1、 Freight knowledge (sea freight)
International container transportation mode
Due to the fact that containers are a new modern mode of transportation, they have many differences from traditional cargo transportation and their methods are also different. Currently, there is no effective and widely accepted unified practice for container transportation internationally. However, in handling specific container business, countries generally have similar practices. Based on the current international practices for container business, the following is a brief introduction:
1. Container cargo loading method
According to the quantity and method of container cargo loading, it can be divided into two types: full container load (FCL) and LCL.
(1) Full Container Load (FCL). It refers to a container in which the shipper fills the entire container with goods and ships them in units of boxes. This situation is usually adopted when the shipper has sufficient supply to load one or several full containers. Except for some large shippers who have their own containers, they usually rent certain containers from carriers or container leasing companies. After the empty container is transported to the factory or warehouse, under the supervision of customs personnel, the shipper loads the goods into the container, locks them, seals them with aluminum, and hands them over to the carrier to obtain a station receipt. Finally, the receipt is exchanged for a bill of lading or waybill.
(2) Less Than Container Load (LCL). It refers to the carrier (or agent) classifying and organizing the cargo based on the nature of the goods and the destination after accepting small ticket shipments of less than a full container from the shipper. Collect a certain quantity of goods bound for the same destination and assemble them into boxes. Due to the fact that goods from different shippers are assembled together in a box, it is called LCL (Less than Container Load). This situation is adopted when the consignor's consignment quantity is insufficient to fill the entire container. The classification, sorting, consolidation, packing (unpacking), delivery and other work of LCL cargo are all carried out at the carrier's terminal container freight station or inland container transfer station.
2. Container cargo handover method
As mentioned above, container freight is divided into two types: full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL), so there are also differences in the handover methods. Looking at the current international practices, there are roughly four categories:
(1) FCL/FCL (Full Container Delivery)
The shipper hands over the full container to the carrier at the factory or warehouse, and the consignee receives the goods in the same full container at the destination. In other words, the carrier is responsible for handover on a full container basis. The packing and unpacking of goods are the responsibility of the shipper.
(2) LCL/LCL (Less than Container Load)
The shipper hands over the cargo with a small bill of lading that is less than a full container to the carrier at the container freight station or inland transfer station. The carrier is responsible for consolidating and packing the cargo to the destination freight station or inland transfer station, and the carrier is responsible for unpacking and developing the cargo. After unpacking, the consignee receives the cargo with a voucher. The packing and unpacking of goods are the responsibility of the carrier.
(3) FCL/LCL (Full Container Load)
The shipper hands over the full container to the carrier at the factory or warehouse, and the carrier is responsible for unpacking it at the destination container freight station or inland transfer station. Each consignee receives the goods with a voucher.
(4) LCL/FCL (Less than Container Load)
The shipper hands over the cargo with a small bill of lading that is less than a full container to the carrier at the container freight station or inland transfer station. Adjusted by the carrier's classification, the goods of the same consignee are consolidated into whole boxes, and after being transported to the destination, the carrier delivers them in whole boxes and the consignee receives them in whole boxes.
Among the various handover methods mentioned above, FCL delivery and FCL delivery have the best results and can best leverage the advantages of containers.
3. Container cargo handover location
The handover of containerized goods is generally divided into:
(1) Door to Door: from the shipper's factory or warehouse to the receiver's factory or warehouse;
(2) Door to CY: The container yard from the shipper's factory or warehouse to the destination or unloading port;
(3) Door to CFS: A container freight station that runs from the shipper's factory or warehouse to the destination or unloading port;
(4) CY to Door: from the container yard at the place of origin or loading port to the consignee's factory or warehouse;
(5) CY to CY: from the yard at the place of origin or loading port to the container yard at the destination or unloading port;
(6) CY to CFS: From the container yard at the place of origin or loading port to the container freight station at the destination or unloading port.
(7) CFS to DOor: From the container freight station at the place of origin or loading port to the consignee's factory or warehouse;
(8) CFS to CY: From the container freight station at the place of origin or loading port to the container yard at the destination or unloading port;
(9) CFS to CFS: Container freight station from the place of origin or loading port to the destination or unloading port.
The above nine handover methods can be further summarized into the following four methods:
(1) Door to door: The characteristic of this transportation method is that throughout the entire transportation process, it is completely containerized and there is no cargo transportation, so it is most suitable for FCL delivery and FCL reception.
(2) Door to door station: This transportation method is characterized by container transportation from the door to the station and cargo transportation from the station to the door, making it suitable for whole container delivery and unpacking.
