Monday, March 8, 2010

What Are Cargo Containers?

Cargo containers are units for both storing and shipping goods efficiently. Because they are used to move goods over long distances, often overseas, they have to be properly constructed and suitable for the job.

The use of cargo containers is proved to have vastly increased the speed an efficiency in the handling and movement of goods. A survey of ports in the United States of America in 1998 showed that cargo in containers could be moved 20 times faster than previous methods where goods were not handled in bulk. Crucially, the use of these units allows goods and produce to be move much faster from the ports to their inland destination

The units come in different sizes, for instance, between 20 and 40 foot. They can be bought or hired in various conditions, such as painted or unpainted as an option, and can include light doors for easy opening.

Depending on how you intend to move your cargo, the units are built to varying specifications, depending on whether they are to be carried in ships or on aircraft. For shipping the maximum gross mass for a 20 foot dry cargo container is 30,480, kg, and for 40 foot 34,000 kg. For cargo containers being transported by air, the weight that can be carried is governed by regulations set by the International Air Transport Association – IATA- and depends on the classification and dimensions of the unit itself. It is also important to consider that many airlines who deliver cargo have their own specially designed units and specialist lifting equipment to handle it.

Cargo units can also be specifically adapted to carry specialised cargoes. For instance they can be refrigerated to carry perishables. Refrigerated units are constructed out of aluminium, glass reinforced plastic, or steel. When buying or renting a refrigerated container,it is important to satisfy yourself that they meet world hygiene standards. Other types of units are open top, flat back and vented.

Further specialisation in the construction of cargo containers can include a lock box for enhanced security, a steel floor, steel grating, an extra wide side door for easier loading and access, and shelf brackets.

The type of unit you choose to hire or buy will be determined by the type of goods you are intending to transport, the distance, and the value of the products to be transported. Also prior to transportation, the units can be used for storage on site.

In summary these units are a highly efficient, safe and economical way to move goods in bulk and also provide excellent storage space.

Great Lakes shipping container services offers a range of standard and specialist ISO equipment to provide innovative and creative purchase and lease international cargo solutions

How To Hire Shipping Containers Online

Anyone seeking to send cargo within this country, or overseas can hire shipping containers online. Hiring online is often the simplest way to secure shipping containers. All it takes is to fill in the necessary forms, open an account and enter payment details if its is the first time you are dealing with a particular company, and then await the confirmation email.

When searching for companies from which to hire shipping containers, it usually best to use the internet. Online you will be able to find the websites of container companies from all round the world, giving the opportunity to compare the prices and services on offer.

Companies will give you extensive information about the types of containers they provide, and even allow you to undertake an independent survey of them.. By visiting a company's website, you will be able to see the the types of container they have available, their size, and also any specialised or modified containers that they can supply.

Containers can come from 20 to 40 foot size for steel dry cargo containers and 40 to 45 foot for H-Cube steel dry containers. Specialised containers come in various types, such as 20 and 40 foot open top full height, and 20 to 40 foot flat rack with collapsible ends. The different types of unit are often detailed in chart form on the company websites, with details of length, width, height and weight.

Some hire companies also offer containers for sale, both new and used. These can also be contacted online, and depending on price and the use that you intend to put the unit too, buying a shipping container may be more economical than hiring one.

The type of shipping container you choose to hire will depend on the kind of cargo to be transported. When visiting a company's website its is very important to make sure that they supply the correct units that will be able to carry your goods safely. You should be able to view the information about the type of container needed but if you are unsure of the type of unit you need or if you have a very specialist or unusual cargo it is usually best to speak to the company directly to ensure you are hiring the right container for your needs.

Like all business decisions, the cost of services are very important to the well being of your company. By hiring shipping containers online you will give yourself the opportunity to transport cargo at the most economical price possible while ensuring your goods reach their customers safely.

Great Lakes shipping container services offers a range of standard and specialist ISO equipment to provide innovative and creative purchase and lease international cargo solutions