Source smarter with
Leverage AI to find the perfect product match in seconds
Matches from over 100 million products with precision
Handles queries 3 times as complex in half the time
Verifies and cross-validates product information
Get the app
Get the Alibaba.com app
Find products, communicate with suppliers, and manage and pay for your orders with the Alibaba.com app anytime, anywhere.
Learn more

Containers

(534615 products available)

About containers

Types of Containers

Containerization has become a game changer in the shipping and logistics industry. It has improved efficiency, security, and cargo handling. There are different types of containers for various purposes. Here are some of them:

  • Shipping containers

    They are also called intermodal containers. They are designed for long-distance transport. They are used in international trade to transport goods across different modes of transport. They are made in different sizes. The 20-foot and 40-foot containers are the most common. They are strong and durable. They can withstand harsh weather conditions. They are also secure. It is hard for thieves to access the contents of the container. They also provide access to a variety of container accessories for added security.

  • Reefer containers

    They are also called refrigerated containers. They are used for transporting perishable goods. They are used to transport products like meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. They have an inbuilt refrigeration system. They maintain specific temperature ranges during the entire shipping process. They also have insulation and airflow systems. The insulation helps to maintain the temperature by reducing heat transfer. The airflow system ensures that the refrigerated air circulates well inside the container.

  • Tank containers

    They are used for transporting liquids. They are designed for bulk liquid transportation. They are used for transporting hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. They are made from stainless steel. The material makes them suitable for transporting corrosive materials. They also have a robust frame. The frame simplifies handling and lifting during loading and unloading. They come in different sizes. The 20-foot containers are the most common. They also have different designs depending on the type of liquid being transported.

  • Open-top containers

    They have a removable roof. They are designed for loading and unloading cargo from the top. They are used for transporting oversized cargo that cannot fit through the container doors. They are also used for transporting cargo that requires special handling during loading and unloading. Some examples include construction equipment, large industrial machinery, and timber.

  • Flat rack containers

    They are used for transporting heavy cargo. They consist of a flat deck with end walls. They are used for cargo that is too big to fit in a standard container. Some examples include vehicles, machinery, and industrial equipment.

  • High cube containers

    They are similar to standard containers. The only difference is that they are taller. They provide extra storage space. They are used for transporting goods that require more vertical space. They are commonly used for transporting lightweight cargo.

Specification and Maintenance of Containers

There are various sorts of compartments with various details that make them appropriate for particular purposes. Here are a few normal sorts:

  • Shipping Containers: These are made of steel and are intended to endure the rigors of transportation. Their measurements differ, yet normal sizes are 20-foot (6.1-meter) and 40-foot (12.2-meter) shipping compartments. They are 2.44 meters wide and 2.59 meters high, with a slight distinction in tallness for High Cube compartments. They have locking frameworks to get cargo and entryways for simple access.
  • Reefer Containers: They are refrigerated shipping compartments with temperature control frameworks. They can keep cargo at temperatures going from - 30 to 30 degrees Celsius (- 22 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). These compartments have insulation to limit heat move and are furnished with power frameworks to work the cooling hardware.
  • Tank Containers: These compartments are intended for transporting fluids. They are comprised of steel and have a tank limited by a shell for extra help. The volume limit of tank compartments is commonly somewhere in the range of 14,000 and 36,000 liters (3,700 to 9,500 gallons). They have filling and emptying ports and are intended to forestall spillage and pollution.
  • Open-Top Containers: These compartments have roofs that can be eliminated or opened up. They are encased by canvas and upheld by a removable edge. They are accessible in 20-foot and 40-foot sizes. They are ideal for transporting enormous or overabundance tall freight that can't fit in standard shipping compartments. They have locking frameworks to get cargo and entryways for simple access.
  • Insulated Containers: These shipping containers are intended to keep up with the temperature of their items without requiring power. They have insulation between the internal and external layers of the compartment. This insulation limits heat move and keeps the products at a reliable temperature during transportation.

