Dry containers are the most popular container types that are used to load and ship dry cargo. Their other name is general-purpose containers, available in 20’ and 40’ sizes.
A 20’ dry container measures 20’ long, 8’ wide, and 8.6’ high. Meanwhile, the dimensions of a 40-foot container are 40’ long, 8’ wide, and 8.6’ high. Their load capacity is around 55,000 lbs to 66,138 lbs, depending on the size and specifications of the container.
Their design allows them to be used for storage or modified as semi-permanent buildings. To be able to use them to transport goods, dry containers must be ISO certified. This ISO certification signifies that the container meets the requirements for cargo transportation and shipment.
For dry containers specifications and major use in the US, read this article!
Contents
Dry Container Characteristics
A dry container is a common type of container used to store and ship dry cargo. This unit has a closed structure made of Corten steel, protecting the cargo from weather, dust, and external contamination. Here are their characteristics:
1. Versatile
Dry containers can be used for various types of goods, such as industrial products, textiles, building materials, and even furniture.
2. Strong and Durable Material
Another characteristic of dry containers is that they are designed according to ISO standards and are made of corten steel or aluminum, which are resistant to corrosion.
Corten steel is known for its strength in all conditions, including adverse weather conditions, dust, and humidity. Solid corten steel protects cargo from damage.
3. Lack of Ventilation or Insulation
Dry containers are designed specifically for dry goods, so they are not equipped with ventilation or cooling systems like reefer containers. Goods requiring specific temperature settings or special requirements cannot be transported using these units.
4. Sealed and Weatherproof Design
Dry containers have hermetically sealed walls, floors, and roofs to protect goods from external weather, such as rain, heat, and wind.
5. Loading Door
Dry containers are equipped with a door at one end to facilitate loading and unloading. The door has a sturdy locking system for cargo security and to prevent theft.
Although there is only one door at one end of the container, loading and unloading cargo is easy.
Moreover, the open, barrier-free interior of a dry storage container allows for efficient and optimal loading of cargo. This maximizes space utilization and maximizes cargo capacity.
6. Plywood or Steel Floor
Floors are generally made of thick, strong plywood or steel for greater durability against heavy loads.
7. Stackable
General-purpose containers are designed to be stacked on top of each other. This allows for more efficient use of space during shipping by ship or terminal operations. The interior of the container is equipped with tie-down rings on the walls to secure the cargo during transit.
8. Meets Export-Import Requirements
As long as a dry container has received ISO certification, it meets the requirements for export and import. Furthermore, containers with a CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) plate are guaranteed to be suitable for export and import activities.
9. Economical
Using dry containers allows for the transportation of large quantities of cargo. The large capacity of containers creates economic value in the distribution of goods.
10. Suitable for Various Modes of Transportation
Dry containers can be transported using various modes of transportation, both land and sea. The most common modes of land transportation are trucks and trains, while ships are the preferred mode of sea transportation.
11. Easy Maintenance
Dry containers are relatively easy to maintain because, in addition to their simple design, the materials used are corrosion-resistant, allowing for long-term use. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about maintenance, as this type of container is relatively simple.
Major Use of Dry Container in the US
In the US, dry containers are used for transporting general cargo that does not require temperature control. These containers are the most common type in intermodal freight transport, especially in international shipping, rail, and trucking.
Dedicated to loading dry cargo, dry containers have the capacity to transport:
- Consumer Goods: Electronics, furniture, appliances, clothing, toys, and household items.
- Retail and E-commerce Shipments: They are heavily used by major retailers (e.g., Walmart, Target, Amazon) to move products from ports to distribution centers.
- Manufactured Goods and Machinery: Auto parts, industrial machinery, and construction materials.
- Paper and Packaging Products: Rolls of paper, cardboard boxes, and packaging materials.
- Food Products (non-perishable): Canned goods, packaged snacks, and bottled beverages (that don’t require refrigeration).
- Non-temperature sensitive pharmaceutical products: Tablets, capsules, caplets, powders, creams, ointments, gels, and lotions.
Types of Dry Containers
Dry containers are divided into several types, each designed to accommodate the type of goods being transported. Here are some types of containers based on their load:
1. Standard Dry Container
The standard dry container is the most commonly used. This container type is available in 20’ and 40’ sizes. It is suitable for various types of dry cargo, such as clothing, electronics, household goods, and more.
2. High Cube Dry Container
A high cube container is taller than a standard dry container, at approximately 9.6 inches. This provides additional space for taller or larger loads.
3. Open Top Container
Just like the name, open-top containers lack a roof, making it easier to load tall or large items, such as machinery or vehicles. They are usually equipped with a tarp to protect the cargo from the weather.
4. Insulated Container
This insulated container is equipped with an insulating layer to maintain a stable temperature inside the container. It is suitable for cargo that is sensitive to temperature changes, such as pharmaceuticals or food.
5. Half-Height Container
This container has a lower height than a standard dry container, at around 4.3 feet. It is typically used for heavy and dense cargo, such as coal or iron ore.
Conclusion
When you need a large container or box to distribute a large amount of cargo, dry containers are the perfect solution. The quality of a dry container can be confirmed by the seller’s ISO certification.
Tradecorp is a reliable storage container sales, purchase, rental, and modification service company in the US. Tradecorp provides modification and custom shipping container services to residences by adding windows, doors, walls, and roof insulation.
Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!