Container transport
More than two thirds of all cross-border goods and freight traffics globally take place today by means of container transport. In 2019 more than 17 million TEU were processed in the two major German container ports of Hamburg and Bremen alone, whereby one TEU corresponds to a 20-foot container. Container shipments have unquestionably revolutionised global trade. The unbelievable quantities are only possible because the container is not only a safe means of transport, but also an excellent way of storage, suited to each mode of transportation by sea, by road and rail. In particular, we can offer daily container shipments to Hamburg, Bremen and Bremerhaven using our own equipment with 20, 30, 40 or 45 ft. containers, whether Reefer (refrigerated or air-conditioned container) or standard containers. A reach stacker is available at our Bremen location for empty and full container movements, for storage as well as SOLAS weighing systems.
Part of this is, of course, the use of the Bremen port telematics (B H T entry), a special feature of Bremen und Bremerhaven which makes the registration of shipments easier. If the container, which, by the way, was invented in 1956 and whose dimensions were defined by ISO in 1961, enormously accelerates freight shipment, the combination of digital technology and highly developed handling procedures ensure that freight times become increasingly shorter. This begins with the loading of containers and the provision of the necessary freight documentation. Digital data transfer as well as machine-readable labels accelerate the formerly long processes at freight offices and port and customs authorities.
- Shipping companies: the importance of direct contact
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Another important prerequisite for a smooth flow of container transports is, of course, the direct contact with shipowners that operate ships on the world’s most important trading routes. As a longstanding international freight forwarder, we have these contacts and we know which shipping companies are most suited to your freight.
Transport by containers
Transport by containers does not simply mean stowing goods in large metal containers and then shipping them somewhere. As already mentioned, depending on its size and shape, every container is a separate transportable warehouse in which special climatic conditions can be created. Thus, it can be ensured with relatively simple means that air humidity is limited in the container even in the case of tropical destinations and long sea journeys. This is a particularly important aspect, especially when shipping machines and systems. The container can also represent a ripening storage, which accelerates or slows down specific processes with fruits and vegetables.
The container offers many possibilities, not only for safe transport over long distances, but also for refinement or stability of products in terms of freshness and consistency.