Use of Containers

Containers are widely used all over the world. Railwaymen have come to a conclusion that the most efficient means of handling goods is container usage. Containers are used for transporting bulk products and packages.

Containers are large and heavy. The maximum size in the International Standards Organization recommendations is 8 ft by 8 ft by 40 ft (2435 mm by 2435 mm by 12,000 mm) with a maximum gross weight of 30 tonnes. They have to be lifted by crane or fork trucks and they are carried on lorries, on trains or on the deck of ships.

Containers must preserve their contents from damage. They must accept very different cargoes, fish products or machinery from journey to journey. Even with the more modern handling equipment containers are liable to damage. A recent survey showed that six firms in the UK and Europe doing container repairs are dealing with some 1,100 containers a month, of which about 30 % have suffered major damage. It is evident therefore that much depends on the material used for the construction of a container.

As better handling facilities are installed in container terminals throughout the world, the probability of damage is becoming less.

Unit 8 Types of Containers

Containers have rapidly advanced throughout the world and are contributing to the world trade and must meet the requirements of national economy of the countries. All the cargoes of international trade may be transported in the following types of containers: 1) open top containers that are suitable for transporting heavy cargoes like plate glass and machinery. Watertightness is complete and ventilators of large capacity are provided; 2) bulk containers that are the most suitable for transportation of bulk cargoes. Cargoes can be unloaded in a short time when the container is tilted; 3) tank containers that are used for transporting liquid foodstuffs and chemicals; 4) flat rack containers that are the most suitable for transporting steel pipes, timber, machinery, drums, etc.; 5) refrigerator containers that are used for vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, etc.

A container has to be watertight and strong enough to withstand all handling stresses. It is to have an internal lining which can be cleaned easily. For carrying insulated or refrigerated cargoes the insulation of the container has not to absorb moisture and the construction is to allow free circulation of air round the cargo. It is evident therefore that much depends on the material used for container construction.

It is interesting to note that three kinds of materials exist side by side in regular use: steel, light alloys, timber and wood laminates usually faced with reinforced plastics. The transport and handling of goods is a subject that has engaged the close attention of engineers, operators and economists with a view of increasing efficiency and reducing costs of containers.

Not all freight is suitable for conveyance by container because of dimensions, character and so on. In these cases traditional means are used. On some routes there may be a need for so-called “flexible-mixed vessels” providing storage for containers.