What to Do with Shipping Containers: What Are Their Benefits?
Business Jan 14, 2025
Shipping containers are a cornerstone of global trade and logistics, providing a reliable and efficient means of transporting goods across vast distances. These sturdy standardized containers are essential for everything from household moves to international shipping.
Whether you’re looking to ship commercial goods, move personal belongings, or even transport a vehicle, understanding the cost and capacity of different container sizes is crucial for making the right choice.
In this article, we’ll explore what a shipping container is, the factors that affect shipping costs, and what can typically fit inside a 20 foot container, one of the most commonly used sizes in the industry.
What is a Shipping Container?
A shipping container also known as a cargo container, is a large, reusable vessel made from durable steel or aluminum, designed for transporting goods across long distances by sea, land or rail. Common sizes include 20 feet and 40 feet in length.
Shipping containers are essential in industries like logistics, international trade, and construction, offering a secure and efficient way to transport and store goods. Their standardized design allows for easy handling with cranes and forklifts and compatibility with ships, trucks, and trains.
The modern shipping container system, pioneered by Malcolm McLean in the 1950s, revolutionized global trade by improving efficiency in loading and unloading goods.
What is the Cost of Shipping a Container?
The cost of shipping a container can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the origin and destination, the size of the container, the type of goods being shipped, and the shipping company or service provider.
Shipping container prices are typically quoted based on the container’s size and the distance it will travel, though other considerations, such as delivery times, insurance, and additional services, can also affect the overall cost.
Factors That Affect Shipping Container Costs
Distance and Route
The distance between the origin and destination plays a significant role in determining the cost of shipping a container. Long distance shipments, particularly those that require international transport, tend to be more expensive due to the added complexities of customs clearance, fuel costs, and the time required for transit.
Container Size
The size of the container is another major factor. A 20 foot container is generally less expensive to ship than a 40 foot container, as it requires less space on the ship or truck.
However, larger containers may be more cost effective for bulk shipments or heavy machinery, as they allow for more goods or equipment to be transported at once.
Shipping Mode
Shipping by sea, land, or rail each has its own cost structure. Sea freight is often the most economical option for long distance shipments, while air freight tends to be significantly more expensive. Rail and truck transport costs can vary depending on the region and availability of infrastructure.
Type of Goods
The type of goods being shipped can also affect the cost. Perishable or hazardous goods may require specialized containers which come with higher shipping fees due to the additional handling and safety measures involved.
Seasonal Demand
Shipping costs can fluctuate depending on the time of year, as demand for shipping services may be higher during certain seasons.
For instance, during the holiday season or peak trade periods, shipping companies may charge higher rates due to increased demand for container space.
Additional Services
Extra services, such as insurance, customs clearance, and tracking, can add to the cost of shipping a container.
For example, cargo insurance ensures that your goods are protected in case of damage or loss during transit, which may be particularly important for valuable or fragile items.
Average Shipping Costs
The cost of shipping a standard 20 foot container can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on various factors. For example, shipping from China to the United States can cost between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the departure and destination ports.
On the other hand, shipping a container across the United States by truck can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the distance. It is important to note that these are average estimates, and the actual cost may vary based on the specific details of the shipment.
What Can Fit in a 20 Ft Container?
A 20 foot shipping container, one of the most commonly used sizes, offers approximately 33 cubic meters of storage space. Despite its relatively compact size, a 20 foot container can hold a significant amount of goods. The following is an overview of what can typically fit inside a 20-foot container.
Household Items
A 20 foot container is commonly used for personal or household moves, particularly for small apartments or homes. It can comfortably hold the contents of a one or two bedroom apartment, including furniture, appliances, and boxes of personal belongings. For example, it can typically fit
- A sofa
- A dining table and chairs
- A refrigerator or washing machine
- Multiple boxes of books, clothing, and kitchen items
- Small pieces of furniture like chairs, side tables, and dressers
However, larger furniture items such as king sized beds or large wardrobes may take up more space, requiring efficient packing to maximize the available room.
Vehicles
While it may not be large enough to accommodate multiple cars, a 20-foot container can typically fit one car.
The vehicle is usually positioned in a specific way to ensure that it fits, leaving room for some additional personal items or spare parts.
If you’re planning to ship a car, it’s essential to check the dimensions of both the vehicle and the container, as some larger or longer vehicles may not fit without modification.
Commercial Goods
A 20 foot container is also used for transporting goods in commercial settings. It can hold a variety of items, including
- Boxes of electronics
- Retail merchandise
- Machinery or equipment
- Pallets of industrial goods
Depending on the type of items being shipped, you may need to organize the contents to ensure that they fit securely and are well protected during transit.
Construction Materials
Many businesses in the construction industry use 20-foot containers to transport building materials such as timber, steel, or cement.
A 20 foot container is ideal for transporting smaller quantities of materials to a job site, especially if access to larger containers is limited.
Storage for Boats or Recreational Vehicles
A 20 foot container can also be used for storing or shipping smaller boats or recreational vehicles though larger vehicles may require a 40 foot container.
For example, small inflatable boats, motorcycles, and jet skis can fit comfortably in a 20-foot container.
Miscellaneous Items
The versatile size of the 20 foot container allows it to be used for various other purposes, such as
- Storing inventory for businesses
- Transporting agricultural goods
- Moving equipment for events or festivals
Practical Considerations
When packing a 20 foot container, it’s crucial to consider both the weight and the volume of the goods.
While the container has a defined capacity, it also has weight limits that must be adhered to, as exceeding the maximum weight may result in additional fees or issues during transit.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the items are packed securely to avoid damage or shifting during transportation.
Conclusion
Shipping containers are essential tools for transporting goods across the world providing a safe, secure, and efficient way to move products from one place to another.
The cost of shipping a container depends on several factors including the distance, size, and type of goods being shipped.
A 20 foot shipping container is versatile and can fit a variety of items including household belongings vehicles, and commercial goods.
By understanding the size and costs associated with shipping containers, businesses and individuals can make informed decisions when shipping or storing their goods.