(3) Station to door: The characteristic of this transportation method is that it involves cargo transportation from the door to the station and container transportation from the station to the door, making it suitable for LCL and FCL shipments.
(4) From station to arrival station: The characteristic of this transportation method is that, except for the middle section which is container transportation, the inland transportation at both ends is cargo transportation, so it is suitable for LCL delivery and unpacking.
Definition of Container
There has been some disagreement among domestic and foreign experts and scholars regarding the definition of containers over the years. The following is an introduction to the definition of a container by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which defines a container as "a type of transportation equipment that should meet the following requirements:
(1) Durable and strong enough for repeated use;
(2) Specially designed for easy transportation of goods, without the need for intermediate reloading when transported in one or more modes of transportation;
(3) Equipped with devices that facilitate loading, unloading, and handling, especially for transferring from one mode of transportation to another;
(4) When designing, attention should be paid to facilitating the filling or emptying of goods;
(5) The content area is 1 square meter or more.
The term container does not include vehicles or traditional packaging.
At present, countries around the world such as China, Japan, the United States, and France have comprehensively introduced the definition of the International Organization for Standardization. In addition to the definition of ISO, there are also definitions of containers under the Container Customs Convention (CCC), the International Convention for the Safety of Containers (CSC), the British National Standards, and the North American Pacific Shipping Association, which are basically similar in content. The above definition is referenced in the Chinese national standard GB1992-85 "Terminology for Container Names"
Container standards
In order to effectively carry out international container multimodal transport, it is necessary to strengthen container standardization and further improve container standardization work. Container standards are divided into four types based on their scope of use: international standards, national standards, regional standards, and company standards.
1. International Standard Container
It refers to an internationally recognized standard container constructed and used in accordance with the international standards developed by Technical Committee 104 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Container standardization has gone through a development process. Since its establishment in 1961, the ISO/TC104 Technical Committee of the International Organization for Standardization has made multiple supplements, additions, and modifications to the international standards for containers. The current international standards consist of 13 types in the first series, with a uniform width of 2438mm, four lengths of 12192mm, 9125mm, 6058mm, and 2991mm, and four heights of 2896mm, 2591mm, 2438mm, and 2438mm. See table for details. Both Series 2 and Series 3 have been downgraded to technical reports.
2. National standard container
Governments of various countries formulate their own container standards based on international standards and taking into account their specific situations.
The external dimensions, limit deviations, and rated weights of various types of containers in the current national standard "Container External Dimensions and Rated Weight" (GB1413-85) in China are shown in the table.
3. Regional standard containers
This type of container standard is formulated by regional organizations based on the special circumstances of the region, and is only applicable to that region. Containers built according to the container standards established by the European International Railway Union (VIC).
4. Company Standard Container
Some large container shipping companies have formulated container shipping company standards based on their specific circumstances and conditions, and these types of containers are mainly used within the transportation scope of the company. Such as the 35ft container of the American Marine Corporation.
In addition, there are currently many non-standard containers in the world. If there are non-standard length containers, there are 35ft containers from American Marine Corporation, 45ft and 48ft containers from Presidential Shipping Company; Non standard height containers, mainly including 9ft and 9.5ft height containers; Non standard width containers include 8.2ft width containers, etc. Driven by economic benefits, there is an increasing number of 20ft containers worldwide with a total weight of 24ft, and they are widely welcomed.
Types of containers
With the development of container transportation, different types of containers have emerged to meet the needs of loading different types of goods. These containers not only have different appearances, but also different structures, strengths, sizes, etc. There are several types of containers according to their different uses.
1. Dry Cargo Container
Also known as a general cargo container, this is a universal container used to load general cargo items other than liquid cargo, temperature regulated cargo, and specialty cargo. This type of container has a wide range of applications, with two commonly used types: 20ft and 40ft. Its structural feature is often a closed type, usually with a door at one end or side.
2. Open Top Container
Also known as an open top container, this is a type of container without a rigid top, but with a canopy made of canvas, plastic cloth, or coated cloth supported by foldable top beams. Other components are similar to cargo containers. Open top containers are suitable for loading tall large cargo and heavy goods that need to be lifted.
3. Platform Based Container
A gantry container is a container without a top and side walls, and some even have their end walls removed, leaving only the bottom plate and four corner columns.
There are many types of gantry containers. Their main feature is that in order to maintain their longitudinal strength, the bottom of the box is thicker. The strength of the bottom of the container is greater than that of a regular container, while its internal height is lower than that of a regular container. There are tie rings on the lower beams and corner columns to securely fasten the loaded goods. Platform type containers do not have water tightness, and goods that are afraid of moisture cannot be shipped. They are suitable for loading goods of different shapes.
