Containerised Cargo
Containerised cargo refers to goods transported inside a standard shipping container. The container can move between a lorry, train and cargo vessel without the goods being individually unloaded at each stage.
This system is known as containerisation. It allows businesses to move a wide range of products through international supply chains using standard equipment and established handling processes.
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How does containerised cargo work?
Goods are packed into a suitable shipping container at a warehouse, factory or container depot. The doors are then closed and usually secured with a numbered seal.
The sealed container may travel by road or rail to a port, where it is lifted onto a container vessel. At the destination port, it is discharged and moved through customs before being transported to its final delivery point.
Although the container changes between different modes of transport, the cargo can remain inside throughout the journey. This reduces the amount of physical handling compared with some conventional or breakbulk shipping methods.
What goods can be transported in containers?
Containerised shipping is suitable for many types of commercial cargo, including:
- Palletised goods
- Cartons and packaged products
- Machinery and spare parts
- Furniture and household products
- Textiles and clothing
- Building materials
- Consumer electronics
- Non-perishable food products
- Vehicles and industrial equipment
The cargo must be suitable for the selected equipment. Weight, dimensions, loading method and any special handling requirements should be confirmed before the booking is made.
Some products are subject to additional rules. Dangerous goods, liquids, temperature-sensitive products and certain controlled goods require specialist equipment, documentation or approval.
Common types of shipping containers
The correct container depends on the dimensions, weight and nature of the cargo. Common options include:
- 20-foot general-purpose container: Often used for dense or heavy cargo and smaller full-container shipments.
- 40-foot general-purpose container: Provides more loading space for larger consignments.
- 40-foot high-cube container: Taller than a standard container and useful for light, bulky or higher cargo.
- Open-top container: Designed for cargo that must be loaded from above or extends beyond the normal container height.
- Flat-rack container: Used for oversized machinery, vehicles and other cargo that cannot fit within a fully enclosed container.
- Refrigerated container: Also called a reefer container, this maintains a controlled temperature during transit.
- Tank container: Designed for certain liquids, gases and powders.
International freight container classifications, dimensions and ratings are covered by the ISO 668 standard. Exact internal dimensions and payload limits can vary between container designs and operators, so the specifications should always be checked before loading. Source: ISO
FCL and LCL containerised shipping
Containerised cargo can move as either a Full Container Load or a Less than Container Load.
Full Container Load
A Full Container Load (FCL) means the shipper books the use of an entire container. The container does not necessarily have to be filled to capacity.
FCL may provide simpler handling because the goods are not normally consolidated with cargo belonging to other shippers. It is often suitable for larger consignments, sensitive products or businesses that want greater control over how the container is loaded.
Less than Container Load
A Less than Container Load (LCL) allows several shippers to share one container. Each business pays for the space used rather than booking the full unit.
The separate consignments are taken to a freight depot and consolidated into a container. At the destination, the container is unpacked so that each shipment can continue to its consignee.
LCL can be economical for smaller volumes. However, consolidation and deconsolidation create additional handling stages, which can affect cost and transit time.
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What are the benefits of containerised cargo?
Containerisation supports international trade in several ways:
- Reduced handling: The goods can remain inside the same unit while transferring between road, rail and sea transport.
- Cargo protection: An enclosed container protects properly packed goods from weather and some external handling risks.
- Efficient transfers: Standard corner fittings allow containers to be lifted and secured using compatible equipment.
- Flexible capacity: Businesses can choose between shared LCL space and an entire FCL container.
- Wide availability: Container services connect major ports and commercial centres around the world.
- Simpler storage and stacking: Standardised equipment helps ports, terminals and vessels use space efficiently.
Containers used internationally are generally covered by the Convention for Safe Containers. This sets safety requirements and provides for approved containers to carry a Safety Approval Plate. Source: International Maritime Organization
Packing and securing containerised cargo
A shipping container protects its contents, but it does not remove the need for suitable export packing. Goods may be exposed to movement, vibration, changes in temperature and moisture during transport.
Cargo should be:
- Packed for the full journey
- Distributed safely across the container floor
- Secured to prevent movement
- Kept within the container’s payload limit
- Protected against moisture where necessary
- Loaded so that the doors can be opened safely
Wooden packaging used for international shipments may also need to comply with ISPM 15 requirements.
For sea transport, the shipper must provide the container’s Verified Gross Mass, commonly called the VGM. This is a condition of loading a packed container onto a vessel covered by the relevant SOLAS rules. The weight can be established by weighing the complete packed container or by using an approved calculation method. Source: International Maritime Organization
When might containerised shipping be unsuitable?
Not every consignment will fit safely or economically inside a container. Very large, unusually shaped or exceptionally heavy goods may require a flat rack, open-top container, breakbulk service or specialist project cargo solution.
A freight forwarder can assess the cargo dimensions, weight, route and loading facilities before recommending the most suitable service. Accurate information at the quotation stage helps avoid equipment changes, additional handling charges and delays.
About the Author
Simon Poole began his career in production planning, quickly rising to manage 24-hour manufacturing lines and oversee a team of 140 staff. In 2007, he joined Barrington Freight, where he brought his operational expertise into the logistics sector. Appointed Operations Director in 2021, Simon now leads all day-to-day operations, including sea, air and European freight, working closely with clients and partners worldwide.
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