What is a Shipping Container? Beginner’s Guide & an Easy Way to Open/Close - Trucker Tool for Shipping Container & Truck Trailers (2024)

What is a Shipping Container?

Shipping containers are large, steel boxes designed to transport goods by sea or land. They have become an integral part of the global economy, enabling businesses to transport goods across oceans and continents with ease. Shipping containers are ubiquitous in ports around the world, stacked high on container ships and transported across the globe.

Also referred to as conex units, shipping containers serve as storage vessels for merchandise, enabling their transportation via truck, train, or ship and facilitating the process of intermodal transport. Commonly, they carry hefty materials or goods organized on pallets.

The global shipping industry has increasingly adopted shipping containers as a preferred method for storing and moving goods. These uniform metal containers offer durability, resistance to the elements, and security, making them suitable for numerous applications. In the following discussion, we will delve into the nature of shipping containers, their advantages, and their diverse uses.

Shipping containers are also referred to as, ISO container,conex box,railroad container,intermodal containerand certaintruck trailers. This industry term refers to the International Standards Organization (ISO), the largest developer of international standards and the organization that developed the standard dimension specifications (commonly 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet) for steel shipping containers used worldwide. Shipping containers are standardized steel boxes that are designed for the storage and transportation of goods. They are made from high-strength steel, which makes them durable, weather-resistant, and secure. They are typically 8 feet wide, 8 feet 6 inches tall, and either 20 or 40 feet long, with a weight of around 6,000 to 7,500 pounds.

The architecture of ISO-compliant shipping containers facilitates intermodal transportation, which entails transferring containers between various modes of conveyance, such as vessels, trains, or lorries, without necessitating the repeated loading, unloading, and reloading of their contents.

History of Shipping Containers

Tracing the origins of shipping containers leads us back to the 18th century when wooden barrels served as the primary means of transporting merchandise across oceans. However, the widespread adoption of modern containerization didn’t occur until the mid-20th century. Shipping containers safeguard cargo from impacts and inclement weather while maintaining the integrity of stored items.

In 1956, Malcom McLean, an American entrepreneur, transformed the shipping sector by launching the shipping container vessel, the Ideal X. This ship was engineered to accommodate standardized containers, making it substantially more efficient and economical than conventional cargo ships. McLean’s groundbreaking idea paved the way for the creation of standardized containers, forever altering the shipping landscape.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) laid the foundation for intermodal containers in the 1950s by defining standards for their dimensions, strength, and specifications. These guidelines ensured the seamless transport of containers across multiple modes of transportation, as well as their compatibility with various nations and ports globally.

Ever since, shipping containers have become the norm for international shipping, with millions in circulation worldwide. They have enabled the movement of goods and materials from one location to another with unprecedented efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Standardized Sizes

Shipping containers are available in a range of standardized sizes, with the most common being 20 feet and 40 feet in length. The 20-foot container is known as a TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) and the 40-foot container is known as a FEU (forty-foot equivalent unit). These standard sizes allow containers to be easily loaded onto ships and transported across oceans and continents.

Depending on the type of product that is going to be sent, the Shipping Container can vary in dimension (commonly 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet), structure, material, etc. Characteristics of these shipping containers were later standardized, something that expedited transport without the need to load and unload the merchandise along the way.

Construction of Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are generally constructed from steel, ensuring they can endure the challenging environment of maritime transportation. The shipping container’s sides, base, and top are all composed of steel, while the entire structure is welded together for enhanced strength and durability. The steel employed in crafting these containers is of superior quality and exhibits resistance to corrosion, enabling it to hold up under the demanding conditions of oceanic transit.

Features of Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are designed with a range of features to ensure the safety and security of the goods being transported. These features include:

• Locking doors: Shipping containers are equipped with heavy-duty locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and theft.
• Ventilation: Containers have ventilation holes or vents to ensure that air can circulate inside the container, preventing the buildup of condensation and reducing the risk of damage to the goods being transported.
• Tie-down points: Containers are equipped with tie-down points on the interior to secure goods during transit.
• Forklift pockets: Containers have pockets on the bottom corners that allow forklifts to easily lift and move the container.

