Cargo containers: How many types are there and how to use them in transportation?

Qué es un contenedor Reefer y qué transporta

Companies that rely on cargo transportation face constant logistical challenges to ensure the efficiency and safety of their operations.

This is especially true because the diversity of containers available can be overwhelming, and the lack of knowledge about their specifications and uses leads to decisions that negatively affect your business logistics.

Did you know that choosing the right type of cargo container makes the difference between a successful delivery and additional costs due to damage or delays?

From dry vans to specialized options like reefers and flat racks, the goal of this article is to help you understand how to select the right container based on your cargo's needs and transportation conditions in Mexico.

Types of containers for transporting goods

It is crucial to know that there are various containers selected according to the characteristics of the product to be transported. These vary in dimensions, structure, and manufacturing material to adapt to the specific needs of each cargo. Here are the most common ones used in international trade:

Reefer: Also known as refrigerated containers, they are designed to maintain a controlled temperature ranging from -30°C to +30°C during the transport of goods sensitive to temperature variations. Their goal is to ensure the integrity and quality of perishable products like fresh foods, pharmaceuticals, and other goods requiring specific conditions.
Dry Van: Known as dry containers, they are widely used in the cargo transportation industry. They are ideal for carrying products that do not require specific temperature or ventilation, such as manufactured goods, textiles, electronics, and general consumer items.
Open Top: Designed for transporting goods that cannot be loaded or unloaded through the standard doors of a conventional container. They have an open top and are equipped with a removable roof, facilitating the handling of irregular or oversized loads.
Open Side: Featuring a full side opening, making them suitable for transporting long and difficult-to-load items through standard front doors, such as construction materials, metal profiles, pipes, and large machinery. Their compatibility with various modes of transportation, including maritime, land, and rail, makes them ideal for a wide range of logistical applications.
Cisterna (tank containers): Essential for the transport of bulk liquids and hazardous substances. Built with a robust steel frame containing an inner tank made of polyethylene or stainless steel, designed specifically for handling liquid products, including wines, milk, water, and hazardous substances like fuels or chemicals.
Flexi Tank: An innovative and flexible solution for transporting bulk liquids. Essentially a dry van container fitted with a tank known as a flexibag made of high-quality polyethylene, ensuring the safety and integrity of the transported liquid. Their use is more sustainable as their installation and disposal generate less environmental impact compared to traditional tank containers that require cleaning.
Flat Rack: Manufactured for transporting atypical loads that do not fit the dimensions or restrictions of standard containers. They lack sidewalls and often front and back walls, providing a sturdy, open platform to accommodate large or irregularly shaped goods.

Types of cargo in containers

Understanding the different types of cargo in containers is key to optimizing the transportation process and ensuring the integrity of the goods throughout the journey. Here are the main types:

General cargo

Encompasses manufactured products, individually packed and palletized, not requiring special transport conditions. It is the most common category and includes items like appliances, clothing, and toys. Dry vans are ideal for this type of cargo.

Bulk cargo

Consists of unpackaged or bulk-packaged products, such as grains, powders, or liquids. Transported in specialized containers like bulk carriers or tank containers, this type requires particular handling and storage procedures to prevent spills, contamination, or loss.

Hazardous cargo

Includes materials that pose a risk to health, safety, or the environment during transport, such as explosive, flammable, toxic, or corrosive substances. Containers used for this purpose must meet strict construction and labeling requirements to ensure safe transportation.

Perishable cargo

Covers products with a limited shelf life needing controlled temperature and humidity conditions during transport. Transported in refrigerated containers (reefers) requiring continuous monitoring, examples include fresh foods, dairy products, and meats.

Other types of cargo

Besides the mentioned categories, other types of cargo needing special containers or handling include:

Oversized cargo: Refers to goods exceeding standard container dimensions, requiring specific containers like open tops.
Rolling cargo: Comprises vehicles, motorcycles, or other self-propelled machinery transported in open containers or special platforms.
Fractional cargo: Allows cost reduction by sharing space in a container but requires logistical coordination for the consolidation and deconsolidation of loads. Examples include small batches of manufactured products, e-commerce items, and commercial samples.

How to choose according to your transportation needs in Mexico?

Selecting the right cargo container for your shipment in Mexico is essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Consider these factors to make the right decision:

Identify the characteristics of your cargo:

Type of cargo: Determine if it is classified as general, bulk, hazardous, perishable, or another special type. Each has specific handling and transportation requirements influencing the final choice.
Dimensions and weight: Measure the length, width, and height to calculate the gross weight. These data help select a container with adequate capacity and verify limitations for maritime or land transport.
Transportation conditions: Evaluate if your cargo needs special conditions like controlled temperature, ventilation, or moisture protection.

Define your budget and logistical needs:

Cost: Research rental or purchase prices of different types of containers, considering size, type, and special features. Compare prices among providers for the best offer.
Availability: Ensure the container type you need is available in the origin and destination region on your shipment dates.
Modality: Determine if your shipment will be by sea, land, or multimodal. Each can have restrictions regarding type and size.

Consult experts and suppliers:

Professional advice: Contact specialized cargo logistics companies or customs agents for professional guidance.
Quotations: Request price lists from different container suppliers, comparing rental or purchase conditions, additional services, and availability on required dates.
Inspections and insurance: Ensure the final choice complies with maritime or land transport regulations in the origin/destination country.

Choose the right container:

Based on the information collected in the previous steps, select the container type that best suits your transportation needs, considering:

Capacity
Type of cargo
Transportation conditions
Budget

Remember, the correct choice directly impacts the safety of your goods and the efficiency of your supply chain.

Conclusion

Knowing the different types of cargo containers and how to use them effectively in transportation is crucial.

From dry vans to specialized options like reefers and flat racks, each type offers unique features that can be tailored to the specific needs of your cargo and the country's transportation conditions.

Remember, the final decision not only optimizes your logistics but also protects your investment and ensures the integrity of your products during their journey.

At KENSA Logistics, we are experts in the world of transportation and offer you:

Personalized advice: Our team of specialists provides the necessary guidance to evaluate your needs and select the ideal container for each shipment.
Wide range of options: We have alternatives to meet the needs of any type of cargo.
Comprehensive solutions: We offer integrated logistics solutions, from container selection to customs clearance and shipment tracking.

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