What is Container Transportation?
Container transportation is the process of transporting standard size containers used to transport cargo by ship, train, truck or other transportation vehicles.
Container transportation is often also called intermodal transportation because different transportation modes are used together. For example, once the materials are placed in containers, they can first be transported by truck to the port, from there by ship to another port, and finally by truck again to the destination. In addition, the standard sizes of containers make it easier to pack and store cargo.
Containers are generally produced in accordance with the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard and must be of certain dimensions.
This transportation service also attracts attention with its flexibility to meet the needs of many businesses from different sectors and fields. Container transportation is preferred in many areas, from raw materials to finished products, from food to automotive.
It is a key logistics service that enables the fast, safe and economical transportation of consumer demands and needs, which increase with the growth of international trade, around the world. Nowadays, billions of tons of cargo are transported through containers every day. Although this transportation service is generally carried out by sea, it is also frequently used in road and railway transportation.
Container transportation maintains its importance today as an indispensable element of international trade and logistics. This transportation service makes significant contributions to the global economy by ensuring that cargo is delivered safely and quickly to different points of the world.
How is Container Transportation done?
Container transportation requires a logistics operation that must be carefully planned. We can list the container transportation process as follows:
- Needs Analysis: The amount of cargo to be transported should be determined and the appropriate container size should be selected.
- Container Selection: The container type appropriate to the load type and transportation conditions should be determined. Options such as standard, flat rack, open top should be considered.
- Loading: The load (material) is placed correctly in the container. The loading process must be done carefully and the safety of the load must be ensured.
- Transport Vehicle Selection: Appropriate transport vehicle must be selected for transportation of the container. The most suitable option should be chosen among options such as ship, train, truck.
- Export Formalities: If the container is to be sent abroad, customs clearance and other export procedures must be completed.
- Transportation and Tracking: While the container is being transported via the determined route, it should be followed throughout the process and necessary security measures should be taken.
- Arrival and Unloading: When the container reaches the destination port, it is unloaded and the cargo is unloaded safely.
- Domestic Transport: Container cargo is transported to its destination by inland transport vehicles.
- Container Return: Return of the empty container and completion of the container process.
Container transportation is a complex process that must be carried out meticulously at every step. With proper planning and coordination, it can be accomplished smoothly.
Advantages of Container Transportation
Container transportation has an important position in international trade and logistics industry and has many advantages.
- Container transportation allows cargo to be transported quickly. Containers are transported on regular schedules, allowing shipping times to be shortened. In addition, transporting containers by cargo ships ensures safe transportation of cargo.
- Container transportation is generally more economical than other transportation methods. Containers have standard sizes and are compatible with each other, reducing transportation costs. In addition, the ability to transport containers by different transportation modes such as road, rail and sea further reduces costs.
- Containers ensure the protection of cargo against external influences. In this way, damage and losses that may occur during the transportation of loads are minimized.
- Containers save labor and time because they are easy to load and unload. At the same time, containers can be easily transported with different transportation vehicles.
- Container shipping has an extensive network around the world and serves many ports. This offers a variety of transportation options and provides flexibility in logistics planning.
- Containers allow the transportation of different types of cargo. Liquid, solid, dangerous and valuable cargoes can be transported in containers.
- Container transportation leaves less carbon footprint than other transportation methods. It is an environmentally friendly option with less fuel consumption and more efficient transportation.
Types of Container Transportation
Container transportation is a transportation method that is widely used in the logistics industry and is divided into two basic types: Complete Container Transportation (FCL) and Partial Container Transportation (LCL).
FCL, i.e. Complete Container Transportation, is preferred when a load has enough volume to fill a single container. This is often used to meet the demand of a single buyer, such as for large companies transporting large quantities of goods or large-scale production machinery.
LCL, that is, Partial Container Transportation, comes into play when the cargo does not have enough volume to fill a container. In this case, small quantities of goods to be sent to multiple buyers need to be collected and shared a container. LCL offers the advantage of reducing cost and optimizing logistics operations, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Both types of transportation are selected according to the nature and quantity of the cargo and buyer demands. Container transportation experts take these different types into account and manage logistics processes to provide the most effective transportation solution that suits customers' needs.
What types of containers are used for container transportation?
Standard Containers (Dry van Containers)
Dry van containers, also known as standard containers, are a type commonly used in maritime transportation. They do not require special transportation and are generally made of standard steel material. All surfaces of these containers are closed and there are doors at the front. They can be used to transport various products that can pass through these doors and do not require special transport conditions. They are generally classified as 20 ft and 40 ft according to their volume.
Reefer Containers
Refrigerated containers are special containers that preserve the freshness and quality of the products by maintaining certain temperature and humidity conditions thanks to the special cooling unit inside. It is generally preferred for the transportation of products that require controlled transportation, such as food products, medicines and cosmetics. Refrigerated containers generally come in 20 ft and 40 ft sizes.
Flat Platform Containers (Flat Rack Containers)
Platform containers are special containers generally used for the transportation of heavy and large-sized loads. These containers are designed to carry cargo loaded on a wide and flat platform. Platform containers are very useful for transporting or storing boats, yachts and heavy machinery, especially in the construction industry.
Open Top Containers
Open-top containers are containers used to transport large and bulky loads such as construction materials, production machinery and heavy industry equipment. The floor of these containers, which are standard 20 ft or 40 ft long, are generally made of durable wooden material. In addition, these containers, which have a retractable tarpaulin and a front door that can be opened completely, are specially designed to easily load and unload cargo from the top. In this way, transportation operations become more efficient, while the wooden floor provides a solid platform for the safe transportation of loads.
Tank Containers
Tank containers are containers specially designed for the transportation of liquid or gaseous products. These containers are generally used to transport liquid or gaseous products such as chemicals, petroleum products, gases or food oils. Tank containers enable the safe and controlled transportation of products and are a preferred transportation service in various industries.