A convenient way to transport all kinds of things is by grouping them in the same space.
Think about when you go to the supermarket; your shopping bag helps you group your groceries from the store to your cabinets.
In a supply chain, shipping containers are a popular and intelligent way to transport high volumes of cargo at once, from origin to destination.
Here's a Flex-Box video showing how a shipping container is made:
Most Commonly Used Shipping Containers
20' STD Dry
20' STD Reefer
40' HC Dry
40' Reefer
45' HC Dry
45' Reefer
53' HC Dry
*STD means Standard and HC means High Cube.
There are other types of containers like tanks, open-tops, and car-tainers. There is a box to accommodate almost every kind of commodity to transport it from origin to destination.
Uniformity is needed to support trade in all ports around the globe. For that reason, the same 40'HC container we use in the United States of America can be loaded with goods to be delivered to Spain. These dimensions uniformity allows container vessels to be unloaded and loaded with hundreds, and in other cases, with thousands of containers.
Image by Sergio Souza via Unsplash.
The shipping container dimensions are defined in ISO 1496, which is the authoritative document for container dimensions. The different parts and components used in the construction of freight containers are specified in ISO 9897-1. ISO 830:1999 is the International Standard that defines terms related to freight containers.
Freight container standards are part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG#9), which tackles industry, innovation, and infrastructure; to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
Learn more about SDG #9 here; click the ISO logo to learn more about other SDGs, and here if you want a deeper look into international standards for freight containers.
Container Identification System
Another area regulated by the ISO is the container identification and marking system (ISO 6346:1995 Freight containers ā Coding, identification, and marking).
Shipping containers have an identification system that provides uniform international identification. This identification number is used in communications and in all documentation related to that box while in transit.
The container identification number is not selected randomly. There is an intention behind every character.
Sometimes shippers don't include the check digit in the bill of lading. Here you can calculate it to use the complete identification number in your shipping documents.
You can also check the BIC code registration information.
I have tried it for CMCU, SEGU, and STRU.
In addition to the container number, containers have other markings, which should last for the box's life. It is recommended to use durable plastic film. More specifications and recommendations can be found here.
Check out the image below!
Image from bic-code.org
The sides, front, and top of the containers also have additional markings; see below.
Image from bic-code.org
Today, containers have GPS tracking systems and remote temperature-controlled monitoring. This allows container owners to keep an accurate inventory of all of their boxes, loaded or empty. This also allows to properly allocate them based on future sailing schedules and customer needs.
Image by Frank McKenna via Unsplash.
Loading products in the same place prevents loss of cargo or robbery. That is one of the reasons why shipping containers are so versatile.
But what happens when corrosion, damages, and overall excellent and safe functionality reach an end?
In my following publication, I will be exploring what happens to containers after their shipping life is over.
Thank you for reading āļø!
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