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The Classification of International Containers and the Process of Unloading and Delivery

Updated: Dec 8, 2023

International container transportation is an integral part of global trade. The standardized design of containers enhances the efficiency and convenience of loading, transporting, and unloading goods. In this article, we will discuss the classification of international containers and the significance and processes of container unloading and delivery operations.



Container Classification

1.Dry Container: This is the most commonly used container type, suitable for non-temperature-sensitive goods. It is sealed and ideal for loading various dry commodities, constituting the largest proportion of containers. 2.Air Ventilation Container: These containers are suitable for goods that are sensitive to heat and moisture, such as fresh fruits and vegetables. 3.Keep Constant Temperature Container: These containers are designed for transporting goods that are sensitive to freezing or cold temperatures in cold regions. 4.Refrigerator Container: This type of container is equipped with refrigeration machinery and lined with materials with low thermal conductivity, such as foam polystyrene. It is used for transporting frozen goods and specialty chemicals, maintaining lower temperatures throughout the journey by activating the refrigeration unit. 5.Solid Bulk Container: These containers are designed for bulk cargo like soybeans, rice, flour, and cement. Using these containers can save significant packaging costs and enhance loading and unloading efficiency. 6.Open Top Container: Open top containers are suitable for heavy cargo like glass sheets, steel products, and machinery, and they can be loaded and unloaded from the top using cranes. To prevent cargo movement during transportation, several lashing rings are typically embedded on both sides of the container's floor for securing the cargo with ropes. 7.Flat Rack Container: These containers are used for oversized and heavy items that cannot be loaded into standard dry containers or open-top containers. They lack top and side walls, and the end walls can be removed, leaving only the bottom and corner posts to support the cargo. 8.Tank Container: These containers have a rectangular exterior shape with a sealed tank inside and inlet/outlet pipes at the top and bottom. They are suitable for transporting liquids such as wine, oil, and chemicals. 9.Special Container: This category includes various specialized containers, such as garment containers, open-side containers, collapsible containers, and intermodal containers.



Container Unloading and Delivery Operations

During container unloading and delivery operations, the logistics involved at inland ports and terminals play a crucial role in the import cargo process. The main tasks and requirements for container unloading and delivery operations are as follows: 1.Preparation for Delivery: Before the arrival of the vessel, container freight stations should obtain relevant documents from the shipping company or its agents. These documents include copies of the bill of lading, cargo manifest, packing list, cargo damage reports, and special cargo lists. Once the vessel's arrival time, unloading schedule, and yard planning are confirmed, the freight station should coordinate with the terminal yard to determine the time for retrieving and unloading the consolidated containers. They should also prepare a container unloading and delivery plan. 2.Issuing Delivery Notices: The freight station should promptly send delivery date notifications to all consignees based on the container unloading and delivery plan. 3.Retrieving Loaded Containers from the Yard: After coordinating with the terminal yard (whether at the port or an inland location), the freight station can retrieve the loaded containers. They must complete equipment handover forms or internal handover procedures. 4.Container Unloading and Returning: Cargo should be unloaded from the container, typically following the sequence specified in the packing list. Unloaded cargo should be stacked according to the cargo tickets. After unloading, empty containers should be returned to the yard as soon as possible, and equipment handover forms or internal handover procedures should be completed. Representatives from the freight station, acting on behalf of the carrier, deliver the cargo to the consignees. When the consignees receive the cargo, they should provide a delivery receipt issued by the shipping company or another transportation operator, which has been cleared by customs. The freight station verifies the cargo against the documents, and if everything is in order, the cargo is handed over. Signatures are recorded on the delivery receipt, and any discrepancies are noted on it. 5.Collection of Relevant Charges: During cargo delivery, the freight station should review any charges incurred for storage, rehandling, or other services provided while the cargo was in their custody. If any charges apply, they should be collected before cargo release. 6.Preparation of Delivery and Undelivered Reports: After completing the delivery work, the container freight station should compile delivery reports and undelivered reports based on the cargo delivery status. These reports are sent to the shipping company or other transportation operators, serving as the basis for handling claims, urging delivery, and other related processes. Container unloading and delivery operations require careful coordination and expertise to ensure that cargo is delivered to consignees on time, intact, and safely. Professionals in the transportation industry, logistics companies, and customs agents all play critical roles in ensuring the smooth flow of goods during this process.



In conclusion, the classification of international containers and container unloading and delivery operations are essential components of international trade. Understanding the various types of containers and the delivery process is crucial for the smooth execution of international cargo transportation. Therefore, this information holds significant importance for all parties involved in global trade.


As a practitioner of the Belt and Road Initiative and multimodal transport operator, Neptune Logistics has operated many intermodal transport projects with a professional team and rich experience, providing you with quality customer service, affordable prices, and solving related logistics problems. If you want more details about logistics services, feel free to contact us!


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