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Container - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

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Key takeaways:

  • Malcolm McLean made shipping containers in the 1950s. They fit on ships, trucks, and trains. This change helped us send stuff all over the world faster and cheaper.
  • Containers vary, including standard ones (20 and 40 feet), high cubes, reefers for cold things, open tops for tall items, flat racks for oversized cargo, and tank containers for liquids or gases. These options let businesses ship many types of goods efficiently.
  • Keeping cargo safe is critical. We use rigid steel boxes with locks to prevent them from moving around too much during travel.
  • Waggon mixes these containers into one system using trains, trucks, and boats, making global trade smoother by saving time and cutting down costs without unloading whenever transportation methods switch.

Maximizing Efficiency With Shipping Containers: A Waggon Perspective

Shipping containers are essential for moving goods efficiently.

They have made loading faster and cut labor costs.

Standardizing metal boxes has been a game-changer.

It saves time and money in the business world.

Understanding the best ways to use these containers can improve how you ship and store items.

The right approach to using shipping containers can make a big difference.

Container - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

Understanding Shipping Containers

What is a Shipping Container?

A shipping container is a sturdy container designed to endure the processes of shipping, storage, and handling.

These containers vary in type, from large reusable steel boxes for transporting goods between different modes of transport to standard corrugated boxes.

Contact Waggon for a no-obligation quote to fulfill your shipping and logistics needs.

Our team is here to streamline your shipping process and ensure your goods are transported efficiently and securely.

Table of Contents

Evolution of Shipping Containers

From wooden boxes to ISO-standard steel structures, shipping containers have changed how we transport goods worldwide.

Container - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

Birth of International Shipping Container Standards

Malcolm McLean created the idea for standardized shipping containers in the 1950s.

He wanted a system where the exact container sizes worked on ships, trucks, and trains.

ISO standards like ISO 338, ISO 790, and ISO 1897 later made these sizes standard worldwide.

Thanks to this standardization, moving goods became more accessible and faster.

Ships, trucks, and trains could all use these containers without having to unload and reload cargo each time they switched vehicles.

Innovations kept improving how we use shipping containers for better global trade.

Innovations in the Mid-20th Century

In the mid-20th century, engineers made shipping containers standard sizes.

Stacking and moving them on ships, trucks, and trains made them more accessible.

These are called intermodal containers because they can travel on sea and land without unloading their goods.

Cranes at ports started moving these containers faster.

Ports changed to fit bigger ships that could carry more containers.

These changes made shipping goods around the world cheaper and more efficient.

These steps helped people send products everywhere faster and at lower costs.

The Modern Shipping Container

Shipping containers have transformed global trade, making it cheaper and quicker to send goods.

These sturdy boxes are designed for sea and land transport.

They protect cargo from weather damage and theft.

Various sizes are available, including 20-foot and 40-foot options.

Some containers have cooling systems for food or extra height for large items.

This variety lets businesses effortlessly ship different products, from clothing to vehicles, across the globe.

Partner with Waggon for the best logistics solutions tailored to your needs.

Let us streamline your shipping process and help you transport goods quickly, securely, and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Container?

    A container is a big metal box used for carrying goods.

    Steel containers transport various items far away by ship, truck, and train.

    They also keep things safe from harm and bad weather while moving.

    Containers have changed how we trade worldwide, making it quicker and easier to send goods everywhere.

    There are several types of shipping containers. Standard ones have closed tops.

    Refrigerated units keep food fresh. Open-top ones fit tall stuff, and flat racks hold heavy machinery.

    Each kind helps move various products safely and meets business needs.

  • What is Container Used In Shipping?

    Containers in shipping are sturdy steel boxes used to transport goods by sea, road, or rail.

    They vary in size and type.

    Refrigerated containers keep food fresh during travel.

    Standard containers fit most items, but some require special care.

    These boxes make moving things efficient and safe.

    They shield goods from weather and damage while traveling, ensuring more products arrive on time and in good condition.

  • What is the Role of Containerization in Logistics?

    Containerization makes moving goods easier and cheaper.

    It turns cargo into standard units that can move smoothly from trucks to trains to ships.

    This keeps items safe and reduces how long they take to get where they’re going.

    This system improved sea transport because all the cargo fit together nicely.

    Companies save money on shipping and feel good knowing their products are secure.

    Goods stay safe inside rigid containers built to last.

  • What is a Supply Container?

    Supply containers are giant metal boxes that move goods over water, land, or rail.

    They’re mostly made of steel, and their standard size works well for different methods of moving.

    This method, called intermodalism, makes shipping products worldwide faster and cheaper.

    These containers help save space when transporting and storing items.

