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    How Different Container Types Serve Global Shipping Needs

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    lily.ll.xiang@jusdascm.com
    ·July 8, 2025
    ·8 min read
    How Different Container Types Serve Global Shipping Needs
    Image Source: unsplash

    International container shipping uses many kinds of containers. Picking the right container keeps goods safe and saves money. JUSDA helps companies choose the best container for each job. The right container makes shipping faster as more containers are needed worldwide.

    Metric / Trend

    Numerical Value / Description

    Impact on Cost-Effectiveness and Shipping Efficiency

    Year-on-year container demand growth

    7% growth in early 2024

    Good container choice helps control rising costs

    Global container fleet growth

    10% increase in 2024 to 31 million TEUs

    Small growth means fewer containers, which raises costs

    Idle fleet rate

    Less than 1% at end of 2024

    Most containers are used, so smart use is important

    Port congestion

    At a three-month high, especially in UK and German ports

    The right container can help move goods faster

    Trade lane import growth

    Oceania 9%, Latin America 8%, Europe 6%

    Using the same types of containers saves money

    AI and container standardization

    Improves loading, tracking, route optimization, and fuel consumption

    Better management lowers costs

    Bar chart comparing container metrics and trade lane growth percentages in global shipping efficiency.

    Key Takeaways

    • Picking the right container keeps goods safe, saves costs, and makes shipping faster. - Each container has a special job, like keeping food cold, moving liquids, or carrying large cargo safely. - JUSDA and the China-Europe Express Rail use smart container choices and technology to make shipping safer and better around the world.

    Types of Shipping Containers

    Types of Shipping Containers
    Image Source: unsplash

    Global trade uses many kinds of shipping containers. Each container has a special job. They help move goods safely and quickly. Picking the right container keeps cargo safe and saves money. JUSDA uses its knowledge to match containers to each industry. These include electronics, automotive, FMCG, and medical supplies. The China-Europe Express Rail service uses different containers. This helps move goods fast between China and Europe.

    Note: Using many container types in international shipping helps performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The table below shows how each container type helps global shipping.

    Container Type

    Key Feature(s)

    Performance Enhancement in International Shipping

    Bulk Container

    Large capacity, robust for bulk cargo like grains

    Efficient handling of bulk commodities, secure containment during transit

    Swap Body Container

    Designed for easy truck-to-train transitions

    Facilitates seamless intermodal transport, improving logistics flexibility

    Drum Container

    Cylindrical design for liquid drums

    Ensures safe, stable transport of liquids, minimizing spill risks

    Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC)

    Robust, standardized for bulk liquids

    Streamlines transport and storage of large liquid volumes

    Gas Bottle Container

    Secure fastening for compressed gas bottles

    Safeguards volatile materials, ensuring safe transport

    Pallet Wide Container

    Slightly wider to fit more pallets

    Maximizes cargo capacity, improves loading/unloading efficiency

    Collapsible Container

    Can be collapsed when empty

    Saves space during return trips, enhancing storage and transport efficiency

    Hangar Container

    Equipped with racks for hanging garments

    Protects apparel shape, streamlines garment transport

    Double Stack Container

    Reinforced for stacking containers vertically

    Maximizes vertical space on ships, increasing cargo capacity

    Rolling Floor Container

    Floor rolls in/out for easy unloading

    Speeds up handling of loose or granular goods

    Multi-Door Container

    Multiple doors for versatile cargo access

    Enables flexible loading/unloading, tailored to diverse cargo needs

    Double Pallet Wide Container

    Wider to hold two pallets side-by-side

    Enhances space utilization, cost-effective pallet transport

    Railway Container

    Designed for easy integration with rail transport

    Improves intermodal transport efficiency, smooth transition between ship and rail

    Standard Dry Containers

    Standard dry containers are the most common in global shipping. People also call them dry van containers. They carry things like electronics, textiles, and packaged goods. These containers come in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. They keep cargo safe from weather and theft. JUSDA uses dry van containers for many industries. These include electronics and FMCG. They use them on both sea and rail routes. The China-Europe Express Rail service often uses these containers. They help move freight fast and safely between continents.

    High Cube Containers

    High cube containers look like standard containers but are taller. A 40ft high cube container is about 30 cm taller inside than a standard 40ft container. This extra height gives about 76.4 m³ of space inside. That means more cargo can fit. High cube containers have ventilation grilles on the upper side walls. These grilles help air move and stop moisture from building up. The table below compares standard and high cube containers:

    Container Type

    Internal Height (m/ft)

    Cubic Capacity (m³/cu ft)

    Payload Capacity (kg/lbs)

    Standard 40ft

    2.39 m / 7.9 ft

    67.7 m³ / 2,389 cu ft

    27,600 kg / 61,200 lbs

    40ft High Cube

    2.70 m / 8.10 ft

    76.3 m³ / 2,694.5 cu ft

    28,600 kg / 63,052 lbs

    JUSDA uses high cube containers for big or light goods that need more space. These include automotive parts and medical equipment.

    Refrigerated Containers

    Refrigerated containers are also called reefer containers. They keep goods cold or frozen during shipping. These containers use sensors and IoT technology to check temperature and humidity all the time. Cloud systems send alerts if the temperature changes. This helps stop spoilage. Reefer containers use smart tools to plan maintenance and lower breakdowns. JUSDA uses reefer containers for food, medicine, and other goods that need the right temperature. The China-Europe Express Rail service uses reefer containers to move fresh produce and medical supplies fast between China and Europe.

