In worldwide shipping, using standard containers is super important. These containers, which are strong enough to protect goods from the weather and keep them safe, are the foundation of trading between countries. It’s not only about the containers being watertight; their standard sizes are what let them be easily moved on ships and handled in ports all over the world.
What is a Standard Shipping Container?
An ISO shipping container, often referred to as an intermodal container, is a large steel box designed for transporting goods across the globe via cargo ships, trains, or trucks. These containers are standardized in terms of size and shape to facilitate easy loading, unloading, stacking, and transport, ensuring the cargo inside remains undisturbed. Each container is equipped with a CSC plate that certifies it has been inspected and meets international safety standards, adding an extra layer of security for transported goods.
Commonly, these containers measure 20 feet in length, though 40-foot variants are also available. They feature corrugated steel walls, wooden flooring, and double doors at one end for convenient access. The introduction of standard shipping containers, complete with CSC certification, has revolutionized global trade, significantly enhancing the efficiency of shipping goods worldwide using cargo ships and other means.
A Short Overview of the Shipping Container's History
The story of shipping containers started in the 1950s when people thought of using a standard container to move things easier and faster. Malcolm McLean, an American businessman, was a big deal in changing how things are shipped when he came up with the intermodal shipping container in 1956. These containers changed how we move goods all over the world, making everything smoother and faster. McLean had the idea to use steel containers to make shipping simpler. Over time, these containers became the standard ones we use today, making it easier to load and unload goods at ports and helping global trade work better.
Standard Container Sizes for Shipping
Standard and High Cube shipping containers, available in 20 ft and 40 ft sizes, are favored for international goods transportation. This overview provides a glimpse into the shipping container dimensions and what these containers can accommodate:
Standard 20 ft Shipping Container:
- Dimensions: Approximately 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches high.
- Capacity: Can typically hold around 1,170 cubic feet of cargo.
Examples of What Fits:
- Approximately 10 standard pallets.
- Small vehicles like sedans or SUVs.
- Household items for a 1-2 bedroom apartment.
Standard 40 ft Shipping Container:
- Dimensions: Approximately 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8 feet 6 inches high.
- Capacity: Can typically hold around 2,390 cubic feet of cargo.
Examples of What Fits:
- Approximately 21 standard pallets.
- Larger vehicles like trucks or multiple cars.
- Household items for a 3-4 bedroom house.
High Cube 20 ft Shipping Container:
- Dimensions: Approximately 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet 6 inches high.
- Capacity: Can typically hold around 1,320 cubic feet of cargo.
Examples of What Fits:
- Additional vertical space for taller items.
- Tall machinery or equipment.
- Stacking goods or pallets with extra height.
High Cube 40 ft Shipping Container:
- Dimensions: Approximately 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 9 feet 6 inches high.
- Capacity: Can typically hold around 2,680 cubic feet of cargo.
Examples of What Fits:
- Increased vertical clearance for stacking.
- Large machinery or construction equipment.
- Easy loading and unloading of tall items.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the creation of standard-sized shipping containers has completely changed global trade. It has made moving goods around the world faster, safer, and easier to manage. With different sizes like 20 ft, 40 ft, and High Cube containers, companies can ship all sorts of items, big or small, over long distances. This method helps make shipping simple and keeps global trade running smoothly. Whether it’s cars, furniture, or big machines, standard shipping containers are a handy way to meet the varied demands of buying and selling goods internationally.
On-Site Storage Solutions
At On-Site Storage Solution, we offer a wide selection of shipping containers in standard sizes to cater to your storage needs. Whether you require on-site storage solutions or transportation options, our professional team is ready to assist you. With our containers, you can easily create additional storage space or facilitate the seamless transport of goods. Contact us today at (888) 405-8772 to explore our range of storage solutions and find the perfect container for your requirements.
