Transporting shipping containers is a complicated process that requires significant logistical expertise. It’s essential to consider which goods you are transporting, the loading and unloading processes, and the container’s movement using road and sea transportation.
While it can be tempting to cut costs by planning shipping container transportation in-house, this can be more expensive if the plan does not meet regulatory standards, resulting in delays, shipment seizures, and lost customers.
Before engaging in shipping containers, take some crucial factors into account.
Choose the Correct Container Size
It’s vital to choose the correct container size. If the unit is not large enough to accommodate your goods, you’ll need to perform two shipping runs. By paying for more transportation, you may find the venture is no longer profitable.
However, you also don’t want to use a container that has empty space after packing. You should utilize every foot of container space to ensure you can transport as many goods as possible without paying for unused floor surface area.
Shipping containers come in several sizes, but 20 ft. and 40 ft. are the most common. Containers frequently travel around the world, and they use internationally agreed standard sizes to enable shipping and logistical companies to work with each variant and easily calculate shipping costs.
An experienced logistics company can match the size of the shipping container to the mode of transportation.
Container Certification
All shipping containers display a CSC plate and can not travel on a cargo ship without one. Containers must pass scrutiny by a certified inspector who confirms the box is safe to use. There are two inspection options for shipping containers, and you must ensure the unit for use meets these requirements.
One program is the Periodic Examination Scheme (PES) that states that shipping containers are subject to an inspection within five years of manufacture and at intervals of less than 30 months after that. The Approved Continuous Examination Scheme (ACES) considers the CSC plate to renew each time there is a repair or an inspection at a repair facility.
Both inspection programs have stringent standards, and certification is essential when transporting shipping containers. If a container suffers damage or is no longer sound and in good repair, the owner must immediately withdraw the unit from service.
A professional logistics company can ensure your goods only travel in certified shipping containers that perform at the required level.
Choose the Right Transportation Vehicle Type
When using shipping containers for exporting goods or import from abroad, road transportation is necessary. Trucks are the link between sea travel and merchandise reaching its final destination.
A container chassis type of vehicle has a lightweight design and structure that makes maintenance straightforward. Ideal for use at a railway yard, or freight terminal, they are a popular mode of road transport.
A container tilt trailer provides a quick method of loading and unloading shipping containers. In contrast, a container side load trailer uses cranes or lift modules to load units via the truck’s side.
Correct Shipping Container Packing
It is counter-productive to plan the logistics of transporting shipping containers without ensuring employees pack the unit the right way. Untrained staff can leave goods unsecured and vulnerable to damage, which could prove costly.
When preparing for shipping container transportation, it’s essential to store merchandise in a neat and orderly fashion, using packaging and padding to prevent unnecessary damage. Shipping companies expect you to have goods ready for transportation upon collection, and it can be cost-effective to employ a professional company that can arrange packaging on your behalf.
You may also require a specific type of container before packing your goods. If you transport foods or medicines, a box that allows for temperature control is the best option.
Should you need staff to partially unload a container at one destination before moving to the next port, you can benefit from a custom container with doors at strategic locations. Employees can open the doors nearest the required goods, eliminating the need to remove other packages before reaching the merchandise needed at their port.
Any delays with loading and unloading shipping containers can incur demurrage fees, which can be expensive, and an experienced logistics company can help keep your transportation costs as low as possible.
Contact Asiana USA for a Free Quote
Asiana USA has established international freight supply logistics solutions worldwide. We can ensure your shipping containers reach their destination on time and in excellent condition. Before transporting your goods, we perform an in-depth cost analysis and provide you with the most affordable solution.
For a consultation and a free quote, contact the Asiana USA sales team at (855) 500-1808.
