Benefits of containerization in freight transportations?

Answer 1

CONTAINERIZED CARGO

LOSS CONTROL

Prompt, undamaged arrival of the complete shipment at destination is the primary objective of the shipper.

INTERMODAL VARIATIONS

The popular intermodal container, adapt-able to carriage by truck chassis, railcar, barge and oceangoing vessel, is the most common form of containerization. The considerations governing preparation and stowage of the cargo in these containers are no less applicable to other methods of cargo transport.

Door-to-Door (House-to-House)- The greatest benefits of Containerization are realized when the shipper uses the container to carry goods directly from his or her premises to his or her customer's location. Perhaps the only time the container will be opened while enroute is for Customers inspection. Reduced susceptibility to pilferage and theft, elimination of multiple handling of individual items of cargo and the least possible exposure to the elements are all attractive features of Door-to-Door service. In utilizing this type of service, the shipper accepts the additional responsibility' of ensuring that cargo is properly stowed and secured in the container, precluding damage to the cargo, container or transport vehicle.

Port-to-Port (Pier-to-Pier) -When cargo volume does not provide for a full container load (less

than container load or LCL) or when the shipper or consignee does not have the facilities to load or un-load the containerized cargo at his premises, he or she can utilize the services of forwarders, consolidators or the carrier to stow the goods in containers at the port of departure. This service is less attractive than Door-to-Door service. Since the cargo is not in a container for the entire journey, it is subject to the same degree of exposure to weather, handling and stow-age damage and theft/pilferage as break-bulk cargo. MAXIMUM EXPORT PACKING STANDARDS ARE REQUIRED WHEN SHIPPING PORT-TO-PORT,

Door-to-Port- Combinations of Door-to-Door and Port-to-Port service are possible, depending on the desires of the ship-per and the facilities available. While these combinations are more advantageous than Port-to-Port service, the cargo will still be exposed to the hazards of theft, weather and additional handling during part of the journey.

AS IN PORT-TO-PORT SERVICE, THE CARGO MUST BE PACKED TO THE HIGHEST EXPORT STANDARDS.

LCL (Less Than Container Load) - On LCL shipments, the shipper can still load goods into a container, but the container will be delivered to a consolidation point at the pier where other shippers' goods will also be stowed in the container. What this means is that the smaller, low-volume exporter can still have cargo containerized, although this is not as desirable as a sealed House-to-House container.