1. Container
Containers are the most commonly used loading tools in foreign trade transportation. There are two common types of containers: 20 feet and 40 feet (40 feet also has flat cabinets and high cabinets).
20-foot container specifications: 5905mm × 2350mm × 2392mm, volume 33.2 cubic meters
40-foot container flat box: 12036mm × 2350mm × 2392mm, volume 67.7 cubic meters
40-foot container high box: 12036mm × 2350mm × 2697mm, volume 76.3 cubic meters
For products with refrigeration requirements, there are also special refrigerated containers, usually 40 feet.
The choice of container specifications depends on the product. For products with large volume, large quantity and light weight, 40 feet is of course more cost-effective, because as long as it is not overweight, 40 feet can hold the goods of two 20-foot containers, but the freight is a little cheaper than two 20-foot containers.
However, it should be noted that when calculating the loading capacity of a container, the volume of the unit product cannot be simply divided by the volume. Because the terminals of various countries have weight restrictions on containers, for example, some limit 20-foot containers to 17 tons and 40-foot containers to 25 tons. For those that may need inland transportation, it is even more important to pay attention to the weight restrictions in inland areas of various countries, such as the United States, which ranges from 15 tons to 20 tons.
In addition, there is a lunch box-sized convex corner on the upper left and right corners of the container, which will affect the loading to some extent. When calculating, especially when it is expected to be full, this factor should be considered.
For some products that need to be moisture-proof, various moisture-proof agents can be placed in the container. Foreign trade peers have summarized many effective small experiences. For example, choose a moisture-proof agent commonly known as “silicone particles” and use cheap stockings to divide and place it around the container.
When declaring imports and exports at customs, customs in various countries usually conduct random inspections, and sometimes even open the boxes for inspection. Therefore, when a container is loaded with multiple goods, it is best to pick one box/piece of each kind of goods and place it near the door to reduce the risk of customs thorough inspection – thorough inspection not only increases the probability of damage to the goods, but also costs a lot.
After booking, the freight forwarder will allocate the container to the shipper. Each container has a unique number printed on the box. After loading, the consignor uses SEAL LOCK (a one-time seal with a seal number printed and recorded, which is used as a transport record together with the container number. Sign for the container release/equipment handover receipt (Equipment Interchange Receipt) and return it to the container terminal at the terminal.
2. Pallet
Pallets are used to pad goods for automatic loading and unloading by forklifts. The maximum load-bearing capacity can reach 2 tons. It is usually made of wood. Because European and American countries have regulations that fumigation and inactivation must be carried out on imported wood products, containers using wooden pallets must also be fumigated and fumigation certificates must be obtained. Fumigation can be entrusted to freight forwarders for operation.
If you don’t want to do fumigation (fumigation costs money), you can choose plastic or composite wooden pallets at your discretion, which are slightly more expensive.
3. Seal
A one-time lock dedicated to the container has a unique corresponding number, which is sealed and recorded on the bill of lading after loading. Unless the customs inspects the cabinet, it should be intact until it is delivered to the consignee.