Evolution & Invention of Container, Box , Van !

Evolution & Invention of Container/Box/Van: By 1965, ships equipped with stackable containers began to traverse the Atlantic Ocean, significantly enhancing trade between the United States and European countries. The concept of standardized containerized cargo in the U.S. logistics industry was popularized by entrepreneur Malcolm McLean. A container, often referred to as a box or van, is defined by the International Organization for Standardization as "an article of transport equipment."

Advantages of Containerization:

The standardized dimensions of containers—length, width, and height—enable seamless transportation across three modes: road, rail, and ocean, a system commonly known as intermodal transport. The most frequently used sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot standard containers.

Containers can be efficiently stacked on board ships, both below and above deck, as well as at terminals and in Container Freight Stations/Inland Container Depots (CFS/ICD). This stacking capability optimizes space utilization across various transport methods, including rail.

The process of stuffing and de-stuffing containers (20-foot and 40-foot standard sizes) can be performed either manually or with the assistance of Material Handling Equipment (MHE), ensuring efficiency.

Once loaded, goods remain secure within the container from the moment they leave the exporter’s warehouse until they reach the importer’s warehouse, barring any unforeseen incidents during transit.

Container Type

Type: Mainline Shipping companies offer a wide range of container types tailored to meet clients' specific requirements. These include General Purpose Containers, Hardtop Containers, Open Top Containers, Platform/Flats (Flat Rack), Reefer Containers, and Tank Containers. 

Container Purpose: 

1. General Purpose - Suitable for general cargo (Cloths, Furniture, Spices, Rice etc.).
2. Hardtop - Suitable for heavy loads, high and excessively high loads. 
3. Open Top - Suitable for over height cargo, generally heavy loads.
4. Platform/Flat Rack - Suitable for heavy loads and oversized cargo. 
5. Reefer - Suitable for Frozen cargo. (Fish, Fruits etc.).
6. Tank - Suitable for Liquid cargo. (Food items: Alcohols, Fruit juice, Edible Oil) (Chemical Products: Flammables, Oxidizing agent, Toxic substances, Corrosives).

Container General Information:

1. Max Gross Weight - Sum of Max Payload and Tare.
2. Tare Weight - Empty container weight.
3. Max Payload - Maximum weight allowed by the shipping company to be stuffed inside the container. 
4. CMB (Cubic Meter) - Storage space available inside the container.

Container ISO Type, Description, Dimension, Space available within the container &                      Max Payload.

For more information refer the link: https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/services-information/cargo-fleet/container.html

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