When you think about logistics and global trade, you might picture massive vessels sailing across the oceans or bustling ports packed with activity. At the central point of this system is a remarkable innovation that has revolutionised the way seafarers transport goods: freight containers. These massive boxes represent a vital component in the world of logistics.
Containers were invented and patented in 1956 by an American company, which wasn’t an ocean shipper but the largest trucking company in the country at the time.
By the end of the twentieth century, container ships transported nearly 90 per cent of the world’s trade cargo. Containers facilitate better sea connectivity between regions, countries and continents, benefiting the world economy compared to the railways, roads and airways, which have always been more expensive.
Each container marking has a significant role in transportation. Markings are important for monitoring and the general safety of a container. Let’s break down the key elements that ensure smooth sailing from origin to destination:
Container number: Each freight container boasts a unique identification number, structured as four letters followed by seven digits). are assigned by the ISO (International Standards Organization) through BIC (Bureau International des Containers) and are made up of 4 letters followed by seven numbers. Each container number is unique.
Owned prefix code: The first three capital letters of the container number are used to identify the owner, indicating the entity responsible for it.
Equipment category identifier: The letter following the Owner Prefix Code indicates the container’s category. This quick reference makes it easier for stakeholders to assess container capabilities at a glance.
Serial number: This unique six-digit serial number reduces the chances of mix-up or loss as containers traverse the globe.
Check digit: This single final number enclosed in a box serves to validate the container number when it is entered into the BIC Check Digit Calculator. It ensures that errors don’t sneak through in logistical operations.
ISO code: Each container is assigned a unique ISO code for standardised identification. This ensures that port authorities, shipping lines and logistics professionals can universally recognise container types, streamlining operations across borders.
Max gross weight: Not just about carrying weight, containers come with a max gross weight capacity, which includes the container’s tare weight, which is the weight of the empty container. Knowing this is critical for ensuring that ships are not overloaded, which can lead to dangerous situations at sea.
Classification mark: Indicates that the container has been inspected and certified by a classification society, which is an organisation that ensures the container meets certain safety and quality standards.
CSC Plate and other certifications: The CSC plate indicates that the container passed specific tests, met minimum standards for capacity, weight, and resistance to shipping forces, and has been issued a four-digit alpha code that identifies the container owners and its intended use.
Other symbols on containers are safety symbols, height warnings, handling instructions, the manufacturer’s logos, or repair recommendations.
Exploring the optimal use of 20ft and 40ft containers for shipping efficiency and cost-effectiveness
When determining how many pallets can fit into a 20-foot or 40-foot container, it’s important to account for the maximum loading weights and the approximate weight of the pallets themselves.
A standard 40ft container typically has a maximum gross weight (including the container itself) of around 30,480 kg (67,200 lbs). The tare weight (weight of the empty container) is generally around 3,700 kg (8,160 lbs), so that leaves the payload (the weight of the cargo) at around 26,780 kg (59,000 lbs). However, the payload can vary depending on the container’s specific design or manufacturer. A reasonable estimate for many standard containers is 22,500 kg.
40ft Container:
- Standard VMF Pallets (1.0 x 1.2 meters): Can fit up to 22 pallets
- Euro Pallets (1.0 x 1.0 meters): Can fit up to 24 pallets
- 40ft containers have external dimensions of 12.19m in length, 2.44m in width, and 2.59m in height. The internal dimensions are 12.02m long, 2.35m wide and 2.39m high. The doorway opening is 2.34m wide and 2.28m high.
For a 20ft container, the space is the limiting factor rather than the weight. You can fit as many cases as the space allows before reaching the weight limit. Typically, this “loose loading” method can accommodate approximately 1,100 cases of 12/75cl bottles (or 2,200 cases of 6/75cl bottles). This method is often the most economically viable way of shipping per case.
20ft Container:
- Standard VMF Pallets (1.0 x 1.2 meters): Can fit up to 10 pallets
- Euro Pallets (1.0 x 1.0 meters): Can fit up to 11 pallets
- 20ft containers have external dimensions of 6.06m in length, 2.44m in width, and 2.59m in height. Internally, they measure 5.89m long, 2.35m wide and 2.39m high. The door opening measures the same as a 40ft container.
Alternatively, there’s the “slip-sheeting” option, which allows more cases to be loaded—around 900 cases of 12/75cl bottles. However, this method requires special equipment for unloading at the receiving warehouse. It’s worth noting that the warehouse might not appreciate this method due to the additional time and cost involved in unloading, which can take about 3 hours for two warehouse staff to complete.
Understanding the distinction: Inland Container Depots (ICD) vs. Container Freight Stations (CFS)
In the logistics and international trade sectors, Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and Container Freight Stations (CFSs) each play indispensable roles in managing cargo and enhancing shipment efficiency. Although they may appear to serve similar functions, their purposes and operations differ significantly.
Inland Container Depots, or ICDs, are dry ports situated away from major seaports. They are designed to facilitate import and export activities and mainly handle full container loads (FCL), acting as extensions of the port. These depots offer various amenities, including customs clearance, storage solutions and intermodal transport facilities. By serving traders in inland regions, ICDs effectively help to alleviate congestion at coastal ports.
Container Freight Stations (CFSs), on the other hand, are located in proximity to ports and focus primarily on handling Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments. These facilities are essential for consolidating and deconsolidating cargo before and after the shipping process. CFSs are often utilised for temporary storage, as well as for stuffing and de-stuffing containers, making them crucial in optimising container space for multiple shippers.