Prior to containerization, cargo was moved piece by piece, resulting in damage, pilferage and delays. Containerization introduced a system of intermodal cargo transport using standardized ISO containers that can be loaded onto ships, trains and trucks. The containers come in common lengths of 20', 40' or 45' feet and have increased efficiency of cargo transport.

1. CONTAINERISATION

2. Prior to Containerisation
MULTIPLE HANDLING
All cargoes other than bulk commodities were moved package by package
and piece by piece with multiple handling, resulting in damage, pilferage and
time loss.

3. What is Containerisation
It is a system of inter-modal cargo transport
using standard ISO containers that can be
loaded on containerships , railroad cars/trains
and trucks
At the beginning containers were made of Steel frames
with either Aluminium , Steel or Fibre Glass.
The 3 common standard lengths 20’ ( 6.1M) , 40’ ( 12.2M )
or 45’ (13.7M)
Container capacity of Ships, Yards , Terminals are
measured in TEU = Twenty foot Equivalent Units or FEU =
Forty foot Equivalent Units .

4. With the advent of
Containerisation

5. Pictorial flowchart
Shipper books WHL advises port depot to
shipment with WHL release empty to Shipper Port depot releases Released empty is taken
At Shipper’s premises
empty to Shipper to Shipper’s premises
shipment stuffed into Contr.
laden box taken to vsl side
Stuffed laden box upon
for loading
Stuffed laden box returned return to port is stacked in
At Shipper’s premises
to port by Shipper CY
shipment stuffed into
Contr.
laden box is loaded to vsl
Ship sails out with the
shipment

6. Container Vessel

7. Types of Containers
The exterior dimensions of all containers conforming to ISO
standards are 20 feet long x 8 feet wide x 8 feet 6 inches high or 9
feet 6 inches high for high cube containers.
VENTILATED CONTAINER
20’ Ideal for cargo requiring ventilation
BULK CONTAINER
20’ For bulk cargoes

8. Types of Containers ..contd.
TANK CONTAINER
20' For transportation of liquid
chemicals and food stuffs
DRY FREIGHT CONTAINER
20' and 40' General purpose
container
HIGH CUBE CONTAINER
40' and 45' 9'6" High - For over
height and voluminous cargo

9. Types of Containers ..contd..
OPEN TOP CONTAINER
20' and 40' Removable
tarpaulin for top loading of
over height cargo
FLAT RACK
20' and 40' For over width and
heavy cargo
PLATFORM
20' and 40' For extra length and
heavy cargo

10. Types of Containers ..contd…
INSULATED CONTAINER
20' and 40' For additional
insulation of sensitive cargo
REEFER CONTAINER
20' and 40’ & 40’HQ
For Temperature controlled cargo.
cooling, freezing or heating of
foods or chemicals