Platform type containers can be divided into: open side platform type, full frame platform type, platform type with complete fixed end walls, platform type containers without fixed corner columns and bottom plates, etc.
Platform container is a type of container with only a bottom plate and no upper structure. The container loading and unloading operation is convenient and suitable for loading long and heavy items.
4. Ventilated Container
Ventilation containers are generally equipped with ventilation holes on the side or end walls, which are suitable for loading goods that do not require freezing but require ventilation to prevent sweat and dampness, such as fruits, vegetables, etc. If the ventilation holes are closed, it can be used as a general cargo container.
5. Reefer Container
This is a container designed specifically for transporting frozen or low-temperature goods that require a certain temperature to be maintained. It is divided into internal mechanical refrigerated containers with refrigerators and external mechanical refrigerated containers without refrigerators. Suitable for loading goods such as meat and fruits. Refrigerated containers have a high cost and operating expenses, so attention should be paid to the technical status of the refrigeration equipment and the temperature required for the goods inside the container during use.
6. Bulk Container
In addition to having container doors, bulk cargo containers also have 2-3 loading ports at the top of the container, suitable for loading powdered or granular goods. When using, pay attention to keeping the box clean and the sides smooth, making it easy for goods to be unloaded from the box door.
7. Animal Container (Pen COntainer)
This is a container specifically designed for transporting livestock. In order to achieve good ventilation, the box wall is made of metal wire mesh, and there are cleaning and drainage ports below the side walls, as well as feeding devices.
8. Tank Container
This is a container specifically designed for transporting liquid goods, such as alcoholic beverages, oils, and liquid chemicals. It consists of two parts: the tank body and the box frame. When loading, the goods enter through the top loading hole of the tank, and when unloading, they flow out through the discharge hole or are sucked out from the top loading hole.
9. Car Container
This is a container designed and manufactured specifically for transporting small cars. Its structural feature is that it has no side walls, only a frame and a bottom, and can accommodate one or two layers of small cars.
Due to the various forces and environmental influences that containers are often subjected to during transportation, the manufacturing materials for containers should have sufficient rigidity and strength. Lightweight, high-strength, durable, and low maintenance materials should be used as much as possible, and the materials should be both inexpensive and easy to obtain.
At present, the widely used containers in the world are classified according to their main materials as follows:
1. Steel container
The frame and box wall panels are both made of steel. The biggest advantages are high strength, sturdy structure, good weldability and water tightness, low price, easy repair, and not easily damaged. The main disadvantages are heavy weight and poor corrosion resistance.
2. Aluminum container
There are two types of aluminum containers: one is steel frame aluminum plate; Another type uses only steel at both ends of the frame, and aluminum for the rest. The main advantages are light weight, rust free, beautiful appearance, good elasticity, and resistance to deformation. The main disadvantages are high cost and easy damage in the event of collision.
3. Stainless steel container
Stainless steel is commonly used to make tank containers. The main advantages of stainless steel containers are high strength, rust resistance, and good corrosion resistance, but the disadvantage is the large investment.
4. Fiberglass container
Fiberglass container is composed of fiberglass composite panels mounted on a steel frame. The main advantages are good thermal insulation, corrosion resistance, and chemical resistance, high strength (good performance, able to withstand high stress, easy to clean, easy to repair, large container volume, etc.); the main disadvantages are large self weight and high cost.
Characteristics of Container Transportation
Due to the long-term problems of low loading and unloading efficiency, long transportation time, serious cargo damage and shortage, affecting the quality of freight transportation, complicated freight procedures, and work efficiency in the transportation of ordinary miscellaneous goods, it has a very negative impact on the economic benefits of shippers, shipping companies, and ports. To address the aforementioned drawbacks of using regular cargo ships to transport miscellaneous items, it has been proven through practice that only through container transportation can the aforementioned issues be thoroughly resolved.
How to accelerate the circulation process of goods, reduce circulation costs, save labor consumption in logistics, and achieve fast, low consumption, high efficiency, and efficient completion of transportation production process and delivery of goods to the destination for delivery to the consignee requires changing the transportation mode to become an efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality transportation mode, and container transportation is precisely such a transportation mode. It has the following characteristics.
