, and is therefore indicative, but necessary to calculate a net load figure, by subtracting it from the maximum permitted gross weight.

Shipping Container Storage Dimensions

What are the measurements for shipping containers for storage?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatcar#Intermodal_freight_use

COFC (container on flat car) cars are typically 89 feet (27.13 m) long and carry four 20-foot (6.10 m) intermodal containers or two 40-foot (12.19 m)/45-foot (13.72 m) shipping containers (the two 45-foot / 13.72 m containers are carryable due to the fact that the car is actually 92 ft (28.04 m) long, using the strike plates). With the rise of intermodal freight transport-specific cars, and given the age of most of these flats, numbers will decline over the next several years. Indeed, when the first well cars appeared, allowing double stacking, many container flats were re-built as autoracks. The few “new build” container flats are identifiable by their lack of decking, welded steel frame, and standard 89-foot length. One variant is the 50 feet (15.24 m) car (which usually carries one large container as a load); these are actually re-built old boxcars. Common reporting marks are FEC, CP, SOO and KTTX. The ATTX cars, which feature no spark grips and sides, are built for hauling dangerous goods (ammunition, flammable fluids, etc.).
Kansas City Southern Railway #8985, a flatcar seen in this May 29, 2004, photo, is fitted with fifth wheel coupling hitches for hauling trailers.

A TOFC (trailer on flat car, a.k.a. piggy-back) car once again, is usually an 89 ft car. In the past, these carried three 30 ft (9.14 m) trailers which are, as of 2007, almost obsolete, or one large, 53 ft (16.15 m), two 40-foot (12.19 m) or 45-foot (13.72 m) trailers. As intermodal traffic grows, these dedicated flats are in decline. Most have been modified to also carry containers. One notable type is Canadian Pacific Railway’s XTRX service — dedicated five-unit flats that only carry trailers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermediate_bulk_container

There are many advantages of the IBC concept:

* They are generally cubic in form and therefore can transport more material in the same area than cylindrically shaped containers and far more than might be shipped in the same space if packaged in consumer quantities.
* They rely on plastic liners that can be filled and discharged with a variety of systems.
* The manufacturer/processor of a product can bulk package a product in one country and ship to many other countries at a reasonably low cost where it is subsequently packaged in final consumer form in accordance with the regulations of that country and in a form and language suitable for that country.

IBCs range in size but are generally between 700 and 2,000 mm (27.6 and 78.7 in) or 46 to 52 in (1,168 to 1,321 mm) in height. The length and width of an IBC is usually dependent on the pallet dimension standard of a given country.

IBCs may have pallet-like bases so that forklifts can move them.

It is common for IBCs to be able to fold down into a compact profile, reducing their height for transportation and storage when empty. IBCs in almost all cases can be stacked vertically.

Depending on the size of the IBC, it can weigh between 90 and 1,200 kg (198 and 2,646 lb).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodal_freight_shipping_container

An intermodal container or freight container (commonly shipping container) is a reusable transport and storage unit for moving products and raw materials between locations or countries; the terms container or box may be used on their own within the context of shipping. Containers manufactured to ISO specifications may be referred to as ISO containers and the term high-cube container is used for units that are taller than normal. There are approximately seventeen million intermodal containers in the world and a large proportion of the world’s long distance freight generated by international trade is transported inside shipping containers (as opposed to break bulk cargo).

The containerization system developed from a design of an 8-foot (2.438 m) cube units used by the United States’ military and later standardised by extension to 10-foot (3.05 m), 20-foot (6.10 m), and 40-foot (12.19 m) lengths. Longer, higher and wider variants are now in general use in various places.

Container variants are available for many different cargo types. Non-container methods of transport include bulk cargo, break bulk cargo and tankers/oil tankers used for liquids. For air freight the alternative and lighter IATA defined Unit Load Device is used.

A typical container has doors fitted at one end, and is constructed of corrugated weathering steel. Containers were originally 8 feet (2.44 m) wide by 8 feet (2.44 m) high, and either a nominal 20 feet (6.10 m) or 40 feet (12.19 m) long. They could be stacked up to seven units high.

Taller units have been introduced, including ‘hi-cube’ or ‘high-cube’ units at 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) and 10 feet 6 inches (3.20 m) high.

The United States often uses longer units at 48 ft (14.63 m) and 53 ft (16.15 m). Some rare European containers are often about 2 inches wider at 2.5 m (8 ft 2.4 in) to accommodate Euro-pallets. Australian RACE containers are also slightly wider to accommodate Australia Standard Pallets.

Lighter swap body units use the same mounting fixings as Intermodal containers, but have folding legs under their frame so that they can be moved between trucks without using a crane.

Each container is allocated a standardized ISO 6346 reporting mark (ownership code), four characters long ending in either U, J or Z, followed by six numbers and a check digit.

Container capacity is often expressed in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU, or sometimes teu). An equivalent unit is a measure of containerized cargo capacity equal to one standard 20 ft (length) × 8 ft (width) container. As this is an approximate measure, the height of the box is not considered; for example, the 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m) high cube and the 4-foot-3-inch (1.30 m) half height 20-foot (6.10 m) containers are also called one TEU. Similarly, the 45 ft (13.72 m) containers are also commonly designated as two TEU, although they are 45 and not 40 feet (12.19 m) long. Two TEU are equivalent to one forty-foot equivalent unit (FEU).

Variations on the standard container exist for use with different cargoes including Refrigerated container units for perishable goods, tanks in a frame for bulk liquids, open top units for top loading and collapsable versions. Containerised coal carriers, and ‘bin-liners’ (containers designed for the efficient road/rail transportation of rubbish from cities to recycling and dump sites) are used in Europe.

Container types:
* Collapsible ISO
* Flushfolding flat-rack containers for heavy and bulky semi-finished goods, out of gauge cargo
* Gas bottle
* Generator
* General purpose dry van for boxes, cartons, cases, sacks, bales, pallets, drums in standard, high or half height
* High cube palletwide containers for europallet compatibility
* Insulated shipping container
* Refrigerated containers for perishable goods
* Open top bulktainers for bulk minerals, heavy machinery
* Open side for loading oversize pallet
* Platform or bolster for barrels and drums, crates, cable drums, out of gauge cargo, machinery, and processed timber
* Rolling floor for difficult to handle cargo
* Swapbody
* Tank containers for bulk liquids and dangerous goods
* Ventilated containers for organic products requiring ventilation