How to Choose the Right Container for Oversized Cargo?

Oversized cargo, whether it is industrial equipment, heavy machinery, or large artworks, cannot be transported using conventional transportation methods and standard containers due to its large size, irregular shape or overweight. The transportation of these "huge things" not only tests the professional ability of logistics companies, but also often makes business owners fall into various confusions.

There are often many pain points when transporting oversized cargo, such as high transportation costs, difficult to control transportation time, and difficult to ensure cargo safety. How to choose the right container for oversize freight to ensure its safe and efficient transportation? What is the size limit of oversized transportation? How do transport carriers define oversized packages?

What is oversized cargo?

Oversized cargo usually refers to cargo whose size, weight or shape exceeds the carrying range of standard shipping containers. Different modes of transport and carriers may have different definitions of oversize freight, but generally speaking, cargo is considered oversized when its dimensions exceed the interior space of a standard container (such as a 20-foot or 40-foot container) or its weight exceeds the maximum load capacity of the container.

For air transport

Packages that exceed typical weights (usually over 150 pounds) or dimensions (over 79 inches) may be considered oversized.

For ocean transport

Generally, if the cargo is longer than 20 feet, it may need to be transported in a specialized container, such as an open top container or flat rack container.

For land transport

Any cargo that exceeds the weight or size limits of a standard truck or trailer may be considered oversized.

What are the ways to transport oversized cargo?

Road transport: Suitable for short-distance or modified routes to meet transportation conditions.

Rail transport: For long-distance, large-volume transportation, rail transport is a relatively stable and low-cost option.

Water transport: Especially suitable for large, heavy and not urgent cargo, such as large ships, bridge components, etc.

Air transport: Although rarely used for oversized cargo transportation, in some special cases, such as emergency relief supplies, air transport may be the only option.

What aspects need to be considered when transporting oversized cargo?

Size and weight restrictions: First of all, it is crucial to clarify the specific size (length, width, height) and weight of the cargo. Different countries and regions have different restrictions on roads, bridges, tunnels, etc. Understanding and complying with these regulations is the prerequisite for ensuring smooth transportation.

Route planning: The transportation of oversized cargo often requires special route planning to avoid height and width restrictions, and may even require the temporary removal of some obstacles. It is crucial to coordinate with relevant departments in advance and obtain necessary permits.

Loading and fixing: Choose the right container and the correct loading method to ensure that the cargo will not be damaged by shaking or collision during transportation. Professional fixing technology and materials are indispensable.

Laws and regulations: Different countries and regions have different laws and regulations on the transportation of oversized cargo, including but not limited to over-limit transportation permits, insurance requirements, environmental protection standards, etc. Understanding and complying with these regulations can avoid unnecessary legal risks and costs.

Cost and efficiency: The transportation of oversized cargo is often accompanied by higher costs and time consumption. How to optimize costs and improve efficiency while ensuring safety is a problem that every company needs to consider.

What are the characteristics of oversized cargo transportation?

Difficult transportation

Due to its large size or irregular shape, oversized cargo is easily damaged during shipment, loading and unloading, and transportation, and the transportation difficulty is much higher than that of ordinary cargo.

High transportation cost

Special transportation equipment and containers are required, such as frame containers, flatbed containers, etc., which have high rental and use costs. In addition, the transportation of oversized cargo may also require additional reinforcement, fixing, loading and unloading operations, further increasing the transportation cost.

Long transportation time

The transportation of oversized cargo requires detailed planning and coordination, including the selection of transportation routes, the determination of transportation methods, and the handling of relevant procedures, all of which take a certain amount of time. During transportation, oversized cargo may also encounter some special situations, such as road restrictions, bridge height restrictions, port congestion, etc., which will lead to longer transportation time.

How to choose the right type of container?

First, accurately measure the three-dimensional dimensions of the cargo and consider the space occupied by necessary packaging and protective materials. Based on these data, evaluate the required container type (such as open top box, flat box, frame box, etc.). When choosing a container, you also need to consider the conditions of the loading and unloading site, including the compatibility of loading and unloading equipment, ground load-bearing capacity, etc.

Design and implement an effective fixing plan based on the characteristics of the goods and the type of container to ensure the stability of the goods during transportation. Compare the rental or purchase costs of different container types, combine factors such as transportation distance and time requirements, conduct a comprehensive evaluation, and select the most cost-effective solution. Given the complexity and professionalism of oversized cargo transportation, it is recommended to consult a professional third-party fulfillment service provider, such as Shopv. We have rich experience and resources to provide you with a one-stop solution from route planning to container selection, loading fixation, insurance processing, etc.

Frame container

Frame container (also known as open frame container or structural container) is a container specially designed for transporting oversized cargo. It has the following characteristics:

Openness: The frame container does not have an open design on the top and side, but only has a bottom frame and end walls, which allows it to load cargo that is too large or irregular in shape to fit into a standard container.

High strength and stability: Frame containers have high strength and stability, suitable for loading oversized goods such as heavy equipment and large machinery.

Flexibility: Frame containers can be customized according to the specific size and shape of the goods to meet the transportation needs of different goods.

Flatbed container

A flatbed container (also known as a flatbed cabinet) is a container with front and back walls but no side walls and box top, suitable for transporting wider equipment. Its features include:

Easy to load: Due to the lack of side walls and box top, flatbed containers can easily load and unload oversized goods.