    Tip: Reefer containers help keep goods fresh and safe by using real-time checks and smart care.

    Open Top Containers

    Open-top containers carry cargo that is too tall or big for standard containers. These containers do not have a solid roof. Workers can load goods from the top with cranes. Open-top containers must follow strict safety rules like SOLAS and IMO CSS Code. Inspectors check loading and unloading to make sure it is safe. Construction and heavy equipment industries use open-top containers for things like steel beams and machines. JUSDA uses open-top containers for big freight on sea and rail routes.

    Open-top containers are strong and flexible. They work well in offshore and heavy industry jobs. Their design makes it easy to load and unload large or odd-shaped cargo.

    Flat Rack Containers

    Flat-rack containers have no sides or roof. They come in fixed-end and collapsible types. These containers carry heavy or big cargo like vehicles, machines, and pipes. A 20-foot flat-rack container can hold up to 30,140 kg. Flat-rack containers let you load from the sides or above. This makes them good for project cargo. JUSDA uses flat-rack containers for automotive and industrial shipments. They use them a lot on the China-Europe Express Rail.

    Tank Containers

    Tank containers are also called ISO tanks. They carry liquids, gases, and chemicals. These containers meet strict safety rules like IMDG, ADR, and RID. Tank containers help stop spills and leaks. They make it safe and easy to move dangerous and safe liquids. JUSDA uses tank containers for chemicals, medicines, and food-grade liquids. The China-Europe Express Rail service uses tank containers for bulk liquids moving between Asia and Europe.

    • Tank containers work for road, rail, and sea transport.

    • They can carry about 43% more than drums.

    • Tank containers can be cleaned and used again for other products.

    Special Purpose Containers

    Special purpose containers are made for unique needs. These include ventilated containers, insulated containers, intermediate bulk containers, and ventilated bulk containers. Ventilated containers move goods that need air, like coffee or cocoa beans. Insulated containers protect cargo from very hot or cold temperatures. Intermediate bulk containers carry lots of liquids or powders. Ventilated bulk containers mix airflow and bulk handling for things like grains.

    Special purpose containers often use tracking technology. Real-time tracking can lower logistics costs by up to 20%. It can also make things 30% more efficient. JUSDA uses special purpose containers for sensitive or valuable cargo. These include medical supplies and electronics. The China-Europe Express Rail service uses these containers to help many industries.

    Note: Many types of shipping containers help many industries and cargo types. JUSDA’s skill makes sure each shipment uses the best container for safety, speed, and cost.

    Choosing Containers for International Shipping

    Factors for Different Types of Containers

    Picking the right container for shipping is important. Each container type has a special job. Shippers look at the cargo’s size, weight, and what it is. A reefer container keeps food or medicine cold. A tank shipping container moves liquids or chemicals safely. Dangerous goods shipping container types protect risky materials. Bulk containers carry things like grains or minerals.

    Key things to think about are:

    • What the cargo needs, like size, weight, and if it is fragile

    • Matching the right container type to the cargo, such as dry, reefer, open-top, flat rack, tank shipping container, insulated, or ventilated

    • The grade of the container: new, cargo-worthy, wind and watertight, or as-is

    • If containers are easy to get in the area

    • How much it costs, how far it goes, and the route

    • Tech features like IoT for checking the container in real time

    The right container makes shipping safer, fits more cargo, and saves money.

    JUSDA and China-Europe Express Rail

    JUSDA uses its skills to pick the best container for each job. The China-Europe Express Rail service shows how using the right container helps shipping between China and Europe. JUSDA handles many container types, like reefer, flat rack, and tank shipping container units. This helps move goods fast and safely. The company’s smart planning and pricing make work easier and help earn more. JUSDA’s way helps electronics, car, and medical companies save money and improve their supply chain.

    Tips for Safe Shipping Containers

    Safe shipping starts with good planning. Shippers should:

    1. Make sure containers meet ISO rules and are clean and free of pests.

    2. Check the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) and balance the load.

    3. Get all papers ready, like the Bill of Lading, packing list, and customs forms.

    4. Look at what items are not allowed and have all needed licenses and insurance.

    5. Take care of special needs, like keeping things cold or using dangerous goods shipping container types.

    6. Use smart containers with GPS and sensors to track them.

    7. Train workers and use expert freight forwarders to follow the rules.

    Tip: Always use the right container for your cargo and follow safety steps to keep goods and people safe during shipping.

    JUSDA Solutions

    To provide you with professional solutions and quotations.

    Picking the right containers for each cargo type helps keep goods safe. It also lowers the chance of damage and makes shipping faster. JUSDA knows how to match containers to different goods. This includes electronics, items that can spoil, and bulk materials. The China-Europe Express Rail is part of their service. If you want your shipping to go well, talk to JUSDA’s experts.

    See Also

    Comprehensive Insights Into Leading Global Logistics Providers

    Discover The Latest Trends In Sea Freight Logistics 2024

    Overcoming Challenges Of Supply Chain Growth Worldwide

    Preparing For Innovations In Transport Technology For Supply Chains

    Transforming Industries Through Cloud-Based Supply Chain Solutions

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