How to Transport Small Items in Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are very useful. They are used for storing goods at port terminals or warehouses. If you want to transport items from one place to another, shipping containers are often the best option.

You might wonder why they are called shipping containers. The reason for that was that they were originally designed for shipping cargo around the globe. Nowadays, they are also used for storage purposes.

If you're researching how to transport small items in shipping containers, we can help.

Read on for a full guide on shipping small items using cargo containers.

What You Can and Cannot Ship

There are many advantages of using shipping containers to move or store objects, including small items. For example, cheap, durable, portable, and versatile household items may go into a shipping container.

However, some items should not be shipped with a container, even if they could. Here's a way to differentiate what you can and cannot ship with a shipping container.

Items allowed in containers

You can send almost any item through maritime shipping for international cargo. However, only personal items (clothing, books, and electronics) may enter another country without paying import fees.

If, for example, you wish to send alcoholic beverages, then you might have to pay an import tax and duty fee.

Any household furniture you have may also be shipped in containers, provided you pack them carefully. Some pieces of furniture you have might not look small to you, but because there is great space in the container, you can still include them.

But be mindful of the quantity, especially regarding duties in your destination country. Bringing in household items in bulk will likely lead to commercial shipping tariffs.

Lastly, yes, you can also include small, personal items of high value in a shipping container. This includes anything from cash and jewelry to laptops.

However, if the object's value is too big, you shouldn't risk it. It would be safer to keep them close and secure in your checked baggage when you fly.

Items not allowed in containers

There are many items prohibited from being transported in shipping containers. They include toxic and flammable materials, animals and plants, and perishables. Here's a brief outline of what they are.

Toxic and flammable materials

Flammable and toxic items may harm other objects in a shipping container. It may also ruin the whole shipment if not handled correctly.

You should avoid including any type of battery, aerosols, household cleaners, chemicals, fertilizers, and even household cleaners in a shipping container.

Animals and plants

A closed shipping container that spends a few days without light or fresh air is definitely not the right place to store living beings like animals and plants.

Some countries also restrict non-native plants' entrance into their territories. Some governments may feel that non-native plants will bring parasites and germs. So it's best to avoid shipping plants altogether.

Perishables

Using a container for shipping likely suggests that it's maritime shipping, which takes longer than an air shipment.

Due to how long it takes to complete such a shipment, your items may become damaged during transport.

That's why it's forbidden to include fresh produce, frozen food, and any food packages without secure packing. They will spoil inside the container.

Firearms and illegal items

If you own firearms and plan to travel internationally, you should check them as checked baggage, not put them in your storage container.

You should also check with the local law enforcement officials in your destination countries to see if they allow you to take those weapons through customs.

Bring proof of ownership for any firearms you intend to bring into their territory.

This is also applicable for items like drugs or medication. For example, some countries may prohibit the use of some ingredients in your medicine.

It's always best to check what's allowed in the destination country before sending something that turns out to be illegal.

Packing Small Items

When transporting small items in a shipping container, it's important to pack them carefully. If you don't, damages may occur during transit.

Gather several small items and pack them carefully into cardboard boxes or other boxes for safe transport. Here are some tips:

• Pack fragile items separately from other items.
• Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts to protect delicate items.
• Larger items (furniture or electronics) should be wrapped in blankets or sheets.
• Place smaller or lighter items on top of larger and heavier ones.
• Make sure that all items fit snugly within the container.
• Do not overpack.
• Avoid putting items in direct contact with each other.
• Be careful not to crush fragile items.
• Don't forget about the sides.
• Try to keep everything organized.
• Label your packages clearly.
• Include a copy of your receipt.
• Write down the contents of your package.
• Take photos of your shipment before leaving home.
• Check the condition of your shipment upon arrival at your final destination.

Shipping Container Insurance

Insurance protects you against loss or damage to your goods while in transit. There are two types of insurance policies:

1. Cargo insurance covers the value of your shipment.
2. Transit insurance covers the cost of transporting your shipment.

Cargo insurance is usually purchased from the shipper. Transit insurance is typically purchased from the carrier.

In both cases, you'll pay a premium based on the value of your shipment and how long you expect it to stay in transit. So, if your cargo travels overseas via container ships, expect to pay higher fees.

The amount of coverage varies depending on the type of cargo being shipped. Most carriers offer $500-$2,000 worth of coverage per shipment.

The most common forms of cargo insurance include:

• Physical damage: this insurance pays out if your shipment gets lost, stolen, or damaged. It does not cover the value of the shipment itself.
• Delay/risk coverage: this form of insurance helps you recover costs associated with delays caused by weather, strikes, riots, etc.
• General liability: this insurance covers damages caused by third parties (such as theft) and protects against lawsuits.

You may want to consider purchasing additional insurance such as:

• Loss of income: this form of insurance reimburses you for expenses incurred due to a delay or loss of income.
• Extra time: this insurance allows you to extend the time period covered under your contract.
• Specialized insurance: some carriers specialize in certain types of shipments. For example, UPS offers specialized insurance for shipments containing hazardous materials.

You can purchase transit insurance from the carrier. The premiums vary depending on the trip's length and the transportation used.

You must purchase cargo and transit insurance if you're shipping an item via air freight. You can buy these policies together online through the freight carrier.

You will only need transit insurance if you're shipping via truck.

Shipping Container Standard Sizes

Shipping containers come in several standard sizes. These sizes are defined by their width and height.

For example, a 40-foot container is 40 feet wide, while a 20-foot container is 20 feet wide. Both 40-foot and 20-foot containers are used primarily aboard the largest container ships.

For temperature-sensitive cargo, there are also refrigerated containers available.

Consider the standard sizes of cargo containers when making any long-distance moving plans.

Conclusion

There are things you can't transport in shipping containers, such as objects with high toxicity and flammability, animals, plants, and fresh food. But most things like furniture, clothes, and electronics should be fine.

When shipping small items, wrap them carefully with padding. You can use bubble wrap or blankets. Remember to place larger individual items on top of smaller ones.

Since your small items may go into a larger box, remember not to overpack the box. Also, carefully label your boxes to avoid mix-ups. Your boxes will go into the container and be ready to be shipped.

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