A Basic Guide to Shipping Containers for Hirers and Buyers

Shipping containers have become extensively used by companies and households. They offer safe and secure transportation for all types of items from readymade products to home furniture and appliances. If you plan to buy or to hire a container, you should learn as much as possible about your options first. 

Size

The size of shipping containers is based on their length, which can range from 8 to 56 feet, as per the ISO standard. The most widely used models are the 20-foot and 40-foot ones. They are used for transporting all kinds of goods using various modes of transportation i.e, road, rail and sea. The height can range from 8 feet to 9 feet and 6 inches. You can get more information about shipping containers via http://portcontainersusa.com/.

Capacity

As a hirer or buyer, you will be interested in the volume of the shipping container as well. It is typically expressed in cubic feet, but it can also be expressed in cubic meters. There are three weight measures to pay attention to. The empty weight is the weight of the shipping box itself. The maximum gross weight is the weight of the item plus the weight of the loaded goods or personal belongings. The net load shows you the maximum weight of the objects which can be loaded inside.

Make

The modern shipping containers of this type are made from special steel alloys, which are commonly known as weathering steel. This name is given to them because they react with the elements to form a special coating which protects them from rust and corrosion and from other types of damage caused by the weather.