Strong adaptability: Flatbed containers can adapt to oversized goods of various sizes and shapes, especially those with a larger width.

Cost-effectiveness: Compared with other special containers, the rental and use costs of flatbed containers are relatively low.

Open-top container

An open-top container (also known as an open-top cabinet) is a standard container similar to a box without a box top, suitable for transporting super-high machinery. Its features include:

Large loading space: The top of the open-top container is open, which can provide a larger loading space and facilitate the loading of some oversized goods with a higher height.

Easy loading and unloading: Due to the open top, the open-top container can be easily loaded and unloaded using equipment such as cranes.

Wide range of applications: Open-top containers can not only transport oversized goods, but also some ordinary goods that need to be loaded and unloaded from the top.

Consider the size and carrying capacity of the container

1. Size matching

When choosing a container, first make sure that the size of the container can meet the loading needs of the goods. You need to choose the appropriate container size according to the length, width, and height of the goods. For example, for some goods with a longer length, you can choose a 45-foot or longer container; for goods with a higher height, you can choose an open-top container. At the same time, you must also consider the shape and loading and unloading methods of the goods, and choose a size that can maximize the use of the container space.

2. Carrying capacity

The carrying capacity of a container refers to the maximum weight it can bear, including the weight of the container itself and the weight of the goods. When choosing a container, make sure that the carrying capacity of the container can meet the weight requirements of the goods. If the weight of the goods exceeds the carrying capacity of the container, it may cause damage to the container or safety hazards during transportation. Therefore, when choosing a container, carefully check the weight of the goods and the carrying capacity of the container to ensure that the two match.

Pay attention to the reinforcement and fixation of containers

1. Reinforcement measures

For particularly heavy or large oversized cargo, it is not enough to rely solely on the structural strength of the container itself, and some reinforcement measures are needed to ensure the safety of the cargo. Common reinforcement measures include the use of wire ropes, chains, wooden pallets or other supporting materials. For example, for some heavy machinery and equipment, wooden pallets can be placed between the bottom of the container and the cargo to disperse the weight of the cargo and reduce the impact on the bottom of the container. At the same time, wire ropes or chains can be used to fix the cargo to the frame of the container to prevent the cargo from moving during transportation.

2. Fixing method

When loading oversized cargo, the correct fixing method should be used to ensure the stability and safety of the cargo throughout the transportation process. Common fixing methods include lashing, fixing racks, fixing belts, etc. For example, for some long strips of cargo, lashing straps can be used to fix them to the side wall or end wall of the container. For some cargo that is easy to roll, fixing racks can be used to fix them to the bottom of the container. When fixing the cargo, ensure that the fixing point is firm and reliable to avoid loosening or falling off during transportation.

Comprehensively consider transportation costs and efficiency

1. Transportation cost control

The cost of transporting oversized goods is usually high, so when choosing a container, the transportation cost should be comprehensively considered. On the one hand, it is necessary to choose a container that can maximize the use of container space to reduce the number of transportation times and transportation costs. For example, for some large-volume goods, you can choose a large-size container to transport multiple goods together. On the other hand, it is necessary to choose a container with relatively low rental and use costs, such as a flat container. At the same time, other costs in the transportation process, such as loading and unloading fees, reinforcement fees, insurance premiums, etc., should also be considered, and containers and transportation plans that can effectively control these costs should be selected.

2. Improvement of transportation efficiency

Transportation efficiency is one of the important indicators for measuring the success of oversized cargo transportation. When choosing a container, it is necessary to choose a container type that can improve transportation efficiency. For example, frame containers and open-top containers can be easily loaded and unloaded due to their openness and flexibility, which improves loading and unloading efficiency. In addition, the loading and unloading equipment and loading and unloading methods of the container should also be considered, and containers that can match the existing loading and unloading equipment and methods should be selected to reduce loading and unloading time and improve transportation efficiency.

Customized services from professional third-party fulfillment service providers

As a professional third-party fulfillment service provider, Shopv is able to provide you with customized oversized cargo transportation solutions. Our services include:

Professional consultation: Provide you with professional container selection suggestions and transportation solutions based on your specific cargo situation and transportation needs.

Full-process planning: From cargo loading, transportation to unloading, we provide you with full-process planning and coordination services to ensure that the cargo can be transported safely and efficiently.

Technical support: Using advanced logistics technology and equipment, we provide you with real-time tracking and monitoring services for cargo, so that you can keep abreast of the transportation status of the cargo at any time.

Safety guarantee: Provide professional reinforcement and fixing services for your oversized cargo to ensure the safety and stability of the cargo throughout the transportation process.

Cost control: By optimizing transportation solutions and container selection, we help you effectively control transportation costs and improve the economic benefits of transportation.

Choosing the right container and transportation method is the key to ensuring that oversized cargo arrives at its destination safely and on time. By understanding the specific needs of the cargo, selecting the right container type, rationally planning the transportation method, and ensuring the fixation and safety of the cargo, B2B companies can effectively cope with the challenges in oversized cargo transportation.

By working with Shopv, you can simplify the transportation process of oversized goods, reduce costs, and ensure that the goods are delivered safely and efficiently. If you have oversized cargo transportation needs, please contact us. We will provide you with professional, efficient and safe logistics services to help you solve various problems and challenges in transportation.