Shipping container support is fundamental to expand their life expectancy and ensure safe transportation of products. Here are some upkeep tips:

  • Cleanliness: Normal cleaning is significant for shipping compartment support. Soil, flotsam and jetsam, and residue ought to be taken out from both within and outside the compartment. This will assist with forestalling form and consumption development, which can debilitate the compartment's honesty over the long haul. Moreover, ordinary cleaning can assist with keeping up with the container's appearance and forestall the development of destructive substances or flammable materials.
  • Rust Prevention: Rust is a typical issue with shipping compartments, particularly in areas with high dampness or openness to saltwater. To forestall rust, holders ought to be routinely checked for any indication of rust spots or scratches. Assuming that any are found, fitting rust-inhibiting synthetic compounds or coatings can be applied to the impacted regions to forestall further consumption. Moreover, ordinary checking and cleaning can assist with recognizing and resolve rust issues right off the bat, limiting their effect on the compartment's primary trustworthiness.
  • Structural Integrity: Shipping containers ought to be routinely examined for any primary issues like bends, splits, or openings. These issues can be brought about by different elements, for example, mishaps, weighty stacking, or drawn out openness to cruel climate conditions. Assuming that any primary issues are distinguished, fitting fixes or strengthening measures ought to be executed to reestablish the compartment's underlying honesty and forestall any wellbeing or wellbeing chances. Likewise, compartments ought to be utilized and stacked as per their proposed plans to limit the gamble of primary issues emerging.
  • Door and Lock Maintenance: Shipping containers depend on safe entryways and locks to safeguard their items during transportation. Hence, ordinary examination and upkeep of the compartments' entryways and locks are fundamental. This incorporates checking for any indications of mileage, for example, rusted pivots, harmed seals, or broken locks. Assuming that are found, suitable fixes or substitutions ought to be made to guarantee the entryways and locks work appropriately and give a safe boundary against unapproved access or spillage of products. Moreover, normal greasing up the pivots and locks can assist with smoothing their activity and forestall any getting issues.

How to Choose of Containe

Choosing the right storage container can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With these few tips, choosing the perfect container for that project will be a walk in the park.

First and most important is to determine what is being stored. Is it furniture, important documents, or perishable goods? Knowing what is going to be stored will help choose the right container that will suit the needs perfectly.

Another factor to consider is budget. Storage containers come in different sizes and are designed for different purposes, which means they also have different prices. Determine how much is available to spend on a container before choosing one. Remember, expensive doesn’t always mean the best. Look out for features that provide the best value for the money.

Portability is another thing to consider. How easy is it going to be moved from one place to another? If it is going to be moved frequently, look for a container that is lightweight and easy to transport. Also, consider how long it is going to be stored. For long-term storage, choose a container that is durable and provides protection against the elements.

Lastly, consider the features of the container. Different containers have different features that make them suitable for different purposes. Choose a container with the right features for that specific project. For example, if storing perishable goods, look for a container with insulation and easy-to-use temperature controls.

How to DIY and Replace Containers

Replacement of a damaged shipping container can be done in many ways. One way is by swapping out the damaged section with another. This is known as container surgery. Another method involves removing the entire container and replacing it with a new one. Here are some steps to take when replacing containers.

  • Assessing the situation: Look at what happened to the old container. Was it damaged? Or was it too small? Find out what caused the issue and determine whether it will be a suitable option to replace the container or not.
  • Planning: Decide what type of container to use. The new container should be in line with the requirements of the project. It should also be within budgetary constraints. A 20-foot container might be used to replace a damaged container. It is also important to involve engineers and architects to plan the replacement properly.
  • Preparing the site: The area where the new container will be placed should be level and free of obstacles. It should also be safe and secure.
  • Transport: The new container should be delivered to the site safely and undamaged. It should also be transported without adhering to safety regulations.
  • Installation: The container should be positioned and secured in place. It should also be loaded once it has been unloaded.

Q&A

Q1: How long can a 40 ft container be used?

A1: A shipping container can be used for 15 years, after which it will be appropriate to find an alternative because the container may be too damaged to be used for shipping.

Q2: How many 40 ft containers can be seen on the road at once? A2: It is estimated that 5 million 40 ft containers are on the road at once, which is a huge number.

Q3: How much can a 40ft high container hold? A3: A 40ft high container can hold 12,000 cubic feet of cargo, which is a lot.