Benefits of Shipping Containers

Shipping containers boast numerous advantages, such as:

• Sturdiness: Constructed from robust steel, shipping containers are long-lasting and can tolerate severe conditions during transit and storage.
• Resistance to the elements: shipping containers are capable of withstanding various weather conditions, ensuring the safety of the contents within.
• Protection: Shipping containers offer a secure environment for goods during transport and storage, equipped with locking systems and options for additional security measures.
• Uniformity: Shipping containers standardized dimensions facilitate easy transportation via sea, rail, or road, presenting an efficient and cost-effective means of moving merchandise.
• Customizability: Shipping containers can be tailored to specific requirements by incorporating features such as windows, doors, insulation, and more, rendering them suitable for a wide range of uses.

Uses of Shipping Containers

Primarily used for the transportation of merchandise via sea or land, shipping containers have recently gained popularity for unconventional purposes, such as modular residences, temporary shops, and even swimming pools. They are adaptable, economical, and can be easily customized to accommodate various functions.

Shipping containers serve a broad array of purposes, including:

• Storage: Offering a secure and weather-resistant option, containers are ideal for safeguarding goods in challenging environments.
• Transit: Shipping containers can be placed on ships, trains, or lorries to transport merchandise, facilitating a convenient and safe method of moving large quantities of items.
• Temporary or long-term dwellings: Shipping containers can be repurposed to provide short-term or permanent housing, either as individual units or incorporated into larger structures.
• Commercial spaces: Shipping containers can be transformed into retail environments, presenting a distinctive and cost-effective solution for businesses.
• Workshops and ateliers: Shipping containers can be repurposed as workspaces or creative studios, offering a budget-friendly and versatile alternative for small enterprises and artists.
• Prefabricated homes: Shipping containers can be converted into modular housing, providing an affordable and eco-friendly residential option. These homes can be designed and assembled off-site before being transported to their final destination.
• Temporary shops: Shipping containers can be transformed into pop-up stores, enabling businesses to establish a presence in various locations. These stores are often utilized for short-term events or to gauge new markets prior to committing to a fixed site.
• Swimming pools: Shipping containers can be repurposed as swimming pools, delivering a unique and cost-effective aquatic solution.

Buying a Shipping Container

Acquiring shipping containers is a popular option for those in need of secure and reliable storage or transport solutions. These steel boxes were originally designed for the transportation of goods by sea or land and are renowned for their durability, resistance to harsh weather conditions, and safety features.

One of the most significant benefits of buying shipping containers is their versatility. They can be used for various purposes, such as storage sheds, workshops, temporary offices, or living spaces. Moreover, shipping containers are highly modular and portable, which makes them a perfect choice for various projects such as tiny homes, vacation homes, or pop-up shops.

When deciding to purchase a shipping container, it is crucial to take some important factors into consideration. Firstly, it is vital to determine the size of the container you need, as shipping containers come in different sizes, with 10 feet, 20 feet, and 40 feet being the most common. This decision should be based on the intended purpose and the amount of space required.

Secondly, the condition of the container is of great importance. Used containers are usually more affordable than new ones, but it is important to inspect them thoroughly to ensure they are in good condition and free from any damage that could affect their structural integrity.

Another vital factor to consider is the location of the container. If the container will be used for storage on your property, you need to ensure that you have enough space to accommodate it. Additionally, if the container will be transported, you should arrange for transportation and ensure that you have all the necessary permits and approvals.

There are different types of Shipping Containers for different types of transportation:

Common Types of Shipping Containers

Shipping Containers are another name for the conex boxes most used on the market. Shipping Containers are typically suitable for any type of dry cargo: pallets, boxes, bags, machines, furniture, etc.

Common types include:

• Dry Storage Container
• Refrigerated Container
• Open top container
• Flat rack container
• Open Side Container
• Tanks Container
• Ventilated containers

Dry Storage Shipping Container

Dry Storage Shipping Containers are your typicalstandard shipping containers.Basic construction is made of steel, and hermetically sealed, without cooling or ventilation. Sizes typically come in 20 ‘, 40’ or 40 ‘High Cube.The High Cube category facilitates an increase of 13% of the internal cubic capacity and can handle the heaviest loads (coal, tobacco, etc.)