1、 Efficient transportation methods
The high economic benefits of container transportation are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1. Simplify packaging and save a lot of packaging costs. To avoid damage to the goods during transportation, sturdy packaging is necessary, and containers have the characteristics of being strong and sealed, making them an excellent form of packaging. Using containers can simplify packaging, and some even do not require packaging, achieving unpackaged transportation of miscellaneous items and greatly saving packaging costs.
2. Reduce cargo damage and improve freight quality. As a container is a sturdy and sealed box, the container itself is a sturdy packaging. After the goods are packed and sealed with lead, there is no need to unpack and load them backwards during the journey. One shipment is complete, and even after long-distance transportation or multiple repackaging, it is not easy to damage the goods inside the box. Container transportation can reduce cargo damage and discrepancies caused by theft, moisture, and contamination, and is highly welcomed by shippers and shipping companies. Due to the reduction in cargo damage and discrepancy rates, it also reduces the waste of social wealth and has significant social benefits.
3. Reduce operating costs and transportation costs. Due to the fact that container loading and unloading are basically not affected by harsh weather conditions, the non productive berthing time of ships is shortened. Moreover, due to high loading and unloading efficiency, the loading and unloading time is shortened. For shipping companies, it can improve navigation rates, reduce shipping costs, and for ports, it can increase berth throughput, thereby increasing revenue.
2、 Efficient transportation method
Traditional transportation methods have disadvantages such as multiple loading and unloading processes, high labor intensity, low loading and unloading efficiency, and slow ship turnover. Container transportation has completely changed this situation.
Firstly, the loading and unloading of ordinary cargo ships is generally around 35 tons per hour, while container loading and unloading can reach around 400 tons per hour, greatly improving the efficiency of loading and unloading. At the same time, due to the high degree of mechanization in container loading and unloading, the number of loading and unloading workers required per team is very small, and the average labor productivity per worker is greatly improved.
In addition, due to the high efficiency of container loading and unloading, which is less affected by climate, the time for ships to stay in port is greatly reduced, resulting in shorter ship voyage times, faster ship turnover, greatly improved navigation rates, and increased ship production efficiency. As a result, the transportation capacity of ships is improved, and more traffic can be completed without increasing the number of ships, increasing the revenue of shipping companies. In this way, high efficiency leads to high benefits.
3、 High investment transportation mode
Although container transportation is an efficient mode of transportation, it is also a highly capital intensive industry. Firstly, shipping companies must make significant investments in ships and containers. According to relevant information, the cost per cubic foot of a container ship is about 3.7 to 4 times that of a regular cargo ship. The investment in containers is quite large, and the high investment required for container transportation makes fixed costs account for a considerable proportion of the total cost of shipping companies, up to more than two-thirds.
Secondly, the investment in ports for container transportation is also considerable. The terminal facilities for dedicated container berths include shorelines and frontiers, cargo yards, freight stations, maintenance workshops, control towers, gatehouses, and container loading and unloading machinery, which cost a huge amount of money.
Furthermore, in order to carry out container multimodal transport, corresponding internal facilities and inland freight stations are also required. In order to support the construction, it is necessary to build, expand, renovate, and update existing highways, railways, bridges, culverts, etc. The investment in this area is even more astonishing! It can be seen that without sufficient funds to carry out container transportation, it is difficult to achieve containerization. We must act within our national capacity and ultimately achieve containerization.
4、 Highly collaborative mode of transportation
Container transportation involves a wide range of aspects, multiple links, and significant impacts, making it a complex transportation system engineering. The container transportation system includes sea, land, air, ports, freight stations, as well as customs, commercial inspection, shipping agency companies, freight forwarding companies and other units and departments related to container transportation. If they do not cooperate properly, it will affect the functioning of the entire transportation system. If a certain link fails, it will inevitably affect the overall situation, and even lead to the suspension and interruption of transportation production. Therefore, it is required to establish a high degree of cooperation among all links and departments of the entire transportation system, only in this way can the efficient operation of the container transportation system be ensured.
5、 Suitable for organizing multimodal transportation
Due to the fact that when container transportation is changed between different modes of transportation, there is no need to transport the goods inside the container, only the container needs to be changed, which improves the efficiency of the changing operation and is suitable for joint transportation between different modes of transportation. During the transshipment process, customs and relevant regulatory agencies only need to seal or inspect the seal before releasing the goods, thereby improving transportation efficiency.
In addition, due to the fact that international container transportation and multimodal transportation are capital intensive, technology intensive, and highly demanding industries, it is a complex transportation system engineering that requires management personnel, technical personnel, business personnel, etc. to have high quality in order to be competent in their work and fully leverage the advantages of international container transportation.