The slides, written out
AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.
Slide 1 · THE RIGHT BOX
THE RIGHT BOX. THE RIGHT CARGO. THE RIGHT WAY.
CONTAINER
TYPES
Know the Box. Respect the Limits. Ship Safely.
THE RULES BEHIND
SMART CONTAINER SHIPPING
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Slide 2 · CONTAINER TYPES
CONTAINER TYPES
Size • Shape • Purpose
Don't just memorise a list.
Think of it as "the box for the job."
BY SIZE
20 FT
Standard workhorse
Approx. 33 m³
Payload varies by container design,
tare mass and maximum gross mass.
40 FT
Double the length
Approx. 67 m³
40 FT HIGH CUBE
9 ft 6 in high vs
8 ft 6 in standard
Approx. 76 m³
Ideal for light, bulky cargo.
REMEMBER
Always check the container markings and
CSC Safety Approval Plate for actual limits.
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Slide 3 · SHAPE MATCHES THE CARGO
SHAPE MATCHES THE CARGO
SPECIAL CONTAINER DESIGNS
DRY / GENERAL PURPOSE
Standard closed box
for general cargo.
OPEN TOP
No fixed roof.
Used for heavy or over-height cargo
requiring overhead loading.
HALF HEIGHT
Low-profile design for dense
or heavy cargo where volume is less
important than payload and
loading height.
FLATRACK
Designed for large and/or heavy pieces.
May accommodate in-gauge or out-of-gauge
cargo subject to proper stowage and
securing arrangements.
PLATFORM
Strong floor with corner fittings and
without conventional side walls.
Handling, lifting and stacking depend on
the approved design and securing
requirements.
KEY POINT
The cargo dictates the container.
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Slide 4 · PURPOSE BUILT CONTAINERS
PURPOSE BUILT CONTAINERS
WHEN STANDARD BOXES AREN'T ENOUGH
REEFER
Integral refrigeration unit for temperature-controlled cargo.
Cargo must be packed and stowed to maintain the required airflow and temperature distribution.
SIDE DOOR
Provides side access through doors on one or both sides.
Useful where side loading or unloading is advantageous.
COIL CARRIER
Specialist flatrack variation used for coil materials, with cargo-specific securing arrangements.
VENTILATED / MECHANICALLY VENTILATED CONTAINER
Designed to improve air movement for cargo susceptible to condensation or respiration-related effects.
GARMENTAINER
A specialised container equipped with internal systems for hanging garments. Configuration and dimensions depend on the equipment design.
FLEXITANK
Flexible tank fitted inside a suitable freight container for compatible bulk liquids. Capacity and cargo suitability depend on the flexitank design, host container and applicable requirements.
REMEMBER
Special container = special limitations.
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Slide 5 · WHY CONTAINERISATION
WHY CONTAINERISATION
CHANGED SHIPPING
CONTAINERISATION vs BREAKBULK
THE ADVANTAGES
BUT THERE ARE RISKS
01 | DOOR TO DOOR
Less cargo handling means
reduced exposure to
damage and loss.
02 | FASTER TURNAROUND
Standardised handling
enables rapid cargo
exchange.
03 | LOWER HANDLING COST
Less manual cargo handling
and stevedoring time.
04 | INTERMODAL
STANDARDISATION
The same standardised unit
moves between
ship, road and rail.
05 | SECURITY
Sealed containers reduce
pilferage and tampering.
06 | BETTER SHIP
UTILISATION
Cellular stowage allows
efficient stacking and
space utilisation.
Misdeclared mass
incorrect stowage
decisions
Poor securing
cargo movement /
stack failure
Concentrated loads
structural damage
Unsuitable cargo
containerisation
problems
SOLAS VGM
SOLAS Chapter VI
Regulation 2 requires the
shipper to provide the
Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
sufficiently in advance for
stowage planning.
VGM IS A CONDITION
FOR LOADING.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
Containerisation standardised the box.
Safe cargo transport still depends on
correct loading, securing and planning.
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Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.
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