A container is a standardised, reusable steel box used for the safe, secure and efficient transportation of goods by sea, road, rail or air. Containers have revolutionised the freight forwarding industry, enabling the seamless movement of cargo across multiple modes of transport.
Containers come in a variety of standard sizes, the most common being the 20-foot and 40-foot containers. These dimensions are based on the Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU), which is the industry standard for measuring container capacity. Containers are designed to be easily handled, stacked and transferred between different modes of transport, such as ships, trucks and trains.
Containers are typically made of sturdy steel, with reinforced corners and walls to protect the cargo inside. They are equipped with features like doors, locking mechanisms, and ventilation systems, depending on the type of goods being transported. Specialised containers, such as refrigerated (reefer) containers or tank containers, are also available for specific cargo requirements.