The good old shipping container is a type of huge storage box which is utilised to load things such as heavy equipment and dry goods to be shipped around Australia and indeed the world. What is known as the “basic unit” (standardised) is the most favoured type, manufactured with four walls and two doors at one end. These sorts of containers are the lowest priced method of moving products around and in and out of the country.
Container History
The modern shipping container is said to be the creation of one Malcom McLean. He invented it so as to replace the break bulk method, the method of shipping used before the 1930’s. And in 1961, the International Organisation for Standardisation set standard sizes for all containers.
Up till now, this same container is used around the world. Their production made a huge contribution to the international movement of commerce in the second half of the 20th century, effectively lowering the costs for the transportation of goods.
Types
The different types of containers for sale in Melbourne include:
- A whole range of designs such as refrigerated and Project Cargo equipment like flat racks and open tops, and others open to modification.
- By using a standardised shipping container, ships, trains and trailers can be loaded and unloaded with ease.
- This keeps prices down and goods more affordable than if the containers were loaded and unloaded at stops along the journey.
- This also means there is less chance for any harm to the goods during transport and theft is definitely minimised.
- Also, the possibilities of a part of the goods being left behind at any point is reduced, ensuring the order reaches the buyer without any setbacks.
Journey – From A to B
The intermodal container, utilises more than just one mode of shipping to reach the planned destination. The container is then fastened onto a flatbed truck, and driven to where the goods will be loaded after container is sealed. The shipment will then move overland to a rail yard.
At the rail yard, containers are removed from the flatbed and loaded onto an open rail car platform. After securing, it is transported by rail to the docks of a port. The container will then be loaded onto a ship with other containers that have been scheduled for shipping to the same general area. After arriving at the destination, the container is taken from the ship and loaded onto either rail or road transport or a combination of both to get to the buyer.
How to Make the Choice for Your Needs
When choosing a container shipping service, think about what it is that you wish to be shipped. The price is obviously going to be a major component in selecting a container shipping service. Along with the cost, it is of vital importance to choose a great service that has a good reputation for shipping successfully the type of product you would like to be shipped.