Types of Containers

Containers are crucial in the transportation and storage of goods, providing a standardized and efficient way to handle cargo. Here are some common types of containers:

1. Dry Storage Container:

  • Standard Containers: Available in sizes like 20ft, 40ft, and 10ft, these are the most common containers used for transporting general cargo.
  • High Cube Containers: Similar to standard containers but with an extra foot in height, allowing for more volume.

  • 2. Flat Rack Container:

  • Collapsible: Has collapsible sides, making it ideal for shipping heavy machinery, vehicles, and construction equipment.
  • Non-Collapsible: Rigid sides, used for similar purposes as the collapsible type but with fixed walls.

  • 3. Open Top Container:

  • Used for cargo that is too tall to fit in a standard container, featuring a removable tarpaulin roof.
  • 4. Double Door Container:

  • Features doors on both ends, making it easier to load and unload goods.

  • 5. Refrigerated Container (Reefer):

  • Equipped with temperature control to transport perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, meat, and pharmaceuticals.

  • 6. Insulated or Thermal Container:

  • Used to transport goods that need to be kept at a specific temperature, providing insulation from outside temperatures.

  • 7. Tank Container:

  • Designed for the transport of liquid, gas, and powder cargo. They have a cylindrical shape inside a rectangular frame.

  • 8. Half-Height Container:

  • Shorter in height, used for transporting heavy and dense cargo such as coal and stones.

  • 9. Special Purpose Container:

  • Custom-built containers for specific types of cargo, like weapons or delicate equipment.

  • 10. Swap Body Container:

  • o Primarily used in Europe, these containers are designed for rail and road transport and can be swapped easily between different transport modes.

  • Surveyor Scope


    A surveyor plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality, safety, and compliance of containers and their contents. Their scope includes:


    1. Pre-Loading Survey:

  • Inspection of the container for any physical damage, structural integrity, and cleanliness before loading.
  • Ensuring that the container is suitable for the type of goods to be transported.

  • 2. Loading Supervision:

  • Monitoring the loading process to ensure proper handling and stowage of cargo.
  • Verifying that the weight distribution is even and within permissible limits.

  • 3. Sealing and Documentation:

  • Ensuring the container is properly sealed and that seals are intact before dispatch.
  • Checking and verifying shipping documents, including bills of lading, packing lists, and manifests.

  • 4. In-Transit Inspection:

  • Periodic checks during transit to ensure the container remains secure and undamaged.

  • 5. Damage and Loss Assessment:

  • Inspecting containers and cargo for any damage or loss that occurs during transit.
  • Determining the cause of damage and assessing the extent of loss.

  • 6. Compliance and Certification:

  • Ensuring that the container meets all regulatory standards and requirements.
  • Providing certification for the container's condition and suitability for transport.

  • 7. Post-Unloading Inspection:

  • Inspecting the container after unloading to ensure no damage occurred during transit.
  • Checking for cleanliness and ensuring the container is ready for its next load.

  • 8. Specialized Surveys:

  • o Conducting surveys for specific types of cargo, such as hazardous materials, to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

  • Surveyors ensure that containers and their cargo are handled correctly, minimizing risks and ensuring compliance with international shipping standards.