A shipping container is essential for moving your belongings to another location, whether internationally or domestically. It has various types. From dry, high cube, reefer, open top, to DNV, with various specializations.
While containers can safely store your belongings during transport, certain items cannot be shipped in standard containers.
For the dry (standard) container, certain types of goods cannot be transported with this type. Examples include items that may be dangerous during transport, items that are susceptible to damage or theft, and anything prohibited by customs.
Here’s a list of forbidden or unsuitable goods for dry shipping containers, along with the complete explanations!
Contents
Perishable Goods
International shipping requires a long journey from the factory or production site to the destination. Therefore, perishable or perishable cargo cannot be shipped in standard containers.
Food products are one of the most perishable items. Dry containers have no refrigeration or temperature control, so perishable goods like meat, dairy, seafood, frozen foods, and pharmaceuticals will spoil or degrade during transport.
For storing and transporting perishable goods, you will need refrigerated containers, commonly known as “reefers”. Detailed permits and procedures must still be followed to avoid any inconvenience to any parties
Explosives and Flammable Materials
Due to various restrictions on international shipping and logistics, some items are considered too dangerous to transport. Potentially explosive items are at the top of the list.
You may think you don’t have any such items, but some household products are too dangerous to transport, including fireworks, ammunition, gunpowder, gasoline, propane, lighter fluid, paint thinners, and aerosol cans.
Dry containers lack ventilation and can overheat, causing explosions or fires. If your business involves shipping these items, consult an expert.
Toxic or Corrosive Chemicals
Dry (standard) containers are designed to carry solid, non-hazardous cargo. They have no internal lining, chemical resistance, drainage, or spill containment systems. The toxic chemicals include acids, bleach, pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaning agents.
If a toxic or corrosive liquid leaks, it can eat through the steel flooring or walls, which can damage the container structure.
Agricultural, Livestock, and Livestock Products
Standard containers are certainly not suitable for shipping living organisms. Furthermore, not all plants or animals are permitted to be imported into all countries. Each country has regulations regarding the types of animals and plants that are prohibited from entering the country because they are considered invasive or could cause damage or extinction to other species.
Potential health risks are also a consideration, as these products may carry dangerous parasites and germs into the country.
Even seeds or agricultural and mining tools that are still dirty with soil on them may be prohibited from entering.
Goods Requiring Humidity Control
You cannot store goods that require humidity control in a dry (standard) shipping container because these containers do not regulate moisture or temperature.
A standard dry shipping container is simply a steel box with wooden flooring. It does not have insulation, dehumidifiers, or ventilation. As a result, it cannot protect goods from humidity in the air, especially when shipped across oceans. This will form condensation inside due to temperature changes.
Moreover, when containers travel through different climates, moisture in the air inside condenses on the container’s roof and walls. This creates what’s called container rain, as water droplets literally fall onto the cargo. This condensation can soak packaging and labels.
Illegal Contains
Each country has its own laws regarding certain items that are considered illegal. Generally, these include weapons, certain drugs, protected flora and fauna, ancient historical artifacts, and ammunition.
Therefore, you must know exactly what local laws relate to these illegal items. Each country has different regulations that must be adhered to to ensure a smooth shipping process.
To avoid problems, you must ensure that any items you ship are completely legal throughout the journey.
Radioactive Materials
Radioactive materials, like Medical isotopes, nuclear materials, and industrial radiography sources, are among the most tightly regulated substances in global transport.
You cannot store or transport radioactive materials in a dry (standard) shipping container because these containers are not designed, constructed, or approved to safely contain radiation or prevent contamination.
A dry shipping container can keep out weather-but not radiation. Radioactive materials emit ionizing radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, or neutron). Without shielding, radiation can pass through the steel walls. This will expose workers, handlers, and the public.
High Value Items
While there are no logistics regulations prohibiting the shipping of valuables, avoid shipping valuable cargo in standard containers.
Valuables such as jewelry, sentimental items, and personal documents should be carried in person to avoid the risk of damage or loss.
Live Animals or Biological Materials
You cannot store live animals or biological materials in a dry shipping container because such containers are not designed to support life, provide ventilation, or prevent contamination. A dry shipping container is completely enclosed and airtight when sealed. It has no ventilation system, no oxygen circulation, and no temperature control.
If live animals were stored inside, they would quickly use up available oxygen. Also, carbon dioxide and ammonia from their waste would build up. With this going on, animals could suffocate or suffer heat stress within hours.
Furthermore, dry containers are not insulated or refrigerated, so internal temperatures can vary wildly. In the sun, the interior can reach 120–160°F. Meanwhile, in cold climates, it can drop below freezing.
Wet or Liquid Cargo (Not Properly Sealed)
Dry containers are not designed to hold liquids, and any leakage can cause damage, contamination, corrosion, and safety hazards. Therefore, unsealed drums of oil, water, or chemicals cannot be stored inside it.
Many liquids, especially chemicals, oils, or even saltwater, can corrode the steel walls and doors. They can also weaken the flooring and cause rot or warping. Once corrosion starts, the container may fail inspection and be declared unfit for use. This leads to costly repairs or scrapping.
Overweight or Oversized Cargo
You cannot store overweight or oversize cargo in a standard shipping container because these containers are engineered to specific structural and dimensional limits.
Exceeding those limits can damage the container, the cargo, and even the transport equipment, and it also violates international safety regulations.
Each shipping container has a maximum gross weight (the combined weight of the container + cargo). For a standard 20’ dry container, that’s typically around 67,200 lbs, if the cargo inside exceeds this limit, the floor and corner posts can bend, crack, or collapse. Furthermore, the welds and walls may deform under stress.
Conclusion
Knowing the 11 types of container cargo that cannot be transported or are prohibited in standard containers is crucial for the smooth running of your logistics process. It is recommended to gather all necessary information, conduct research, and consult with shipping or logistics companies before shipping your container.
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