There are numerous shipping container types, each with its own unique functions.
If you need a container type designed specifically for transporting loose, dry bulk cargo, you can use a bulker container. Items that you can transport using a bulker container are grains, seeds, sugar, chemicals, plastic pellets, minerals, powders, or other dry bulk materials. Bulker containers are common in the agriculture, chemicals, and minerals industries.
A bulker container is typically a 20-foot or 40-foot ISO shipping container with added features that allow loose materials, like grain, sugar, sand, or plastic pellets, to be loaded and unloaded efficiently.
Transporting those materials with a bulker container results in lower packaging costs, fast loading/unloading, reduced labor, better cargo protection, and flexible transport options.
Get to know more about the bulker container, one of the unique container types, by reading this article thoroughly!
Contents
Key Features
Top Loading Hatches
Top-loading hatches are one of the key features that distinguish a bulker container from a standard shipping container. They allow materials such as grain, sugar, plastic pellets, cement, or other loose bulk goods to be poured directly into the container from above.
A bulker container usually has 2-3 top-loading hatches on the roof.
Discharge/Unloading Hatches
Discharge or unloading hatches are specialized openings built into a bulker container to allow loose dry bulk materials to be emptied efficiently. They complement the top-loading hatches and are essential for gravity-based or assisted unloading.
They are usually positioned at the rear doors, built into the lower portion of the container’s double doors. For some bulker containers, they are located beneath the container for direct gravity drop, used when the container is placed over a pit.
Reinforced Interior
Some bulker containers include smooth, coated, or lined interiors to prevent contamination and make cleaning easier.
Compatibility
Bulker container is fully compatible with standard container handling equipment (ships, trucks, rail, cranes).
Function
1. Transporting loose bulk materials
The primary function of a bulker container is to safely carry dry bulk cargo without the need for bags, sacks, or intermediate packaging. This makes loading and unloading faster and more economical.
2. Protecting cargo from contamination
Bulker containers are enclosed, preventing contamination from moisture, pests, or foreign substances, especially important for agricultural or food-grade materials.
3. Supporting efficient loading and unloading
Bulk containers often have top-loading hatches for pouring materials in. For this to work, you need to discharge hatches or doors at the bottom or end for quick unloading. This reduces handling time compared to traditional bulk shipping.
4. Reducing labor and packaging costs
With a bulker container, you can load the materials directly into the container. Therefore, you can save on packaging materials, manual labor, and storage space.
5. Optimizing transport efficiency
Using standard ISO container sizes means they can be easily stacked, handled with regular container equipment, and transported via ships, trucks, and trains. This provides more flexibility than traditional bulk cargo ships.
6. Maintaining product integrity
For sensitive materials like grains or powders, bulker containers can keep cargo dry, prevent spillage, reduce cross-contamination, and maintain consistent quality during transport.
Types and Recommendations
20′ High Cube Bulker Container
The need for delivering and storing bulk materials in significant quantities has pushed Tradecorp into developing this 20’ HC Bulker Container, a shipping container with a unique design and specifications specifically designed to meet unique business needs.
Certain cargo items, including grains, seeds, and plastic seeds, are known for their meticulous handling during freight, which is something our 20’ HC Bulker Container can handle. With 3 roof hatches on its upper parts, this container allows easy cargo loading from above.
Available in 20’ size, this container can help most businesses transport the cargo items mentioned above with maximum efficiency. Since the container uses high-grade Corten steel as its main construction material, it has the best protective capabilities and measures that customers can have from a container.
20’ High Cube Pallet Wide Bulker Container
Use our 20’ High Cube Pallet Wide Bulker Container to transport two standard pallets that need to be stored side by side. We specially made this Container to transport bulk cargo unsuitable for a standard 20’ container. Therefore, this is the best choice if your business involves shipping and storing cargo on a Euro pallet that can’t fit in standard containers.
The width difference enables you to load 15 euro pallets inside, which is four more pallets than what you can put in standard containers. Other than that, the 20’ Bulker Shipping Container has unique features that help make loading and unloading more efficient for items such as grains, nuts, sugar, and other bulk commodities.
It has 3 roof loading hatches, 2 rear bleed hatches, a wide front release hatch with side locks, and reinforced roof panels. It is also made in a High Cube size, which provides an additional 1’ of height over a standard container.
This container also has a locking mechanism to secure the contents during transportation. It is also commonly turned into a storage space as it provides a secure and weather-resistant space.
40′ HC Bulker Container
Designed to carry bulky cargo in significant quantities, this 40’ HC Bulker Container combines the best qualities of a high-cube shipping container with the abilities of a bulk container to meet this specific purpose.
While standard containers carry most cargo types, certain items, like grains, need this container to carry them over long distances. As such, this container has 5 roof hatches, unavailable in other container types.
With its unique design, this container allows users to load cargo from above by using the roof hatches. Furthermore, the hatches also provide extra ventilation if the cargo requires a steady ventilation system during freight.
Conclusion
Bulker container is one of the numerous container types that is designed for transporting loose, unpackaged bulk cargo.
They are available in several colors and variants at Tradecorp. Tradecorp also has a wide range of customization. This includes additional doors, windows, insulation, and electrical systems, or specific purposes such as site office or cafe containers.
We’ll help you find the perfect bulker Containers for sale and rent for your business needs at a reasonable price. Fill out the contact form on our page, and we will respond to your inquiry promptly.