Shipping Containers

Overview

Shipping containers can range from small and easily lifted plastic or polyethylene containers to those that must be lifted with heavy equipment and loaded onto trains and ships. These large shipping containers are also called ISO containers, which mean that they meet the International Standards Organization requirements in transferring goods across location. ISO isn't used exclusively in industrial settings or to refer to shipping containers, but is applicable to whatever product and service is done by a company or organization, be it CDs or engines.

ISO rated shipping containers are those that conform to a certain standard set within the shipping industry. These standards allow for easier usage and transportation of large storage containers and ensure that they can all be transported on the same train or ship without any modifications. The standard size is 40 feet in length, though the 48 foot containers are becoming more widely used in the United States.

Some of the companies that manufacture shipping containers with all the required standards include TRS Containers, BSL Containers, and Timberline LLC.

How it Works

Shipping containers can be like hard cardboard boxes or metallic boxes that just require the personnel to load the required items in a neat manner. Once all the shipping items are packed in, the box is closed and the necessary sealing arrangements are made. The sealing is made in such as way that common wear and tear will be prevented to a greater extent. Once sealed at the loading place, these shipping containers can be unsealed only after unloading at the target location. The packing and sealing methodology can also depend on the material to be packed and the duration for the same to reach to mentioned destination.

Benefits

Shipping containers are sturdy and adequately protect the merchandise inside. Typically made of heavy-duty aluminum or steel, they safeguard contents inside in a way that other materials could not, but without adding undue weight to the already heavy contents.

Shipping containers can be specialized for certain items too. Refrigerated shipping containers are available to keep food cold for overseas or cross-country transport. Ammunition requires a special shipping container to protect not only the ammunition but also those near the container in case of combustion.

Any type of hazardous waste or materials will require shipping containers designed just for that purpose, with built-in protections against anything that could cause leakage or spillage.

Another benefit to the use of shipping containers is that they're reusable, unlike other materials which would break down after one or few uses. This saves money, whether the company leases or owns the containers.

Costs

The cost of a low-end, standard aluminum shipping container will range $1,500 to $2,000. For larger containers and those with specialized purposes, the price will typically depend on the quality, type of material, and size. Used and refurbished containers that many businesses top to purchase can cost from 30 to 50 percent less, depending on the condition.

Many companies don't purchase the containers, but lease them. It can cost a few hundred dollars to rent a container for a very short period of time, or it can cost $150 and up a month to lease a container for regular use.

Companies that lease shipping containers, however, might charge fees of hundreds of dollars to supply you with the container, depending on the location of the container and where it needs to be stored.

For companies that would be leasing a few or more containers for a long period of time, the cost of purchasing new or used containers, while more at the outset, would show a savings over the ongoing leasing costs.

Timing

If you own an export and import business, it becomes essential to buy or lease shipping containers right from the onset of your business. Only large corporation have the need to go in for large shipping containers. In case of a migration or move to a new apartment or location, you may require these containers to safely pack your belonging.