What are the popular shipping containers used for shipping from China to the north of Africa?

Hey there! I'm a supplier specializing in shipping goods from China to the north of Africa by sea. In this blog, I'll share with you the popular shipping containers used for this route.

1. Standard Dry Containers

One of the most commonly used shipping containers for transporting goods from China to North Africa is the standard dry container. These containers come in different sizes, with the 20 - foot and 40 - foot ones being the most popular.

20 - Foot Dry Containers

The 20 - foot dry container, often referred to as a 20 - footer, is a great option for smaller shipments. It has a capacity of around 33 cubic meters and can carry a payload of up to 22 metric tons. This size is perfect for businesses that are just starting to export or for those with limited quantities of goods. For example, if you're shipping a small batch of electronics, clothing, or handicrafts, a 20 - foot container can do the job. It's also more flexible in terms of loading and unloading, as it can be easily transported on trucks and trains.

40 - Foot Dry Containers

The 40 - foot dry container, or 40 - footer, offers almost double the capacity of a 20 - foot container. With a volume of approximately 67 cubic meters and a payload of up to 26 metric tons, it's ideal for larger shipments. Many companies use 40 - foot containers to transport bulk goods such as furniture, building materials, or large - scale machinery. When you have a significant amount of products to send to North Africa, choosing a 40 - foot container can be more cost - effective in the long run.

2. High - Cube Containers

High - cube containers are similar to standard dry containers, but they are a foot taller. They are available in 40 - foot and 45 - foot sizes.

40 - Foot High - Cube Containers

The 40 - foot high - cube container provides extra vertical space, which is very useful for shipping tall items. If you're exporting items like large - sized lamps, tall cabinets, or long - stemmed plants (if properly packaged), the additional height can prevent damage to the goods. It has a volume of about 76 cubic meters, allowing you to fit more goods in the same footprint as a regular 40 - foot container.

45 - Foot High - Cube Containers

The 45 - foot high - cube container is the largest in this category. It offers even more space, with a volume of around 86 cubic meters. This container is suitable for businesses with extremely large shipments or those that need to maximize the use of space. It's often used for shipping oversized industrial equipment or a large quantity of consumer goods.

3. Reefer Containers

For shipping perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products from China to North Africa, reefer containers are essential. These containers are equipped with a refrigeration unit that can maintain a specific temperature range, ensuring the freshness and quality of the goods during transit.

Reefer containers come in various sizes, including 20 - foot and 40 - foot options. The temperature inside the container can be adjusted according to the requirements of the cargo. For example, for fresh strawberries, the temperature might need to be set at around 0 - 2 degrees Celsius, while for frozen meat, it could be set at - 18 degrees Celsius or lower.

4. Open - Top Containers

Open - top containers are designed for shipping oversized or bulky items that cannot be loaded through the normal container doors. The top of these containers can be removed, allowing for easy loading of tall or irregularly shaped goods from above.

These containers are often used for shipping items like construction equipment, large sculptures, or machinery parts that are too big to fit through the side doors of a standard container. They are available in 20 - foot and 40 - foot sizes, similar to the dry containers.

5. Flat - Rack Containers

Flat - rack containers are another option for shipping heavy or oversized cargo. They have no sides or roof, only a flat base and end frames. This design allows for easy loading of extremely large or heavy items, such as vehicles, boats, or large steel structures.

Flat - rack containers can be either collapsible or non - collapsible. Collapsible flat - racks are more convenient for return shipments as they can be folded to save space. They are available in different lengths, with 20 - foot and 40 - foot being the common ones.

Choosing the Right Container for Your Shipment

When deciding which container to use for your shipment from China to North Africa, several factors need to be considered.

Nature of the Goods

The type of goods you're shipping is the most important factor. If you're sending perishable items, a reefer container is a must. For oversized or irregularly shaped goods, open - top or flat - rack containers might be more suitable. And for general dry goods, standard dry or high - cube containers are the way to go.

Quantity of Goods

The quantity of your goods will determine the size of the container. If you have a small amount of products, a 20 - foot container may be sufficient. But if you have a large volume of goods, a 40 - foot or even a 45 - foot container could be more cost - effective.

Cost

Cost is always a consideration. Generally, larger containers are more cost - effective per cubic meter for large shipments. However, you also need to factor in additional costs such as container rental, shipping fees, and insurance.

Transportation Mode

The mode of transportation after the goods arrive in North Africa also matters. If you plan to transport the container by truck, make sure the size of the container is compatible with local road regulations.

As a supplier offering shipping services from China to the north of Africa by sea, I can help you choose the most suitable container for your needs. Whether you're a small business owner looking to expand your market in North Africa or a large corporation with significant shipping requirements, I've got you covered.

If you're interested in learning more about our Forwarding Service from All Ports Of China To South Africa, Best Shipping Company from China To East Of USA, or Global Freight forwarder in China To Mexico, feel free to reach out. We're here to assist you with all your shipping needs and ensure a smooth and efficient process.

If you're ready to start your shipping journey from China to North Africa, don't hesitate to contact me for a detailed consultation and quote. Let's work together to get your goods to their destination safely and on time.

References

• International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines on container shipping
• Shipping industry reports on container usage trends
• Manufacturer specifications for different types of shipping containers