Types of cargo containers for transportation: types, dimensions, characteristics and features

Cargo containers play a key role in modern logistics. The multipurpose container is suitable for the safe transportation and storage of bulk materials, liquid substances, and food. Container guarantees the protection of goods from environmental exposure, theft and spoilage. 

Main types of containers

Transportation ofbulk materials, machinery, auto parts, mechanical equipment, etc. is carried out in cargo containers of different dimensions and load capacity. For the transportation of goods by rail the following types of transportation containers are used: High Cube, Open Top, Flat Rack, etc., to be discussed later. 

Standard containers (Dry Van)

Multipurpose model of 1CC or 1AA type. It is intended for transportation of unpacked cargo, cartons, boxes, bulky goods. A standard 40-foot container is used for maritime and multimodal transportation.

Dimensions and Capacity

Reefer containers

They are used for the transportation of perishable goods by rail. The reefer container is equipped with a refrigeration unit that maintains a set temperature inside the container throughout the entire route.

Dimensions and Capacity

High Cube Containers

A multipurpose model with a large margin of safety and reliability. The cargo container is designed for storage and railway transportation of heavy and lightweight  cargo, piece and tall goods that cannot be transported in standard containers.

Dimensions and Capacity

Open containers (Open Top, Flat Rack)

This type of container is suitable for railway transportation of cargo without a hard top. Structures can be equipped with tarpaulin, plastic, reinforced covers, upper transverse elements of a folding or removable type.

Dimensions and Capacity

Tank containers

Containers for transportation of liquid or gaseous cargo: milk, juices, chemicals, etc. Such container can be transported by rail, by road and by air. The tank is designed for repeated use. 

Dimensions and Capacity

Specialized containers

Equipment for railway transportation and storage of goods of a limited product range or a separate type. By load capacity, the models are divided into low-tonnage, medium-tonnage and large-tonnage. Containers for transportation can be rigid, semi-rigid and soft.

Dimensions, Capacity, Use

Specialized models have different  length, width, height and load capacity. The gross weight of a low-tonnage rigid structure is less than 2.5 tons, large-tonnage - from 10 tons. According to the design features, a specialized cargo container may or may not correspond to multipurpose options.

Refrigerators, isothermal, soft models, heated and other versions are classified as specialized containers. They are used for railway transportation of granular and powdery materials, liquids, chemicals, food products, etc.

Features of choosing container for different types of cargo

It is better to choose a cargo container for railway transportation based on size, design, purpose, dimensions, weight, volume of products, etc. When choosing, the convenience of the container should be taken into account. Each cargo container should be marked with a number and date of technical inspection.

Consideration the cargo features

When transporting oversized, food, dangerous and bulk specialized cargoes, the cargo features should be taken into account. Oversized products should be transported in a cargo container with a sturdy frame system. For toxic and hazardous liquids, it is necessary to choose containers with a high level of sealing, a framework and a special drain.

Legislative and regulatory requirements

The choice of containers for cargo transportation is regulated by a number of legislative and regulatory requirements, the purpose of which is to ensure safety, efficiency and comply with environmental standards during the transportation of goods. These requirements may vary depending on the country, the type of cargo and the chosen method of delivery (sea, rail, road or air transport). ISO (International Standardization Organization) defines standards for the dimensions, strength and other characteristics of containers.

Countries may have their own laws and regulations governing the use and requirements for shipping containers. In Russia, it is the Order of the Ministry of Transportation of the Russian Federation No. 405 dated December 18, 2019.

Specifications of containers

Manufacturing materials

Containers for railway transportation of products are made of resistant materials that do not react with cargoes. Container structures consist of a welded metal frame, corrugated iron cladding, and a steel sheet with an anticorrosive composition. Plywood, fiberglass, and aluminum-magnesium alloys are used for assembly.

Standards and certification

These standards are designed to ensure that containers  can withstand extreme conditions during transportation, as well as to facilitate their use by various modes of transport (sea, railway, road and air). 

ISO (International Standardization Organization): ISO 668, ISO 1496 and ISO 1161 are the main standards defining the dimensions, strength characteristics and angular fittings of containers, respectively. These standards ensure the versatility and compatibility of containers in the international logistics chain.

Durability and resistance to transportation conditions

The container structure withstands the tests established by the standards without residual deformations. The metal box usually lasts more than 10 years. The container can withstand heavy loads and impacts: shocks, vibration and corrosion. It is resistant to weather conditions such as rain, snow and wind.

Innovations and trends in the field of cargo containers

Smart containers

The structures are equipped with remote control, automation, GPS trackers, solar panels, and real-time data exchange systems.

Ecological initiatives

“Green” cargo containers are developed taking into account environmental and social aspects. The structures use methods for saving energy and water, reducing emissions of harmful substances, and renewable materials.

Global logistics trends

The use of containers allows to optimize the process of transporting goods, reduces delivery time and reduces transportation costs. Cargo containers are an important tool for ensuring the efficiency and flexibility of logistics systems in the global economy. Due to the fact that container standards are global, when crossing borders or changing the mode of transport, the requirements for containers remain the same, they do not need to be unloaded and reloaded. Due to this, the speed of cargo transportation increases significantly. For example, the transit time between the borders of the EAEU with the PRC and the EU in the company UTLC ERA JSC is only 6 days.

Conclusion

Containers are a multipurpose option for rail transportation. Reliable designs provide a high degree of safety, protect goods from damage and external influences. Containers can be used for economical transportation of consumer goods, food, machinery, etc.