Are ISO Containers Different from Other Containers

Posted by clevelandcontainers on May 6th, 2014

ISO containers differ from non-ISO units in that they follow strict standards imposed by the International Organization for Standardization. This is why ISO-rated containers often provide better quality than most other types of cargo containers and shipping units. ISO shipping containers are especially designed to support heavy loads for transport or storage. They offer superior resistance to weather and harsh environments. They are mostly loaded onto ocean vessels and therefore must resist the effects of salt water. These containers are also used in the trucking industry, protecting goods from elements that can be found on the road such as road salt, smog, and heat.

Shipping containers can only be considered ISO-certified if they meet all the regulations set by the ISO. These regulations dictate quality, size, and suitability for use in various shipping, storage, and transport applications. ISO containers are typically 20 to 40 feet long. When used in the trucking industry, these steel containers and boxes are transported on top of a container chassis, towed by a semi truck. Longer containers up to 53 feet in length are also used for rail and highway transport. Because of the extra length, these containers are manufactured from lighter materials so as not to add strain to the hauling machine. Larger containers are often made out of steel for better wind and water resistance. Some important features include locks, which help protect goods from theft and unauthorized access, as well as wood flooring.

If you are entering the shipping and cargo business, it is important that you find container units that follow the exacting standards of the ISO. Because containers are meant to carry different types of products and very large volumes of items, strict standards must be imposed to ensure their safety during transport. ISO containers don't only need enough strength to bear extremely heavy loads; they too, must be designed soundly for secure stacking when being shipped. This is why you should find manufacturers that offer units that follow ISO standards, especially when doing business overseas.

Shipping container designs depend largely on how they are going to be transported. Larger units are mainly used for inland, rail, and road transport. They are mostly constructed from lighter weatherproof materials, unlike containers used by airfreight lines and cargo ships, which are usually made from heavier and more durable materials that can withstand harsher elements. These containers are also specifically designed for ships and aircrafts.

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.