Refrigerated Shipping Container

Reefer Shipping Containers provide a temperature controlled environment. They have a power supply that connects to energy sources during transport. This allows the products to be transported at a constant temperature throughout the journey. They have the possibility to lower temperature from -18 ° to 30 °. There are 20 and 40 foot models, in addition to the High Cube.

This type of Shipping Container is especially recommended for transporting food or products that need a low storage temperature.

Open TopShipping Container

Open Top Shipping Container have the same measurements as the standard containers, but are open at the top because they have a removable canvas roof. These containers facilitate the transport of bulky loads.

Flat RackShipping Container

Flat Rack Shipping Containers are like the Open Top, but also lack side walls and even, in some cases, front and rear walls. They are used for atypical loads and pay supplements in the same way as Open Top.

Open SideShipping Container

Open Side Shipping Containers have the same measurements as standard containers; 20 or 40 feet, with the difference that they have a side opening. This allows for transporting very long merchandise, whose dimensions prevent it from being loaded by the back door.

Tank Shipping Container

Tank Shipping Containers are used for the liquid transport and made to carry dangerous as toxic, corrosive, highly combustible chemicals, as well as oil, milk, beers, wine, mineral water, etc. They have the same dimensions (commonly 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet) as a Dry Shipping Containers, but their structure is different, as they include a polyethylene tank inside.

Ventilated Shipping Containers

Ventilated Shipping Containers are made for transporting products such as coffee or cocoa beans, which must be ventilated in transit; sometimes these units are called “coffee containers”.

Modular Shipping Containers for Data Center

As technology continues to advance, the need for reliable and efficient data centers becomes increasingly crucial. One solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of shipping containers as a housing for data centers. One of the key benefits of using shipping containers for data centers is their scalability. As a business grows, it can simply add more containers to its existing infrastructure. This allows for a more flexible and modular approach to data center design, and helps to reduce the risk of downtime due to equipment failure.

How to Ship a Shipping Container

Shipping a shipping container involves several key steps to ensure a smooth and efficient process. First and foremost, it is essential to determine the type and size of container required for the shipment. Once that is decided, proper packing and securing of the cargo inside the container must be done, ensuring that it is adequately protected from damage during transit. Next, documentation plays a vital role in the shipping process.

It is crucial to prepare all the necessary paperwork, such as a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list. Additionally, compliance with international shipping regulations and customs requirements is imperative.

Choosing a reputable freight forwarder or shipping line with expertise in container transportation is highly recommended. They can assist with booking the container, arranging for transportation to the port, and handling customs clearance procedures.

Lastly, tracking the shipment’s progress and staying in communication with the involved parties will provide peace of mind throughout the shipping process. By following these steps, one can ensure a successful and hassle-free shipping experience for a shipping container.

Also check out this 1st timers guide on how to ship a shipping container

Shipping Container Door Diagram and Troubleshooting

1. Doors

Two door leaves are fabricated from two vertical rolled hollow sections and 2 horizontal c section members. The frame is infilled with corrugated steel paneling.

These are normally attached to the rear corner posts each with four drop forged steel hinge blades. The blades allow 270 degree opening which allow the doors to swing back against the container side wall.

(Cargo may shift during transit. Look at the container to make sure that the doors are aligned and level, both top and bottom. In caseswhere thecontainer frame is racked andthe door gear will not operate correctly.)

• Shipping Container Doors | Buy on Amazon or eBay

2. Lockbox

The lock box is a steel box welded to the right hand door which overlaps a staple welded to the left hand door. A padlock, normally type CISA type 285 66 can then be attached inside the lock box through the staple and is then protected from direct attack, hindering attempts to gain entry to the container.

• Shipping Container Lockbox | Buy on Amazon or eBay

3. Lockrods, cam keepers, handles

Each door is fitted with 2-4 vertical lock rods to enable opening, closing and locking of the doors.

• Shipping Container Lock Rods |Buy on Amazon or eBay

At the end of each lock rod (top and bottom) is a cam welded in place which engages with knuckles, also known as cam keepers.

• Shipping Container Cam Keepers | Buy on Amazon or eBay

The action of engaging the cams to the keepers forms an anti-racking function.

