Rules for Transporting Cargo in Containers

We have already outlined the advantages, cost-effectiveness and convenience of shipping goods using containers. As you know, door-to-door delivery includes transportation via road (using container trucks). Today, many dynamic individuals explore various industries, many of which require transporting goods through logistical connections. For the realization of any product, freight transportation is essential. Often, to save costs and handle large volumes, container shipping is chosen.

How to Choose a Container Truck for Freight Transport

Many people wonder how to correctly choose a container and a container truck for transportation. To make the right choice, it is essential to be familiar with some general specifications of container trucks:

1. General Features:
   • Most container trucks have three axles.
   • Some container trucks can transport two standard 40-foot containers or one 20-foot container.
   • There are also universal extendable container trucks capable of carrying non-standard containers.
   • Low-frame container trucks are primarily used for transporting containers with increased volumes.
2. Construction and Strength:
   • Square-section pipes made of special alloys are used to strengthen the frame, allowing for maximum axle loads.
   • Additional reinforcement is applied to areas where the suspension is attached, ensuring durability under heavy loads.

Now that we’ve clarified how to choose the type of container truck, let’s review a list of general rules for transporting containers via road transport.

General Rules for Container Road Transport

When transporting cargo in universal containers via road, the following restrictions and requirements apply:

1. Prohibited Cargo:
   • It is forbidden to transport bulk goods without packaging.
   • Toxic and corrosive substances, odorous materials or those that contaminate the floor and walls of the container are also prohibited.
2. Universal containers used for general road transport must have the following markings:
   • Owner’s initials.
   • Inventory number.
   • Net and gross weight of the container.
   • Internal volume in cubic meters.
   • Date and place of manufacture.
   • Date of the last annual inspection and repair location.
3. Containers allowed for road transport typically have the following weights:
   • 20 tons.
   • 10 tons.
   • 5 tons.
   • 2.5–3 tons.
   • 1.25 tons.
   • 0.625 tons.
4. For specific types of cargo, only special-purpose containers designed for the particular cargo are used.
5. Loading must occur with the container fully removed from the transport vehicle.
6. Transport vehicles must be provided in proper working condition, with containers cleaned and free of debris from previous use.

This text outlines the generally accepted provisions for transporting cargo in containers via road transport. When choosing a container truck, consider these points to ensure the safety of your cargo and the responsibility of the carrier handling your goods.