B-4-1- Transport with containers


International transactions are unique because the goods cross the border by ship, train, truck, and/or airplane. An exporter chooses to use a container because of the security it provides in being closed and able to besealed. However, before being sealed, containers must be certified by customs.

A container can be loaded on a roll-off container platform or into container ships.

The exporter can also choose to transport goods via swap body. Containers and swap body server the same purpose and avoid transshipments.

We can distinguish two kinds of packaging, each a function of the chosen mode of transport. It may be in the interest of the exporter not to palletize products when containerized. It will still be prudent to use adequate packaging, which, depending on the nature of the goods, could prevent damage due to moisture.

4-1-1- Different modes of transport by container

We can distinguish various types of transport by container as FCL (Full Container Load), as LCL (Less than Container Load), as Pier-to-Pier, or as House-to-House transport. We can also mention the ETC (Empty Trans Container).

We will discuss fcl/fcl, lcl/lcl, fcl/lcl and lcl/fcl transports.

4-1-2- Different types of containers

We can distinguish various types of containers depending on use. Indeed, you can choose containers based on the objective to carry perishable goods, e.g. an insulated container.

A container may be chosen based on an opening that adapts to loading, e.g. a container with sidewall openings. There are specialized containers like the 20-foot or 40-foot collapsible Flatrack container.

Also note that containers can adapted to the mode of transport used, e.g. aircraft containers.

4-1-3- The prices for container transport

As with all types of transport, container transport has its own specific pricing. There are numerous requirements when stuffing/loading and stripping/unloading containers.

It is necessary for containers to be properly equipped.