(In certain cases, often unfortunately too many,contents of the shipping container may have shifted, or containers even dropped, causing shipping container doors and lockrods to warp)

Thedoor handle rotates the lockbar toinitiates the door opening process by forcing the cams out of their keepers. Each door handle has a door locking handle retainer that slides over the door handle when in locked position.

• Shipping Container Door Handles |Buy on Amazon or eBay

4. Rubber gaskets

Rubber gaskets are fitted to the container doors during the manufacturing process and prevent water ingress.

(Door gaskets are designed to present two or more fins against the structure or adjacent door. These are generally flexible but when the gasket is damaged, they may become hard or blocked thus jamming the door closed, or preventing it being closed.)

• Shipping Container Rubber Gaskets | Buy on Amazon or eBay

5. ISO markings and CSC plate

ISO markings and a consolidated data plate allow worldwide intermodal transport when left in place and updated as necessary.

6.Hinge pins

Of course for a door to work, you need hinges.

• Shipping Container Hinge Pins | Buy on Amazon or eBay

(In certain cases when doors are difficult to open,hinge pins and blade are seized due to corrosion.)

Find Shipping Container Doors and Parts Here

Choosing the Right Company for Buying a Shipping Container

When doing research in finding the right Shipping Container, follow some of these tips:

Research Online

Choose which companies have a good track record of excellence and reputation. Read reviews and what other customers have to say.

Check for Availability

If you are shipping from various locations, check for availability if containers can be delivered to your required areas.

Check for Best Pricing

If money matters, you can find used container resellers online that might be able to offer half the price on used containers.

Check for Good Customer Service

If you plan to order often, you might want to check for good customer service. Ask potential container companies a question through email or their online customer service. See how fast they respond.

Check for Warranty

Check with companies to see if they offer any warranties or buy back or trade in plans.

There are millions of Shipping Containers in use around the world, and a lucky few get a second life as repurposed shipping container structures. While they look a bit plain and boxy to the untrained eye, shipping containers play a critical role in our lives, whether embarking on ocean crossings to deliver the goods we use every day or venturing into a second life as a container structure.

Here are Some Fascinating Facts about Shipping Containers

• Shipping Containers can be safely stacked nine-high.
• Well-maintained Shipping Containers hold 759, of their original value for 25+ years.
• There are over 37 million Shipping Containers in use around the world.
• A Shipping Container floor can hold up 55,000 lb. of goods without warping.
• Shipping Container flooring is made of 1-1/8” marine grade plywood.
• Most Shipping Containers are 20 feet or 40-feet long.
• Shipping Containers are made of 16-gauge corten steel.
• Common container modifications include: personnel doors, windows flooring, shelving, work stations, insulation, climate control & even restrooms.

Fun Ways to Use Shipping Containers

Shipping Containers are not just used for cargo these days. There are many innovative and imaginative uses you may like to consider.

Here are few ideas of how shipping containers have been used for modern, cost-effective buildings.

Homes

The trend to build cost-effective homes from recycled shipping containers started in the USA and has reached Australia.

Data Centers

Overall, shipping containers offer a compelling solution for businesses that require flexible, cost-effective, and easily-deployable data centers. While they may not be the right choice for every organization, they are certainly worth considering for those that value scalability and efficiency.

Art Galleries

Architect, Tomokaza Hayakawa designed an art gallery in Japan using two shipping containers stacked on each other.

Drive-Thru Coffee

Starbucks in Washington has used four old shipping containers to create an architect-designed drive-thru store.

Cafes

A cafe in Footscray (Melbourne) called Rudimentary has been built using three 40-foot shipping containers.

Polar Stations

India has built a Polar Station in Antarctica using 134 shipping containers. They cover three floors and are well insulated for the weather conditions.

A well-maintained Shipping Container can hold 75% of their original value for 25+ years. Every day, container ships transport goods all over the world on the international seas.

In Conclusion

Shipping containers, versatile and cost-effective solutions for storage and transportation, have become a vital component of global commerce. Crafted from robust steel, these standardized, weather-resistant units offer security and protection for goods during transit. Increasingly, they are repurposed for innovative applications such as modular housing, pop-up stores, and workshops. With their adaptability and eco-friendly nature, shipping containers continue to transform the way we store, move and utilize space in various industries.