Containerized cargo is usually the transportation of freight by placing it in large containers of identical shapes and dimensions. The technique of containerization originated in the 20th century. It is done with the help of container loaders. There is no constraint on the storage of freight in the containers. The use of containers has made the transportation of goods from one mode to another easier. The containers are secure and boost the carriage of goods.
The containerized cargo technique has a great influence on the international market. It has reduced the shipping time and the cost has also been lowered. Containerization has made export easy because now exporters don’t have to go to seaports. The items to be exported can be sent to the container freight station for shipping to the desired location. It allows the mechanized handling of cargo of different dimensions. All the handling is done with the help of cranes. Loading, unloading, and conveyance have become feasible over lengthy distances. It has skyrocketed international trade.
The process of containerizing a cargo involves the following activities.
- packaging of containers, where the items are produced
- Transporting containers to the seaport
- Lifting the containers onto and off the ship by making use of quayside cranes
The loading procedure of containerized cargo
A full container load and less than a container load are the 2 methods of packaging containerized cargo. A full container load shipment refers to the shipment of packages from one company to one consignee. Less than a container load will be used when the shipment is not large enough to occupy the whole container. Different goods from distinct companies are loaded onto containers and sent to the ports by ship. Then it is delivered to different consignees through different railway carriers.
Categories of Containerized Cargo
There are many types of containerized cargo. The maximum number of containers is for general purposes, for instance, cases, boxes, and cartons. Pallets, drums, and others. Refrigerated containers are used for perishable items, and tank containers are for liquid goods. Different containerized cargoes exist, such as minerals, heavy machines, barrels, and organic products.
The types of containerized cargo are given below.
- containers with an open top
- Open-side storage container
- Refrigerated ISO container
- Iso tanks
- Half height containers
- Flat rack containers
- Dry storage containers
- Special purpose containers
Advantages of containerized cargo shipping
The utmost benefits of containerized cargo are given below.
Standardization
Containers can be handled anywhere in the world through specialized modes (barges, wagons, trucks, ships), terminals, and equipment. Every container has a distinct label number and a size classification code, making it a distinct transport.
Flexibility
Containers can be used to transport a broad range of items, including refrigerated goods, manufactured goods, cars, and raw materials (coal, and wheat). There are containers designed specifically for dry cargo, liquids (chemical and oil products), and chilled cargo. Containers thrown away can be recycled and employed again.
Costs
The benefits of standardization make containerized transportation more affordable. It costs about 20 times less to transport the same amount of break-bulk freight in a container than it does to do so traditionally. Lower intermodal transport costs are where containerization derives the majority of its financial benefits.
Speed
Turnaround times at ship ports have fallen from three weeks to roughly twenty-four hours. Transshipment times have drastically decreased thanks to larger, more powerful cargo ships and more contemporary equipment for handling containers. Nowadays, loading and unloading are quicker at ports and warehouses. Transporting shipping containers to and from various locations around the world is made simpler by standardized MHE (Material Handling Equipment).
Security and safety
Cargo arrives in better and safer condition, which improves the exporter’s reputation. In fact, it gives the exporter an advantage over those who don’t use containers.
Disadvantages of containerized cargo
Although it provides several benefits, there are still numerous drawbacks as well, which are given below.
Expensive Space utilization
Containers occupy a significant part of terminal space (primarily for warehouses), suggesting that many intermodal terminals have been moved to the outskirts of cities. Larger containerships, especially those of the post-Panamax class, are causing draft annoyance at the port. A draft of at least thirteen meters is necessary for a large post-Panamax containership.
Infrastructure Costs
US dollars were spent on the most recent dockside gantry cranes and other terminal equipment. Leading piers and terminals are those with the resources to make these investments and maintain equipment upgrades in line with technological advancements.
Re-positioning
When a container arrives with cargo, it is first unloaded before being moved to the designated stack for empty containers. Wherever there is a need, empty containers must be accessible to shipping companies. Empties (empty containers) must therefore be moved quickly to the desired locations. Containers need the same amount of room for storage and transshipment, whether they are full or empty. Shipping companies invest significant sums of money to reposition their empty containers.
Containerized cargo is a real revolution today. Approximately 90% of the produced goods are already shipped via sea containers. For producers, carriers, and end users alike, this practice is very profitable and economical.