Container Transport Services in Mumbai

Container Transport Services in Mumbai

Why choose a Container Shipping Company?

International shipments of goods, especially in the maritime sector, are mainly based on container transport. These containers are made in standard sizes and can be transported efficiently over long distances and transferred from one means of transport without being opened. Standardised containers have transformed the shipping and transport industry, allowing the transport of goods by rail, road and ship easily, as the containers can fit onto different forms of transport with ease.

How many types of Shipping Container are there?

Flat rack containers – these contain collapsible sides which fold, ideal for shipping boats, equipments and cars.

Open side containers – here the doors to the containers can be opened completely on the side, which allows for wider loading of materials, ideal for shipping vegetables.

Open top containers – as per the title, these containers have no roof, which enables goods of any height to be shipped, such as logs or machinery.

Refrigerated containers – for food stock or pharmaceutical goods.

FCL (Full Container Load): full load container, that is when the goods must be received by a single recipient, regardless of whether the maximum weight or maximum volume has been reached or not. This type of shipment is usually preferred by those who have large quantities of goods to be sent for a single receiver;

LCL (Less than Container Load): partial load container, when the shipment takes place with the non-exclusive use of the container. In this case the rental can be organized so as to provide for multiple recipients; if the goods to be shipped are not enough to fill a standard container, the load is grouped with other lots for the same destination in a Container Freight Station.

Benefits of Using Shipping Containers:

If you are importing or exporting goods overseas, shipping containers are a great option for transport. They offer numerous benefits in regards to logistics, handling, supply chain management, and warehousing. Below are the top 5 benefits of shipping containers.

Can be Used to Transport a Wide Range of Products

Shipping containers offer versatility in the type of materials they can be used to transport. They can be used for transporting both raw materials and finished goods. For example, non-perishable foods, refrigerated perishable goods, minerals, heavy equipment and machinery, retail products, etc. They can also be used for transporting hazardous goods and liquids such as hydrocarbons and chemicals.

Containers offer a large storage capacity for bulkier items while smaller items can be bundled up into smaller steel boxes then loaded into the larger container. Their shape and sizes optimize staking capacity on the various modes of transport. For instance, they can be double-stacked on trains or ships.

Containers Offer Transportation Versatility

Shipping containers can be transported using different modes e.g. rail, road, or waterway. Since their design and labeling is ISO certified, they are suitable for transporting goods both within a country and across borders, over long or short distances.

It Offer Lower Transportation Costs

Containers optimize cost by leveraging economies of scale, especially when transporting many items. Typically, the minimum weight per container is one tonne. Once packaged and loaded, all the items are considered single shipping. The shipping charges are per container rather than per item, which significantly lowers the total costs.

Easy Storage

Shipping containers are in themselves warehouses. They are made of high-quality material that protects your goods against theft, harsh climatic conditions, and handling impacts. As such, you do not require expensive packaging material for your goods. Also, upon arrival at the destination, they do not have to be stored in enclosed spaces.

Optimal Safety and Security

Once a container is locked, you cannot open it until it arrives at the designated destination. This reduces the risk of theft or tampering. Since most are made from steel, it is difficult to break into the shipping container. Besides, they are fitted with a strong locking mechanism, which prevents goods from accidentally spilling. Some shipping companies install an Internet of Things (IoT) device and a computerized system on their containers for easy tracking.

Numerous Logistics Companies to Work With

If you choose to transport your good with shipping containers, there are numerous logistics and shipping companies to work with in Mumbai and across the world. Research various prospective companies to establish their level of professionalism and credibility. When checking their reviews, look out for what customers complain about in the critical reviews.

Then get their freight rate quotes and compare them against other companies to get the best. You don’t have to go for the lowest rate, rather a rate that offers the greatest value for money. For instance, one shipping company’s quote may be slightly expensive but they provide insurance in their package.