We organize and provide mixed shipping container loads to meet our unique customer requirements

One of our markets is providing mixed container loads. It’s something that we have become proficient at over the years. It simply means that if you have a need to purchase a selection of products from a selection of factories, that we can help you. We typically work with the factories, hand select the items and make sure that they are loaded safe and sound.

Mixed container loading is a big issue and come from a wide selection of sources. Here are just a few of the many situations that we have handled in the past…

Purchasing and loading of materials and supplies for a housing complex.
Compiling materials for a group of residential homes under construction.
Compiling furniture, marble and shower assemblies for a hotel.
Tools and hardware for a family-owned hardware store.
Equipment and sports supplies for a military division.

All in all, it’s pretty diverse and the wide ranging.

If you have a need to have things, items, assemblies (of any type) sourced. And, they are in relatively small quantities that might not be able to fill up a shipping container, we can help. We ship mixes of items in bulk or in batches. We can also ship items in far smaller sizes as needed.

All you need to do is ask.

Shipping Containers

Container units form the most integral part of the entire shipping industry, trade, and transport. These shipping containers are the structures that store various kinds of products that need to be shipped from one part of the world to another using different types of container ships. Moving containers protect contents on the long journeys they make and ensure they make it back to you in one piece.

As such, depending on the type of products to be shipped or the special services needed from them, container units may vary in dimension, structure, materials, construction etc. various types of shipping containers are being used today to meet requirements of all kinds of cargo shipping. Some of the most common types of shipping containers in use today are mentioned below.

1. Dry storage container

The most commonly used shipping containers; they come in various dimensions standardized by ISO. They are used for shipping of dry materials and come in size of 20ft, 40 ft and 10ft. This is the container that we tend to use most often.

This is a dry storage container. Dependable and durable, a cargo container will ensure the stored products stay dry and maintain their condition. The most common size options are 20ft shipping containers and 40ft shipping containers. These storage containers are available in various sizes/with plenty of space to accommodate any storage needs. One of our markets is providing mixed container loads. It's something that we have become proficient at over the years. It simply means that if you have a need to purchase a selection of products from a selection of factories, that we can help you. We typically work with the factories, hand select the items and make sure that they are loaded safe and sound. — These are the most common shipping containers that are used in global shipping. Almost all of the products for consumer appliances, clothing, and mechanisms are shipped using these standard containers.

They come in a selection of specialized sizes and shapes.

40′ GP – General Purpose
20′ GP – Half the size of the 40′ GP.
10′ GP – A quarter of the size of a 40’GP
40′ HQ – Is a 40′ GP that is taller.
45′ HQ – Is a 45′ GP that is taller and longer.

40′ HQ means High Capacity 40′ container This acronym/slang usually belongs to Governmental & Military category. Particularly in Transportation Abbreviations.
What does 40` HQ mean?

2. Flat rack container

With collapsible sides, these are like simple storage shipping containers where the sides can be folded so as to make a flat rack for shipping of wide variety of goods. This is very useful for industrial equipment and large mechanical structures.

Flat rack containers are especially suitable for heavy loads and cargo that needs loading from the top or sides, such as pipes and machinery. You will find collapsible containers and non-collapsible containers with or without walls. One of our markets is providing mixed container loads. It's something that we have become proficient at over the years. It simply means that if you have a need to purchase a selection of products from a selection of factories, that we can help you. We typically work with the factories, hand select the items and make sure that they are loaded safe and sound. — Here we see liquid container trailers loaded on to flat rack container bodies. A flat rack container is usually for the transportation or storage of cargo with unique dimensions. Flat racks only have sides on the short side of the container, the bulkheads, so the cargo can stick out the side of the container during transportation.

A flat rack container is usually used for the transportation or storage of cargo with unique dimensions. Flat racks only have sides on the short side of the container, the bulkheads, so the cargo can stick out the side of the container during transportation.

3. Open top container

With a convertible top that can be completely removed to make an open top so that materials of any height can be shipped easily. This has been useful for the shipment of complex sub-assemblies that we would load in place. Usual open-top container dimensions are 20′ and 40′. Figures Usage. Open-top containers are used for all types of general cargo (dry cargo). Their principal uses are as follows: packing and unpacking from above or through the doors by crane or crab; tall cargo.

An open top container is often used to transport large and bulky materials and machinery that needs to be especially protected from the weather and the hazards of sea transport. One of our markets is providing mixed container loads. It's something that we have become proficient at over the years. It simply means that if you have a need to purchase a selection of products from a selection of factories, that we can help you. We typically work with the factories, hand select the items and make sure that they are loaded safe and sound. — An open top container showing the loading of a piece of heavy machinery for transport. When loading these types of containers, special attention must be given to the bracing and placement of supporting members.

