What Types of Vessels Can Be Used for Container Shipping?

Containers provide a quick, safe, and efficient way of hauling your cargo all around the world, making it quick and easy to load and unload goods between different types of land and sea delivery.

Container shipping is one of the most cost-effective methods. In addition, they are designed to protect their contents from damage during transit.

They also allow you to move large amounts at once without worrying about how much space each item takes up in the truck or train.

The biggest advantage is that they can travel overland and by water. This means that if you have an inland port, you can use this to move your products to other countries.

If you don't have any ports nearby, you can still use ocean hauling to get your goods where they need to go by transferring from one mode to another.

Containers: The Basics

Essentially, containers are pre-made boxes into which goods are packed and ready for moving. Generally, the goods are loaded and unloaded by using cranes or liftgates.

Containers usually vary in size from 20 feet to 40 feet but may go up to 46 feet. Many types include intermodal, refrigerated containers, and dry boxes.

Intermodal has two systems: a refrigeration system and a ventilation system. Refrigerated ones only have a ventilation system.

Dry boxes only have a ventilation system and no refrigeration unit. Most dry boxes are used for hauling perishable goods like fruits and vegetables.

The size used varies depending on what type of product. For example, if you're moving furniture, you might use a 20-foot, whereas if you've got something like electronics, you may need a 40-foot. Either way, the size will affect the type that can carry your cargo.

Most begin their journeys by road. Then, they are hauled via trucks or trailers to ports where they are loaded onto it. Depending on the route, companies may also use the rail method.

So how does your cargo continue its journey once it leaves land? Most are loaded onto vessels that travel across oceans and seas. There is a wide variety in the oceans today, all with a specific purpose in the industry.

Ships: A Closer Look

Ships are vessels designed specifically for hauling containers. These have been around since the 1950s and have revolutionized supply chains worldwide.

When they arrive at port, they are offloaded from the craft and placed into storage until needed again.

The most common type of vessel used is called a roll-on/roll-off(RO/RO). These come with ramps so they can easily be lifted out of the water and rolled onto the deck.

RO/ROs are generally used for moving significant quantities. They allow the yacht to take on more cargo than it would normally be able to fit. Once it is loaded, the ship heads back out to sea. Roll-on/roll-off can either be self-propelled or towed behind a tugboat.

Ships by Size

To cut costs and take advantage of economies of scale, the size has been steadily increasing over the past few decades.

On the other hand, some factors restrict the size of modern vessels.

The two primary factors determining whether or not ultra-large crafts may be used are the availability of large main engines and the sufficient number of ports and terminals prepared and equipped to accept them.

In addition, the maximum dimensions allowed in several of the most important rivers in the world act as a ceiling for expansion since some of the world's busiest ports and routes have a natural limit on the size that they can handle.

ULCV

An ultra-large vessel is a new type that was introduced in 2014. It's capable of carrying over 10,000 TEUs (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units) of cargo.

The first ULCV was named Maersk Triple E, which has now been replaced by Maersk Triple H. This can deliver across oceans at up to 25 knots.

New Panamax/Post Panamax/Neopanamax

A New Panamax is a much larger version of an old Panamax. It is capable of carrying more than 15,000 TEUs of freight.

The first New Panamax was named MSC Oscar and launched in 2015.

Panamax

Panamax is one of the largest ships available today. It can haul across oceans at speeds up to 24 knots.

The first Panamax was named Maersk Savannah, and it was launched back in 1995.

Feeders

These are smaller and are usually used to feed into bigger ones. Feeder ones are often used to move between ports.

Some examples include tugboats, barges, and tugs. Feeders typically contain under 3000 TEU.

Other Types of Ship

In addition, several other types may assist in the movement of a freight shipment, depending on the nature of the goods and the sea route taken. Read on to find out more.

1) Tanker ships

Tanker ships are similar to container ones except that they carry liquid cargo instead of dry goods. Most tanker ones are oil tankers, but some are chemical tankers.

Tankers are much larger than container ones; many can carry over 100,000 barrels of oil at once.

2) Dry bulk carriers

Dry bulk carriers are designed to transport raw materials and products. In addition, these are often used for mining operations.

They are smaller than containers and have fewer decks than tankers.

3) Bulk carriers

Bulk carriers are used to haul dry and liquid cargo. They can hold about ten times more load than a dry bulk carrier.

Bulk carriers are generally smaller than containers and tankers, though.

4) Tugboats

Tugboats are small boats that tow larger yachts. Tugs are used to move large ones along rivers and harbors.

They are also used to pull barges filled with loads. Tugboats are also used to help move containerships from place to place.

5) Reefer ships

Reefers are specialized ships that are used to move fresh produce around the world.

For example, a reefer will take fruits or vegetables from farms in California and Arizona, and then store them in cold chambers until they reach their destination in Asia.

6) Barges

Barges are flat-bottomed and are used to dispatch over long distances. Barges are especially useful for moving heavy loads over water, including rivers and canals.

7) Ferryboats

Ferryboats are small passenger ones that travel short distances. Many ferryboats operate within cities and towns, connecting people to places like airports, seaports, and piers. Some ferries also take on small amounts of cargo and deliver them to communities, especially in remote areas.

8) Lighterage Vessels

Lighterage are used to transport lighter items over short distances. It is also used to haul automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and even furniture.

Hauling Made Easy

Now you know what kinds are available. But how do you actually get your load from point A to point B? That is where freight providers come into play.

A comprehensive service includes everything from shipping to flatbed trucking, to air freight. Freight providers will help you load it, arrange transportation, and unload it when you arrive at your destination.

Some companies offer only one type, while others specialize in multiple services. If you need to send an entire pallet of goods, you should consider using a freight provider with experience handling these shipments.

You can leverage this knowledge for your business to ensure your goods reach their destination safely.

At A1-AT, we work with partners across the country to optimize routes for your goods, ensuring that they're delivered safely and on time.

Contact us today to learn more about our extensive range of options and our competitive intercontinental rates!