A shipping container is a reusable container in the form of a metal box with doors. But such a simple design revolutionized the field of cargo transportation, making it much easier and cheaper.
For simplicity and efficiency of their use, a standardization system for dimensions, weight, dimensions and design has been developed. Modern containers are completely sealed and can be used for a variety of purposes: for transportation of liquid cargo, for bulk products, for products that require temperature regulation, etc.
Combined transportation
Multimodal transportation is carried out using several modes of transport. For example, the same cargo in a container can be sent using water transport, then reloaded onto a train to continue its journey by land. And it is delivered to its destination by car. The advantages of this method are obvious, especially in such a large country as Russia.
Advantages of transportation
The use of containers is effective for several reasons:
- the equipment preserves any type of cargo well;
- there is no need to reload goods from one transport to another when changing mode;
- the integrity of the cargo is not compromised, losses are excluded, the goods are loaded directly by the seller and are opened only upon arrival at the recipient;
- containing costs are reduced;
- the speed of loading and unloading goods increases;
- delivery period is reduced.
The process of cargo transportation has become much more convenient. The work of forwarders accompanying cargo has been simplified; it is possible to control it using computer control.
Disadvantages of container transportation
The only drawback to using containers for transporting goods is the return of empty containers. After unloading the goods, equipment is often sent back empty, which cannot but affect the cost of the service.
But at the same time, one minus and dozens of pluses cannot be compared in importance, so the popularity of using containers is increasing every year. And the emergence of new types of equipment on the market provides even better quality of service.
