Container - Strong packaging for safe transport
Containers are stable, lockable and stackable transport boxes that can be
used to store, transport and process goods and materials. They are often used
in logistics such as trucks, trains and ships. In construction industries,
containers serve as temporary office space and in retail trade containers can
be used as storage space.
The container comes in different sizes, types and materials, each suitable
for general or specific purposes.
Types of containers
Containers are existing in many different types, each designed for
different needs. The most common used container types are:
• Standard Container: This is the most commonly used container. It has a
standard size of 20 or 40 feet and is made of steel or aluminum. Standard
containers are robust, stackable and can be transported on ships, trains or
trucks.
• High Cube Containers: These containers are similar to standard containers
but taller. They are ideal for transporting large or bulky goods.
• Skip containers: These containers are used in conjunction with skip
trucks. The container is loaded and set down using chains attached to a swivel
arm. These containers are often used on construction sites for waste. A common
size is a container with a capacity of 7 m³.
• Roll-off containers: Roll-off containers are used in a similar way to
skip containers. The difference lies in the way they are picked up by the
truck. The roll-off containers have two rollers on the rear side and are fixed
and loaded and set down by a hydraulically operated lever with a hook. In
contrast to the skip container, the roll-off container is lop-sided during
loading and unloading.
• Cold Storage Containers: These containers are insulated and have a
refrigeration unit to transport sensitive goods such as food or medical
products at the right temperature.
• Tank containers: These containers have an internal tank system that
transports liquids or gases. They are ideal for transporting chemicals or other
dangerous goods.
• Special containers: Special containers are purpose-built boxes equipped
with special equipment. These can be e.g. fire brigade containers, THW aid
containers, health stations or water treatment plants.
• Overseas containers: Overseas containers are particularly tight against
the aggressive weather on open container ships. Furthermore, they are very
stable and allow a large stacking height.
• Bigbags: Bigbags are a soft form of container. The sack-like material has
the advantage of space-saving transport when empty. However, filled big bags
can be stacked very well thanks to their rectangular shape.
Advantages of containers
Containers offer many advantages in the field of transport and logistics.
Here are some of the key benefits:
• Efficiency: Containers are an efficient way to transport goods and
materials. They are robust, stackable and can be transported on ships, trains
or trucks.
• Safety: Containers provide a safe way to transport goods and materials.
They can be locked and offer protection against theft, vandalism and the
effects of the weather.
• Sustainability: Containers are reusable and durable. This reduces the
need for new packaging materials and helps reduce waste and environmental
impact.
• Flexibility: Containers come in many different sizes and types, each
suited to specific purposes. This makes them very flexible and adaptable to
different requirements.
• Cost-effectiveness: Containers are generally more cost-effective than
other transport methods, as their variety means that they can be optimally
selected for the goods to be transported. This leads to savings in transport
costs.
Applications of containers
Containers are used in many different applications, such as:
• Shipping: Containers are an important method of moving goods across the
sea. They can be transported on large container ships that can accommodate
thousands of containers.
• Logistics: Containers are often used in logistics to transport goods from
one place to another. They can be transported on trains or trucks to make the
supply chain more efficient.
• Construction: Containers are often used on construction sites to store
materials and store tools and equipment. They are ruggid and can also be used
as temporary offices or housing for workers.
• Retail trade: Containers are also used in retail trade to store and
transport goods. They can be transported on trucks and delivered directly to
retail stores.
• Events: Containers are often used at large events such as concerts or
festivals to transport and store materials such as stage equipment and food
stalls. Furthermore, they often serve as sanitary facilities in the form of
special containers.