1. What kind of cargo can be shipped in a container?

Except for the use of Flexi tanks, only non-bulk packed cargo such as manufactured goods like clothing, shoes, electronics, machinery, auto parts, toys, fruits and vegetables and frozen foods are transported via container. Some goods may sit on pallets, while others such as clothing may be hung on hangers. Dangerous goods such as volatile chemicals may also be shipped by container. In the case of dangerous goods, shipping industry governing bodies such as the International Convention for the Safety of the Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) set out rules on how those goods must be shipped.

2. How safe is container ISO cargo transportation?

The shipment of cargoes carried by sea must adhere to strict national and international regulations from how cargo is packaged and stowed to how it is unloaded as well. For example, on an international level, general guidelines for best practices of what's called intermodal Cargo Transport Units (CTU) were developed by three governing bodies that include the International Maritime Organization (IMO) (and its Maritime Safety Committee), the International Labor Office (ILO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Safety measures ensure that the cargo is not only properly handled but that all of the personnel who work with the cargo throughout the supply chain follow procedures for their own safety. This can include everyone from a crane operator at a container terminal dock to the truck driver who carries away the container to a rail yard to be readied for the next transportation leg. Additionally, there are very stringent guidelines in place from the IMO and the International Convention for the Safety of the Life at Sea (SOLAS) charter that specifies how crews are to safety sail a containership.

3. How is my cargo shipped?

Containers are typically brought to a vessel by truck. At port, the containers are lifted by gantry cranes or ship-to-shore cranes and placed on a berthed containership according to a carefully thought-out loading plan. The sealed containers are not opened until the ship meets the port where the containers will be unloaded (according to the Bill of Lading). The containers will then either be taken away by truck to their ultimate destination (a grocery store, for instance) for unpacking or may also continue their journey by rail.

4. What are the benefits of shipping by container?

Today's modern containerships can carry more than 10,000 containers on any one voyage, which enhances time and cost-efficiencies across the supply chain and for customers around the world. In fact, over 90% of global trade is carried by ship, and containers are the most common way to transport non-bulk cargo. Containerships and other commercial vessels that transport the world's goods are also a very green mode of transportation compared to their on-road and on-rail counterparts.

5. How is cargo in the container secured?

As mentioned in Question 2, there are specific stowing guidelines set out for securing Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) that shippers should follow while stuffing the container. In general, cargo inside a container needs to be secured so that it does not shift during the voyage. If there are spaces near the walls or between pieces of cargo, they must be filled. Great care must be taken to ensure that cargo is packed in such a way as the weight in the container is evenly distributed and that, for instance, moist goods are not packed with dry goods. Containers are also "lashed" to each other and the deck of the containership in such a way that they are evenly balanced and allow for the natural movement of the ship so they do not fall overboard. Containers are also affixed with a seal from the outside, typically placed on the right door of the container. The seal has a number on it which coincides with the Bill of Lading.

6. How is a container shipment tracked?

There is a number on the customer Bill of Lading that is identified as the tracking number (can be a combination of port of load, port of discharge, voyage, and Bill of Lading number). That number can be entered onto the website in the secure area and the location of the container, no matter where it is in the world, will be given.

7. How do I know what kind of container is best for my type of cargo?

Most dry cargo packed in bags, boxes or pallets should be shipped in a dry container .Items that need constant refrigeration such as produce and frozen goods should be shipped in refrigeration containers . The 40-foot HC container can accommodate items such as piping and other types of construction materials.

8. Is there a standard size of container?

The two standard sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot. Please see our Shipping Services section for more information

9. What if I have more questions?

Please contact us at (+202) 5196 164, or email us at sales@transmcar.com and we will respond as soon as possible.