    Logistics companies carefully plan and control their fleets to meet customers’ needs while reducing shipping costs.

    Companies like Waggon use these containers because they come in various sizes and have secure features for holding all sorts of items — from everyday products to big machines.

Efficiency in Shipping Container Usage

Choosing the proper shipping containers saves both time and money.

Knowing how to handle them properly really matters.

Container - The Waggon Freight Dictionary

Transportation and Handling Techniques

In the business of shipping goods, moving and handling containers is crucial.

Transportation Techniques

  • Trucks with Cranes – Some companies use crane trucks, making picking up and dropping off containers easy.
  • Railways – Trains quickly transport large containers across the land. They link ports to places far from the coast.
  • Ships for Containers – Big ships transport many containers overseas. They play a significant role in trading around the world.

Handling Techniques

  • Forklifts – Small machines like forklifts move containers fast on land, such as at ports or storage areas.
  • Giant Cranes – Large cranes lift containers between ships, trucks, or trains.
  • ASCs – Machines that work by themselves stack containers neatly to save space and help things move faster.

Security Measures for Shipping Containers

Secure your cargo containers to ensure they’re safe and customer satisfaction is high.

Here’s how Waggon keeps your goods secure:

  • Strong steel for construction. This material keeps the container safe from break-ins.
  • Lashing bars and twist locks lock containers on ships, trains, and trucks. These tools prevent shifting that could harm the goods inside.
  • Fastening belts inside to keep items stable during bumpy rides.
  • Sensor-based security devices. They can track the location of your container and alert you if someone tries to get in without permission.
  • Use GPS or RFID tracking systems to determine your container’s location. This technology helps you find stolen items quickly.
  • Double doors with solid locks provide extra safety against theft and make loading stuff easier.
  • Forklift pockets help lift the container safely, reducing the chance of drops or damage.
  • Corner castings strengthen the corners of the container, making it tougher against hits.
  • Regular checks should be done for any wear or damage that could risk security.
  • Ensure seals are watertight to protect goods from water damage and prevent outsiders from tampering with cargo.

Experience the efficiency of Waggon’s supply chain and logistics services.

We deliver your freight on time, every time — Contact us today to ensure your shipping needs are met with precision and reliability.

Waggon's Strategic Use of Shipping Containers in Logistics

Waggon ships goods using containers.

We use trains, trucks, and boats to move items without taking them out each time.

The containers are all the same size, which makes trade more accessible.

Waggon saves money for businesses trying to ship their goods using these steel boxes.

Shipping containers make moving goods quick, safe, and reliable.

Choose Waggon to safely and efficiently manage your shipments.

Take the first step towards resolving your logistics challenges by requesting a quote today — our experienced team is ready to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Are Shipping Containers Used For?

    Shipping containers carry goods worldwide, offering storage and transport for many items.

    They’re also repurposed for extra storage space or as buildings in shipping container architecture.

  • Can I Buy A Used Shipping Container Online?

    Yes, you can purchase used containers from various companies online.

    Prices vary based on size, condition, and demand.

  • How Does Waggon Choose The Right Type Of Container For Your Needs?

    We consider what you need to be shipped.

    Consumer goods require conditions different from bulk cargo.

    Then, we consider options like high-cube containers for tall items or refrigerated ones if your shipment must stay calm.

  • What’s Important About A Container's Structural Integrity?

    A container must be water-tight and have intact walls, floors, and doors to protect your belongings inside — significant when shipped over long distances or stored on-site as an extra storage unit.

  • Are There Different Configurations Of Shipping Containers?

    Absolutely!

    From twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) ideal for smaller shipments to double-stacked configurations on rail cars — plus options like open-top and flat-rack for oversized cargo.

    The list goes on depending on your shipment needs.

Written By:
Picture of Robert Rajfer
Robert Rajfer

Robert has worked in the supply chain / logistics industry for the past five years. Robert spent the first three years of his career at C.H. Robinson (NASDAQ: CHRW) and the following years at Flock Freight (backed by SoftBank, Google Ventures, and Signal Fire).

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Waggon proactively offers custom solutions that align with shippers’ specific needs — not the other way around.

By transcending conventional norms, we deliver on client expectations like no other.

Ready to ship with Waggon?

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Need to
Ship Your Load?

Our team of logistics experts has the knowledge and experience needed to serve businesses of all sizes.

Waggon proactively offers custom solutions that align with shippers’ specific needs — not the other way around.

By transcending conventional norms, we deliver on client expectations like no other.

Ready to ship with Waggon?

“Intermodal Container.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermodal_container.

“ISO 2348:1972.” ISO, International Organization for Standardization, www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#!iso:std:2348:en.

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