Container transport was introduced in the logistics industry to optimise freight transport by making it simpler, safer and more cost-effective. Given that containers are considered to be separate unified units, the transhipment process is greatly simplified. Similarly, container transport is beneficial in terms of safety as containers are made of durable metal – most often of steel or aluminium alloys meeting international logistics standards and guaranteeing the safety of cargo during transport. In addition, containers can be used to transport virtually any cargo.
SIA LOĢISTIKAS RISINĀJUMI not only provides multi-modal container transport, including door-to-door service, but also provides different types of containers and additional services. Container transport is possible using a variety of vehicles – transport of containers by road, air and sea.
SIA LOĢISTIKAS RISINĀJUMI has more than 15 years of experience in different types of transport, and container transport is our usual practice. Container transport is one of the most popular choices when cargo has to be transported to a distant place with several stages of transhipment. Since standard modular containers are used everywhere, container transport makes it easier for carriers and reloaders to operate, thereby reducing the total delivery time.
Our team can recommend you the most suitable containers according to the dimensions and characteristics of your cargo, as well as planning and coordinating the route to any place in the world. If you want to learn more about container transport, contact us and get a free consultation!
How is container transport organised
Container transport is the most optimal way of transporting different types of cargo, as cargo is placed in standardised containers. It is usually implemented according to a standardised plan, i.e. either manufacturers load their goods into containers and contact logistics companies to transport those containers to the consignee, or they contact a logistics company that ensures both the loading of the goods in containers and the entire transportation process.
The biggest benefit for this service is that container transport not limited to one mode of transport. It provides for the possibility that container transport is organised door-to-door. For example, containers are transported from the plant by road to the next stage of the transhipment at the port. Container transport by road is a relatively common method, not only thanks to price, speed and modern adjusted vehicles – container carriers, small-sized and large-sized loader cranes and side loaders, but also because containers are delivered to ports, terminals or railways by road. Transport of containers by sea is a common option thanks to the significantly cheap costs of this service. Large-sized and large-weight containers can be easily transported by sea to remote delivery places and at low prices.
Types of containers
As we have already mentioned, there are several types of containers, each of which performs its own function. Although they are all designed according to standardised modules to meet the requirements of container carriers and exporters and importers of goods, they may differ in size or functionality. We offer different container types with both full container load and less than full container load transport options. Our specialists will help to understand which container is best suited for each cargo, given its specifics. We offer the following types of containers:
- Standard containers or dry storage containers. These are 6- and 12-meter containers that are most commonly used for transport by sea. These containers are hermetically sealed and cargo can be placed in them on 11 or 22 euro pallets, respectively. However, these containers cannot transport special or very heavy goods, as their load capacity is approximately 2-4 tonnes.
- Open top containers are the same as standard containers by size (6- and 12-meter containers), but their load capacity and design are different. They are adjusted with an open top ensuring more convenient loading and transportation of off-gauge loads. Their load capacity exceeds that of standard containers. For example, the 6-meter container has a load capacity of 28 tonnes, while the 12-meter container has a load capacity of 30 tonnes.
- Flat-rack containers are similar to open top containers, but they have an even higher load capacity. Flat-rack containers mainly carry overweight and oversized loads, such as agricultural, industrial equipment and machinery. They have a tailored design that is more convenient for loading and transporting cargo – there is no roof or the top, and also no sides. This means that both cargo carriers and cargo owners must pay particular attention to securing the container to avoid damage due to weather conditions, road accidents or other circumstances.
- Ventilated cargo containers are containers with holes in their sides to facilitate air flow circulation. These containers are used for goods with short shelf life which require air exchange with the external environment – they are mainly used for the transportation and storage of coffee, cocoa and cereals.
- Refrigerated containers like ventilated containers are used for the transport of perishable goods. However, refrigerated containers are also able to maintain a constant temperature throughout the transport. If they are mainly used for the transport of frozen foods, as well as milk, eggs, fruit, vegetables and other foods with a short shelf life, this does not mean that refrigerated containers are only suitable for temperatures below or around 0°C. Refrigerated containers essentially mean that they are equipped with an internal temperature maintenance system; and a temperature of up to +25°C can be maintained throughout the transport.
- ISO tanks are used for the transport and storage of liquid goods, they are equipped with thermal regulation and heating systems. They are used either for the transport of foods or dangerous liquid goods. We pay particular attention to the transport of ISO tanks, not only because they are relatively unstable due to liquid cargo, but there are even more important reasons – these two cargo containers must in no case be interchangeable.
Benefits of selecting container transport
When you choose container transport, you will get a number of benefits. We will not only provide you with a free consultation on the choice of the most suitable containers and other relevant matters of the transport of your cargo, but will also provide them with maximum safety by selecting trusted cooperation partners, who perform transhipment and fastening works with great care. Our offer contains both closed and open containers and those tailored specifically for the transport of different specific cargo. We also offer full container load and less than container load transport, thus adapting to the needs of different customers and cargo volumes.
Our team of professionals, who work with each customer with special attention and individual approach, provides stable and timely container deliveries to nearby and distant destinations. We will be able to deliver your cargo to any place in the world using multimodal transport. Taking into account that cargo will be transported in containers, the risk of its damage and destruction is very low. Despite the distance to the destination where the cargo is to be delivered, we evaluate the options for the most favourable routes to offer the best options and prices for each customer. In addition, for your convenience, we also offer a variety of additional services, such as cargo tracking, cargo insurance, settling of formalities and customs brokerage services, and also freight coordination in warehouses.
Contact our specialists to get a consultation on container transport!
