Special Containers is a master term used to describe reefer containers, open-top containers, platform-based containers, pen containers, tank containers, car containers, etc., as opposed to general containers. At Global Spring, trusted partners of many major companies around the world, we offer special container shipping services to business of all sizes. Talk to our consultant today and get the best plan for your business!
Here are more information on special containers:
1. Type of Special Containers
Special Containers is a master term used to describe reefer containers, open-top containers, platform-based containers, pen containers, tank containers, car containers, etc., as opposed to general containers. They could be roughly classified into two categories, out of gauge cargo and refrigerated cargo.
1) 20’/40’ Open Top Container
These containers are mostly used for cargo that can’t be easily loaded through the door and need to be loaded from the top, or over high cargo, needed forklift in loading. Machinery usually requires such kind of container.
2) 20’/40’ Flat Rack Container These containers are mainly used for overweight or over high cargo, such as machinery, vehicles, equipment, etc. Some of the flat racks, the ends could be folded like collapsible racks.
3) 20’/40’ Flat or COFL Convertible to Platform Containers
These containers are used for oversized (over-width or over-length) machinery, heavy equipment, vehicle, etc.
4) Refrigerated Container (Reefer)
These containers are used for shipping temperature-sensitive cargo. Refrigerated containers have an integral refrigeration unit and are connected to the external power of container ship, land-based site, trailer, etc. Frozen meat, fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, chemicals, pharmaceutical products, etc. require this type of container in shipping.
5) Tank Container
Tank containers are used for transporting liquids, gases, powders, etc. Tank containers are vessels of stainless steel surrounded by insulation and a protective layer of usually polyurethane and aluminum. They can be used to transport both hazardous and non-hazardous products.
6) Other Special Containers
There are some other special containers like auto containers, livestock containers, dress hanger containers, etc.
2. What should you know about special container shipping?
When you are shipping cargo by special container, you have to have a clear and specific plan and foresee the problems that may happen, or you may cause huge loss or serious delay. Shipping cost, cargo loading, binding, inland trucking, customs declaring and clearing, inspections are the main links that you should look into. A special container is not necessarily available locally, you may have to pick the container from other places. The extra container picking fee is one of the additional cost items. You may need some professional personnel and equipment for cargo loading and binding. Some terminal may have special requirements for binding. You have to work closely with your shipping forwarder and plan well to avoid the return of container due to some small problems, which will result in the delay of shipping and extra charges. The limits on height, width, and weight of the cargo are very important issues. You’d better choose the more experienced and professional shipping forwarder to handle the cargo for you. 3. How to ship a special container?
1) Inquiry
When you inquire about your forwarder, you have to provide as detailed cargo information as possible, such as cargo width, length, high and weight, cargo packing, loading port, destination port, container loading time and place, cargo lifting point, binding point, etc. And you also have to decide the services you would order from your forwarder. The professional shipping forwarder can arrange inland shipping, container stuffing, binding, canvas, equipment packing, loading supervision report, shipping space ordering, customs declaration, etc.
2) Cargo Packing
The cargo has to be packed based on its size and weight. Choose appropriate packing material like wood or steel to be the base of the packing and use screws, pallets, cords, or welding to fasten the cargo within its packing. The cargo packing not only has to satisfied the requirement for loading into container, the safety during shipping, but also has to keep its final dimensions as small as possible to save shipping cost.
3) Container Loading
Choose the appropriate loading site based on the cargo packing, lifting point, weight, and dimensions and also select the right lifting equipment and sling tools. As the freight charge will be based on both the space and weight, when shipping cargo in multiple containers, you have to plan well the cargo for each container, to avoid overweight of each container, as well as reduce the total container numbers.
4) Binding and Fastening
Based on the cargo characteristics, weight, size, center of gravity, choose the right binding and fastening material to make sure the cargo is safe during handling and shipping. Some of the shipping companies have special requirements for cargo binding and fastening. Make sure you check with your shipping forwarder before you do the job, to avoid containers be returned for not up to their standard.
5) Inland shipping
Based on the specific conditions of your cargo, choose the best route for inland shipping. Choose appropriate trucking vehicles to make sure the cargo can be shipped to the loading terminal safely. Shipping cargo in special containers requires more expertise and have to look into the details of the specific case. If you have cargo to ship from China, you can contact us and we will assist you in selecting the most appropriate shipping solution.
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