9 Perks of Using a 20 ft Shipping Container for Logistics

A 20 ft shipping container is the most common shipping container size. It is specially designed to meet international standards and allow goods to be moved between modes of transportation such as ships, trucks, and trains. 

The use of a 20 ft shipping container minimizes the time and costs required for goods distribution, as it is compatible with various transportation sizes and allows users to tailor logistics needs to the type of goods being transported.

In the logistics industry, a 20 ft shipping container provides efficiency in the transportation and storage of goods. Here are some of the main benefits of using 20 ft containers, including the recommended units from Tradcorp!

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Use of 20 ft Shipping Container in Various Sectors

The use of 20 ft shipping containers is increasingly widespread across various sectors, thanks to the benefits of high-quality containers in the logistics industry. While in the logistics industry, containers are essential for distributing large-capacity goods; they also play a vital role in other sectors such as construction, housing, manufacturing, commercial, and retail.

In the construction sector, containers are widely used as project offices, storage warehouses, and easily transportable worker housing. Meanwhile, in the housing sector, containers are utilized as an economical and environmentally friendly accommodation solution.

In the commercial sector, containers are an option for booths, container cafes, container bars, and so on. Meanwhile, retailers use modified 20-ft containers as pop-up shops, kiosks, and showrooms. Their compact size makes them ideal for urban locations and short-term commercial setups.

9 Benefits of Containers in the Logistics Industry

Use of 20 ft Shipping Container in Various Sectors
Use of 20 ft Shipping Container in Various Sectors

1. Better Goods Security

In the logistics industry, a 20 ft shipping container offers protection for goods from weather, theft, and damage during transit and shipping. It works by reducing shifting, impact, and the likelihood of damage, particularly for dense or fragile goods. With a secure locking system, the risk of loss or damage to goods is reduced.

2. Flexibility for Various Types of Cargo

The benefit of 20 ft containers in the logistics industry is their flexibility in use for various cargoes. They are well-suited for partial loads, mixed cargo, and specialized freight, allowing logistics companies to serve a wider range of customer needs.

Various types of containers are available to suit the needs of the logistics industry, such as:

  • Dry Containers for general goods.
  • Reefer Containers for products requiring controlled temperatures.
  • Open Top & Flat Rack Containers for large-sized goods.
  • Tank Containers for liquids and chemicals.

3. Standardization and Transportation Efficiency

Containers have international standard sizes, such as 20 feet and 40 feet, which facilitate the transfer of goods between modes of transportation (ships, trains, and trucks) without the need for reloading and unloading, thus speeding up the logistics process.

4. Optimizing Shipping Space and Capacity

The modular design of containers allows for the efficient transportation of large quantities.  A 20-ft container can carry nearly the same maximum payload as a 40-ft container, making it ideal for heavy goods such as machinery, metals, or raw materials without exceeding weight limits. Furthermore, stacking containers on ships or in warehouses can save storage space.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Another benefit of containers in the logistics industry is that they can be reused for various purposes, reducing single-use packaging waste, such as cardboard and plastic. Multimodal transportation using containers can reduce fuel consumption by optimizing routes and load capacity.

6. Reduced Operational Costs

The use of containers helps reduce labor costs and time in loading and unloading goods due to their standardized system. 

Moreover, storage costs in warehouses can be reduced by utilizing containers as direct storage units. A 20 ft shipping container is generally cheaper to purchase, lease, and transport than larger containers, making them ideal for small to medium cargo volumes and cost-sensitive shipments.

7. Easier Handling and Maneuverability

Their compact size makes them easier to load, unload, stack, and maneuver at ports, warehouses, and distribution centers, especially where space is limited.

8. Improving Supply Chain Efficiency

Containers enable faster and more efficient shipping of large quantities, helping companies better manage inventory and reduce delays in the supply chain.

Due to their size and weight, 20 ft containers are more likely to comply with road, bridge, and port regulations, reducing delays, fines, and operational complications.

9. Lower Storage Space Requirements

These containers require less storage and yard space, helping logistics providers optimize warehouse layouts and container yards.

20 ft Shipping Container Types for Logistics

The Inside Dimensions of a 20' Container, Check Here!
A 20 ft Shipping Container from Tradecorp

In the logistics industry, containers play a crucial role in the efficiency of shipping goods. Each type of container has its own advantages and specific uses, depending on logistics needs. Here are some types of containers commonly used in logistics:

20 ft Dry Container

The 20’ Dry Shipping Container is our most popular and common type of shipping container for sale. This container is suitable for both storage and freight, especially for dry cargo that doesn’t require temperature control. 

