How much does an empty sea container weigh?
6 mins read

How much does an empty sea container weigh?

Ostania aktualizacja 30 January 2023

How much does an empty sea container weigh? Sea containers are the basic element of sea transport. Most often, these are metal boxes with specific dimensions that are used in the transport of various goods. In addition to transporting small items, they are also used in construction. Therefore, we use them as an office and social, residential or storage container. But what characterizes the basic sea container?

How much does an empty sea container weigh?

There are several factors to consider when planning a sea container load. First of all, you should know the parameters of the container itself, and then adjust the type of loading based on them. As you know, there are several types of metal boxes, thanks to which you can transport both small and large loads with non-standard dimensions. It is also worth considering that the specific dimensions and load capacities of basic containers may slightly differ in the offer of individual manufacturers. These differences are also influenced by: the date of manufacture and the owner of the container (if he modifies it). Usually, however, approximate values ​​for individual types can be determined. Therefore, a standard 20-foot sea container weighs 2,300 kg, while its load capacity is 25,000 kg. In turn, a standard 40-foot container weighs 3,750 kg, and its load capacity is 27,600 kg. Sea containers are mainly used in sea transport. Due to their properties, they are also used in many areas of life: construction or as year-round residential containers. They turn out to be a convenient and cheap solution to many issues.

Sea container – how is it built?

Each sea container consists of a wall, a roof, a floor and a door. In addition, it has a gooseneck and hooks for attaching the container. The steel construction of the container consists of corner posts and a special base. The frame is formed along beams, supporting beams and transverse girders. The floor must be stable and strong to support the load. On the floor of the box and its walls there are handles that are intended for securing the load. Which part of the chest is the strongest? This role is played by corner posts with lower and upper catch corners. Their purpose is to fasten, lift and place the container. The door is mounted on hinges that are welded to the corner posts. In order for the door to fulfill its role, it must be watertight. They have from 2 to 4 locks that have appropriate seals and padlocks. In general, the door plays a significant role in the construction of the container. They are very heavy. To avoid serious injury, open them in accordance with accepted safety standards. Most often, the beams have from 4 to 5 cross beams. We open containers from the ground or from the body. Each time the arrangement of the bolts blocking the door is a bit uncomfortable. To open them comfortably, they should be at the driver’s height, i.e. in the section between the driver’s wrist and shoulder.

What are the types of sea containers?

The construction of the container includes the same elements, although the crates differ from each other. Specialists indicate the existence of various types of containers, which we classify due to their purpose and construction solutions. The most common type of container is universal, which is intended for general purpose. What does this mean in practice? Universal sea containers are used to transport less-sized general cargo. After their appropriate adaptation, they are used in the transport of bulk goods – both liquid and solid cargo. In the case of loose products, they are transported in a single big bag, which is filled pneumatically. In order to properly load a container, either a pneumatic device or a container semi-trailer is necessary. Another type is the open top container. It is used in the transport of goods whose height is non-standard or it is easier to load them from the top, e.g. by means of a crane. Thanks to this design, the load can be loaded safely using the roof opening or door. To ensure proper transport conditions, the walls of this container have special mounting brackets. Special conditions of carriage apply during transport. The roof should be secured with a waterproof tarpaulin, which is equipped with a rope with a special closure.

We also distinguish a container with an open roof and sides. Their specific construction results from the fact that they are used in the transport of loads that cannot be transported by other types of containers. Due to the lack of several reinforcements (wall and roof), the container must be equipped with a durable and resistant floor. The solid seating of the front wall is also important. In this way, it is possible to ensure proper fastening, stacking and protection of transported products. If the customer places an appropriate order, the container can be equipped with stanchions that reduce the width of the load. Nevertheless, they significantly facilitate the process of securing the container. This type of containers is characterized by a thick floor.

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