Imagine this: Your premium coffee shipment arrives in Germany. They open the container and... 40% is moldy! The cause: you chose a standard container instead of a ventilated one. Did you know that 30% of damage in maritime transport occurs due to poorly selected containers? What if you could choose the perfect container for your cargo like an expert, avoiding million-dollar losses? Today I'll reveal an infallible method in 4 simple steps. Let's begin!
Forget complicated codes. This table tells you EVERYTHING:
Container Type | Ideal for... | Real Example in Colombia |
---|---|---|
Dry Van (Standard) | Boxes, textiles, furniture | Jeans from Bogotá to Miami |
Reefer (Refrigerated) | Bananas, flowers, pharmaceuticals | Roses from La Sabana to USA |
Open Top (Open roof) | Heavy machinery, pipes | Excavators for mines in Antioquia |
Flat Rack (Platform) | Vehicles, large structures | Wind turbines for La Guajira |
High Cube (Extra height) | Tall furniture, plastics | Plastic chairs for export |
💡 Key fact: *Urabá bananas travel in reefers at -0.5°C. A normal container would deliver rotten cargo.*
It's not intuition, it's science. Ask yourself:
What's inside?
Heat-sensitive? → Reefer
Corrosive (chemicals)? → Lined container
Fragile (electronics)? → Dry Van with extra padding
Size and weight?
Over 2.59m height? → High Cube
Over 25 tons? → Reinforced Flat Rack
Route risks?
Tropical routes → Ventilated containers against humidity
Long voyages → Corner reinforcements for heavy cargo
Legal requirements?
Food → INVIMA-certified reefers
Pharmaceuticals → Temperature sensors with logging
Follow this method like GPS:
Step 1: Classify your cargo:
☀️ Perishable (fruits, flowers)
⚠️ Hazardous (chemicals, batteries)
📦 Fragile (glass, electronics)
🏗️ Oversized (machinery, structures)
Step 2: Measure precisely
Formula: *Width x Length x Height + 10% (packaging)*
Step 3: Analyze the route
Crossing equator? → High humidity
Taking +30 days? → Needs extra protection
Step 4: Choose your container
Summary table:
Using Dry Van for coffee/cocoa: They need ventilation!
Solution: Containers with breathable walls.
Stuffing 26 tons in standard container: Max is 25 tons.
Solution: Flat Rack with supports.
Ignoring humidity on tropical routes:
Solution: Desiccant bags (1kg per m³).
IoT Containers: Monitor temperature/humidity in real-time.
Example: Sensors in vaccine shipments from Bogotá.
Eco-containers: Made from 100% recyclable materials.
Flexitanks: Giant bags for liquids (replace drums).
Remember this checklist before shipping:
🔄 Cargo nature: Perishable? Fragile? Hazardous?
📏 Actual dimensions: Include packaging!
🌡️ Route risks: Humidity, heat, vibrations.
📜 Regulations: Does it comply with INVIMA/ICA?
Your cargo is your asset!
The right container isn't an expense, it's an investment.
KEYWORDS:
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