Details of shipping containers
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009Shipping containers are used to store goods on a temporary basis while being transported from one place to another. Shipping containers are designed differently to fit different purposes and are made of different materials. Shipping containers are available in different weights and sizes.
While talking about shipping containers, it is important to understand the following terms:
• Tare weight or tare mass: The weight of the empty container under normal operating conditions is known as tare weight or tare mass.
• Shipping container rating: Maximum weight permissible for the shipping container and its contents gives its rating.
• Payload: The total weight that a shipping container can carry is known as payload.
Stickers are stuck on the shipping container that shows its tare weight or tare mass, rating and payload. A sticker containing the identification code is placed inside and outside the shipping container. The identification code mentions the container numbers and the owner of the container. This data is useful for better controlling, tracing and monitoring of the shipping container.
Generally, shipping containers are classified into two groups:
• General container or dry cargo container: This is the most common shipping container used in the industry. It is strong as well as waterproof. There is usually a door in its side walls.
• Special cargo container: This is generally used for transporting chemicals.
