Containers are called containers used in freight transportation, for the transportation of products or goods between countries or between cities. Containers used in logistics activities are primarily used in sea, road and rail transport activities. Although it is generally preferred in sea transportation, it is preferred in all transportation methods. International transportation takes place within the framework of some contracts. The rules within the contract differ according to the characteristics of the product to be transported. The contracts contain information about the contract parties and information about the cargo to be transported. Containers are generally evaluated in the Sea Bill of Lading, as they are carried out in maritime transport. Bill of Lading prepared by the first carrier is called a mixed bill of lading. Since the person who loads the product is also the person who packs the product, the carrier can be exempted from any damage or financial loss that may occur in the product if the carrier does not inform the carrier about the product. On the contrary, if the bill of lading is issued by the carrier, the carrier is held responsible for all damages.
Another point to be considered in container transportation is that the container dimensions and design are suitable for the transported load. Since Turkey is not involved in any international agreement, transactions are carried out within the rules of "Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations". It is the carrier's responsibility to deliver the products undamaged. The bill of lading prepared in container transportation is usually the Atlantic Container Line Bill of Lading. It also has the feature of being a delivery bill of lading. The other bill of lading used is Mersey Groupage bill of lading. This Bill of Lading is created by people who pack products, stack them in containers and deliver them to their destination.
How is Container Transportation done?
Container transportation is one of the most preferred methods in the logistics sector. The reason why container transportation is most preferred is that the containers are long-lasting and robust. Containers offer a safer transportation service due to their closed structure, large and robust appearance. Container production has some production standards. The most important criterion is that the container used in the transportation sector should be durable and in accordance with international standards. Container transportation is preferred especially in sea transportation. Loading with boxes, cartons and packages is the most used method in container transportation.
With the development of international trade day by day, the demand for reliable and trouble-free logistics processes is increasing day by day. Container transportation has an important place in road and rail transportation, especially in maritime transportation. In parallel with the increasing consumer demands and needs, the number of enterprises engaged in foreign trade activities continues to increase day by day. This increase has also revealed the need for businesses that provide professional logistics services.
What are Container Carrying Capacities?
Containers must be produced in sizes that meet international criteria. Logistics companies that carry out container transportation carry out their logistics activities with their containers of dimensions that meet these standards. Container sizes with international standards are 20 and 40 containers. Sizes of 20 and 40 are used to determine container carrying capacities. Known as standard shipping containers, 20' and 40' containers make it possible to load and unload ships, trains and road vehicles without any problems. If the cargo you want to transport can fill a 20 ft or 40 ft container alone, it is in the category of Full Container Load (FCL) transportation service. However, if the cargo to be transported is not enough to fill a single container, then it is necessary to share a container with cargoes with two or more recipients. This mode of transportation is called partial container transportation, that is, LCL (Less than Container Load) transportation.
Container types are high cube, open top container, open side container, reefer container, tank container, flat rack container, half height offshore container. Container selection should be made according to the characteristics of a product to be transported by container.
What are Container Types?
Container types are an issue to consider in this form of transportation. With different types of container options, it is possible to proceed according to the needs.
General Purpose Containers
General purpose containers, which are widely used in maritime transportation, are made of standard steel material that does not require a special mode of transportation. They are classified according to their volume as 20 ft and 40 ft.
Reefer Containers
In this type of container with a special cooling unit inside, it can be ensured that the inside of the container is at the desired temperature. It is used to transport products such as fresh vegetables and fruits, medical products and medicines, frozen food, chocolate food, which are likely to deteriorate.
Open Top Containers
It is a type of container that is used to transport large volumes of loads that do not fit through the door of the container, and whose upper wall and front door can be opened completely.
Platform Containers
It is a type of container used to transport bulky and heavy loads such as minibuses, boats, yachts. These containers, which do not have a roof or side walls, only consist of a strong platform.
Tank Containers
They are containers with steel construction and suitable for liquid transportation. It is the type of container used to transport liquid cargo, especially in sectors such as chemistry or food.
Bulk Containers
It is a type of container with a special loading cover on the top for easy loading of products such as wheat, barley and pulses, especially used in the logistics of agricultural products. It also allows easy evacuation by opening the covers when needed.
What are the Advantages of Container Transportation?
There are many variables and alternatives, especially the features of the tools to be used in international trade activities. In this context, container transportation has many advantages. The most important advantage of container transportation is that it offers the option of full container (FCL) or partial transportation (LCL). Thanks to this service, companies have the opportunity to take part in foreign trade even if they do not have a load to fill the container.
With globalization, the importance of door-to-door transportation is increasing day by day. However, the transportation of goods from the point of origin to the destination with a single vehicle is only possible on the road. In this context, container transportation provides significant benefits in order to save time and cost, not to waste time and keep costs economical.
Container transportation, which offers a safe, robust, fast and economical transportation experience, has the ability to carry more loads at once. Container transportation continues to be the focus of attention every day thanks to its distinctive features. Container transport also provides services compatible with road, sea and railway, enabling trade between countries.
Container transportation is advantageous as it allows the transportation of large loads or different types of products. With a planned loading, the volume of the container can be evaluated rationally. While container transportation provides a safe transportation opportunity, it allows it to be accessible to every point in the world.