It is manufactured according to ISO specifications, which makes it suitable for the intermodal transport of freight. It is also equipped with a variety of features that guarantee the safe transport of your cargo. The container measures L 20’ x W 8’ x H 8’6”, providing ample space to achieve efficiency in cargo storage and transportation.

20 ft Refrigerated Container

If you’re looking for a reefer container that requires a lower temperature to store your products, a 20’ reefer with a Thermo King Magnum+ engine is a suitable solution. This reefer provides ample space to store many products, whether you need to transport food, pharmaceuticals, or other perishable goods.

One of the most impressive features of this container is its Thermo King Magnum+ engine. This cooling engine can maintain temperatures from -40°F up to +104°F. This container is also properly insulated and has rubber-sealed doors to maintain the desired temperature by keeping cold air inside and preventing warm air from entering.

20 ft Open Top Container

Tradecorp has a 20′ Open Top Container unit that is suitable for transporting cargo that is too high for standard containers such as pipes, chains, cables, and steel poles. The open-top feature is equipped with a standard door feature on the rear of the unit to facilitate the loading process of goods. 

There are four locking bars on the door, ensuring the goods or cargo inside remain safe during the shipping process. In addition, this container is also equipped with forklift pockets to facilitate the movement of the unit.

20 ft Flat Rack Container

20 ft flat rack containers are a type of container that does not have walls and a roof with sides that can be folded into a flat container to send goods with a very large volume. They are considered ideal and allow for transporting wider and taller goods such as large machinery, construction equipment, vehicles, pipes, or timber.

A Collapsible Flat Rack is a type that has a foldable end to make the loading and unloading process easier and more flexible. This type of flat rack consists of a floor structure with a high loading capacity composed of a steel frame, a softwood floor, and two collapsible end walls. The end walls are stable enough to allow cargo securing means to be attached and several flat racks to be stacked on top of one another.

20 ft Side Opening Container

The 20 ft side opening container or also known as an open side, is a practical container that differs from a standard container as it has side doors on one side of the container. This container measures L 20’ x W 8’ x H 8’6”, which is spacious enough to store a wide range of cargo while remaining compact to fit in most locations. 

The side doors are normally two-wing doors that open in two sections, one to the left and one to the right. Our container is ISO-compliant and is capable of transporting freight and is equipped with a range of essential features, which include air vents, lashing rings, locking bars, a lockbox, corner castings, and forklift pockets.

High Cube Container

The 20ft high cube container is similar to a standard 20ft container, but is slightly taller with an additional 1 foot to its height. The additional height offers more space for higher cargo or equipment that doesn’t fit in a standard container. 

It can accommodate up to 62,460 lbs with a volume of 37,4 m³. This container also has additional features like extra air vents, forklift pockets, lashing rings, locking bars, corner castings, and easy-open doors. It is highly practical to deliver a range of goods, such as industrial equipment, raw materials, apparel, and vehicles.

20 ft High Cube Insulated Container

When it comes to controlling temperature fluctuations and preventing condensation due to moisture buildup, insulated shipping containers are the perfect solution. It has similar features to reefer containers but without the refrigeration machine. Its fully insulated design also prevents water from entering. 

Our insulated containers offer optimal protection for a variety of goods, such as biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and several perishables. They ensure that your valuable items remain in a controlled environment throughout storage and transportation.

The high cube size of this container offers generous space, accommodating taller cargo that may not fit in standard containers. It is the perfect choice for transporting light and voluminous cargo, ensuring your transportation needs are met effectively.

Our insulated containers are compliant with the ISO standard and equipped with several features to ensure the safety and easy movement of the cargo during the journey. Our rubber-sealed doors help to prevent moisture and contaminants from entering, while the locking bars offer protection for the door handles and securely lock the container.

Conclusion

Find used or new 20 ft shipping containers for sale or rent in various types at Tradecorp! 

Whether you’re looking for reliable brand-new or used cargo containers for sale and rent, we offer a wide selection. From standard containers to reefer, offshore DNV, and tanks. 

With years of experience in the industry, you can trust Tradecorp to provide you with high-quality containers, excellent customer service, and competitive prices. Fill out the contact form on our page to get used cargo containers for sale or rent at Tradecorp. We will respond to your inquiry promptly.