4. Tunnel container

Container storage units provided with doors on both ends of the container, they are extremely helpful in quick loading and unloading of materials. The Tunnel containers have eight feet ends at both sides which looks like a tunnel when both sets of doors are open. In some locations, tunnel containers are also known as tunneltainers, double enders container or double end door container. Stuffing and de stuffing are easy in a tunnel container due to its accessibility than a standard container.

Tunnel Shipping Container or double door shipping containers are available n 20ft and 40ft. The double cargo doors at each end make for easy loading and unloading of bulk or larger loads. For storage uses it allows easy access to both sides instead of having to unpack part of the goods to get to something in the back or on the other end. One of our markets is providing mixed container loads. It's something that we have become proficient at over the years. It simply means that if you have a need to purchase a selection of products from a selection of factories, that we can help you. We typically work with the factories, hand select the items and make sure that they are loaded safe and sound. — Tunnel Shipping Containers are typically purchased by clients who want access at both ends of their container, they are also easy to convert for multiple uses (e.g. part storage, part office) and for use as personnel bridges.

5. Open side storage container

These storage units are provided with doors that can change into completely open sides providing a much wider room for loading of materials.

Open Side Containers have the following features: Full side access door with 180 or 270 degree swing door Opening to full width for optimum access Easily sorted and accessed without having to unload the entire container. One of our markets is providing mixed container loads. It's something that we have become proficient at over the years. It simply means that if you have a need to purchase a selection of products from a selection of factories, that we can help you. We typically work with the factories, hand select the items and make sure that they are loaded safe and sound. — Designed and built for secure storage and mobility, the 20′ rental open side storage container gives you the freedom to access interior cargo from a side door point of entry. The 20′ open side storage container is weatherproof, durable

An open side storage container is also referred to as a full-side access container, side access container or a side opening storage container. The open side containers are only available in new or “single-trip” condition.

Open-sided Storage Containers are built in two sizes, 20’Open-sided (8’6″ tall) and 40′ High-Cube Open-sided (40HCOS). The 40′ units are built with the 1′ taller high-cube frame (9’6″ tall), whereas the 20′ units are built to the standard 8’6″ height.

6. Double doors container

They are kind of storage units that are provided with double doors, making a wider room for loading and unloading of materials. I like to think of these containers are “doors all over the place” sort of containers. They tend to be special use containers, and are not as available as I would like personally.

A double door container is constructed the same as a standard ISO shipping container. It has the same 14 gauge corrugated steel panels and 1-1/8” thick marine grade plywood floor. A standard shipping container or storage container has cargo doors on one end. One of our markets is providing mixed container loads. It's something that we have become proficient at over the years. It simply means that if you have a need to purchase a selection of products from a selection of factories, that we can help you. We typically work with the factories, hand select the items and make sure that they are loaded safe and sound. — Double door shipping containers are manufactured with two sets of cargo doors, One set of swing door at each end. This type of container is becoming very popular and always in demand. One other thing about these double door shipping containers is, they can be used as a temporary container tunnel simply by opening both sets of doors.

Construction materials include steel, iron etc in standardized sizes of 20ft and 40ft. Typically double door shipping containers have two doors to load and unload with. They or may not be at both ends of the container (like a tunnel container).

The 40′ Double Door Shipping Containers (40DD) is the least common of the double door units.

7. Refrigerated ISO containers

Most of our products and projects do not require refrigeration. We rarely ship perishable products. Never the less, these containers are available for use to control the interior temperatures and environment inside the shipping container.

These are temperature regulated shipping containers that always have a carefully controlled low temperature. They are exclusively used for shipment of perishable substances like fruits and vegetables over long distances.

8. Insulated or thermal containers

These are the shipping storage containers that come with a regulated temperature control allowing them to maintain a higher temperature.
The choice of material is so done to allow them long life without being damaged by constant exposure to high temperature. They are most suitable for long distance transportation of products.

Polyurethane (PUR) provides outstanding thermal conductivity, making it an ideal choice for protecting temperature-sensitive shipments from environmental hazards. In addition to the low heat conductivity, PUR is rugged and lightweight, making it ideal for return/reuse logistics.
TemPak™ PUR Insulated Shipping Containers Boxes

9. Tanks

Container storage units used mostly for transportation of liquid materials, they are used by a huge proportion of entire shipping industry. They are mostly made of strong steel or other anti corrosive materials providing them with long life and protection to the materials.

Container storage units used mostly for transportation of liquid materials, they are used by a huge proportion of entire shipping industry. One of our markets is providing mixed container loads. It's something that we have become proficient at over the years. It simply means that if you have a need to purchase a selection of products from a selection of factories, that we can help you. We typically work with the factories, hand select the items and make sure that they are loaded safe and sound. — This is a “tank style” shipping container. It consists of a large liquid hold tank within a rectangular framework for ship-board stacking purposes.

