Specifications of an Original ISO Container

Posted by clevelandcontainers on September 9th, 2014

Shipping container specs vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but all follow the guidelines and standards set by the ISO. When searching for quality shipping units and large steel containers, you want units that exceed the minimum standards, especially if you want higher quality containers.

The average maximum gross weights for 20-foot containers are up to 32,500 kg or 71,650 lbs. Forty to forty five-foot containers, on the other, hand average 34,000 kg or 74,959 lbs. When using containers for overland or overseas shipping, make sure to check the weight limits for rail, road, and cargo transfer to know the maximum gross weight your containers can have. Other specifications you must inspect when purchasing or renting ISO containers include floor load capacities, maximum concentrated or spread load capacities, gooseneck tunnel features, timber treatment (according to EU requirements), as well as container markings.

General purpose containers, which are designed to carry any general cargo should generally equipped with fork-lift pockets (for loaded containers), liner bags (for bulk cargo), and lashing devices with load capacities of 1,000 kg or 2,205 lbs each, located on the top and bottom rails and corner posts. Floor height must also average 170 mm to 5 mm (ground level to interior floor surface).

Larger containers must include more lashing rings, especially when used for transport via hanging equipment. Just the same, lashing devices must have permissible load of up to 2,205 lbs or 1,000 kg each. High cube containers, on the other hand, are more suitable for voluminous cargo and must have numerous lashing devices both on the top and the bottom longitudinal rails, as well as the corner posts. They should also be provided with passive vents as per ISO requirements. When buying high cube containers, it is important to consider the overheight value, especially when using the unit for inland transportation.

Hardtop containers designed for heavy loads and for loading via crane or through roof openings must also follow strict standards to ensure safety and quality. These containers are designed for easier loading of cargo by removing the roof or swinging out the door header. Steel roofs, therefore, must be fitted with forklift rings for easy removal via forklift. Roofs must also be designed for easy hand lifting and door headers must be capable of swinging out without the need to remove the roof.

When looking high quality cargo containers, choose companies that follow ISO standards to ensure legitimate specifications of your cargo units.

About the Author:

This article is written by Karen Wentworth, consultant for Cleveland Containers, who specialize in offering shipping containers in UK. Cleveland Containers is one-stop shop for your entire container related needs whether buying or hiring is the right solution for your storage requirement. They also give their buyer a facility of providing a bespoke size container tailored to your specific requirements and can normally be delivered in 7 working days.