10. Foldable Shipping Container

A foldable container, this is one of the specialized container units made for purpose of transporting sets or stacks of materials. They are made of thick and strong materials along with rollers that allows their easy folding. When not in use, then can be easily stored away in their folded state.

11. Half height containers

Another kind of shipping containers includes half height containers. Made mostly of steel, these containers are half the height of full sized containers. Used especially for good like coal, stones etc which need easy loading and unloading.

Most half-height containers are certified in accordance with to DNV2.7-1 / BS EN 12079 is an all-purpose transporter and can have features such as a side door for side loading. This package is engineered/constructed to handle various size items during all types of offshore operations in any weather. The units are supplied with certified slings and shackles as standard. They are also supplied with internal tie down points providing strong points to secure cargo.

12. Car carriers

Car carriers are container storage units made especially for shipment of cars over long distances. They come with collapsible sides that help a car fit snugly inside the containers without the risk of being damaged or moving from the spot.

In most cases we recommend roll on roll off for shipping cars, as this is how all new vehicles are shipped worldwide. Its cost effective, and shipped on purpose built car carriers. But this shipping method is designed to ship just cars, and not any inner cargo, like household goods. That’s when containers are best.

If you have personal belongs you want to ship with your car, or your car is non-operational, or a classic, then a sole use 20’ container is recommended. This allows you to load anything from spare parts, a motorcycle, or boxes of your household goods.

After discussing the matter with us and arranging the transport dates, we will make arrangements to pick up your car for transport to the nearest shipping port where it will be loaded into a car shipping container. During this process, the battery is disconnected and the vehicle is secured using industrial strength tie downs and blocking to keep it place. If you don’t need the full use of a 20’ or 40’ container, ask about a discount for a “Less than Container Load,” which allows the shipper to combine smaller shipments into one container at a reduced cost. The shipping terms with be different.

Before you start loading up your car, keep in mind that everything will need to come out on arrival for Quarantine, and or Customs inspection. So, don’t just fill it up. Everything needs to be accounted and manifested for Customs, and in boxes. Each box should be marked i.e. If you have 5 boxes, mark them 1/5, 2/5 etc. We will need you to provide us with a list of contents for each box and approximate values. When packed this way it makes it easy for everyone to ensure that if 10 cartons, a car, and a motorcycle are loaded, that on arrival all cargo is out turned and nothing is missing. When done the right way it makes Quarantine inspection easy, as they only need to open boxes which have items of interest in them.

Every car is different, and there is no exact way to know how much space will be spare in the container after loading. If you’re shipping a Ute for example, this will give you considerably more available space in the container than a sedan. Again, keep everything on the Ute tray boxed or in tool chests. As a guide you should be able to fit 3-4m3 depending on box size etc, behind the back of the car.

13. Intermediate bulk shift containers

These are specialized storage shipping containers made solely for the purpose of intermediate shipping of goods. They are designed to handle large amounts of materials and made for the purpose of shipping materials to a destination where they can be further packed and sent off to final spot.

These are specialized storage shipping containers made solely for the purpose of intermediate shipping of goods. One of our markets is providing mixed container loads. It's something that we have become proficient at over the years. It simply means that if you have a need to purchase a selection of products from a selection of factories, that we can help you. We typically work with the factories, hand select the items and make sure that they are loaded safe and sound. — An intermediate bulk container (or IBC).

An intermediate bulk container (or IBC) is a pallet mounted, industrial grade reusable container that is used for storing and transporting bulk liquids and powders. Also known as a tote, the IBC is capable of stacking and can be moved by a pallet jack or forklift. The three broad types of IBCs in use today can be categorized under rigid, folding and flexible.
What is an Intermediate Bulk Container? | IBC | TranPak

Some thoughts

The use of shipping containers and how they are loaded are all part of the calculus when we establish the OC (Order Calculator) for our clients. We work with the forwarders, and the factories to arrange the products, check the quality, and arrange loading times. Some products can be made quickly, while others are in stock, and still others might take a while to procure.

You all don’t really need to bother too much with the selection of the container and how the things are to be shipped. We pretty much work those issues out. For more complex loads, like for a mixture of pre-fabricrated balconies and glass stillages, we might use some more or less exotic containers to get the job done. This often requires a degree of advanced planning.

In all cases, we make the necessary arrangements and take photographs of all the parts and components prior to loading. That way we can easily determine if anything was damaged in transport.

Conclusion

We at Smoking Lion work with factories to provide the best possible solutions to the needs of our clients. We source, select, manufacture, and produce the agreed upon products, then check for quality all prior to us shipping and handling the logistics involved. We also provide design assistance, testing, DFM and other services as needed. If you have questions or concerns about pollution, child labor, or other issues and compliance, we would be happy to provide auditing services for your operations.

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