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Ocean Containers Transportation

Ocean Containers Transportation

Containerized shipping in our increasingly globalized world appears to be an excellent method for delivering a wide range of items. Easy shipment tracking, modular transport, door-to-door shipment, less product handling, reduced theft, and a much less chance of product damage due to excessive handling are all advantages of containerized loads.

The world of international shipping has it's own difficulties. Weight requirements are not standardized over the world, therefore it is possible—and common—for containers to be overfilled, resulting in an overweight load anywhere along the transit route. Trucks in Europe and Asia are frequently allowed to carry higher loads than in the United States. Furthermore, shipping to the United States is hampered by the fact that each state has its own set of maximum overweight rules.

Hauling a containerized load from a shipping port to its final destination may involve additional costs such as overweight permits or splitting the cargo between two containers or two trucks which significantly reduce the primary goal and advantage of containerized shipping.

The maximum weight for a standard loaded 40-ft container, according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), should not exceed 67,200 lb.

A sealed container shipment is considered a non-divisible cargo in much of the states. However, each state have weight restrictions. Weight limitations for shipments might look arbitrary at times, especially when they differ dramatically between states on seemingly equal highway networks. Each state sets and enforces weight limitations for safety reasons. They are used to regulate the weight of vehicles on the road for structural and environmental concerns.

If a load exceeds weight restrictions in a state, it should be planned ahead and take into consideration the implications of dividing the load before entering that state. Sometimes would be more viable just to go around and avoid some sates that would involve splitting the cargo which would increase the overall expenses. A truck traveling through multiple states must abide to all state rules. Axle difficulties account for more than half of all overweight infractions in the United States, and they're usually caused by unequal weight distribution inside the container. The distribution of the load within the container, which causes one axle to exceed the 20,000-lb individual axle weight restriction, is one of the most prevalent causes of a weight violation.

Several states have authorized specific haul routes for overweight sealed containers to safeguard state highway infrastructure and facilitate efficient transit of containers from shipping ports to intermodal transfer facilities. Non-divisible cargoes that are overweight can travel on these authorized routes with overweight permits.

The discrepancy between states on weight limits are not only difficult for trucking businesses, but it also stymies the flow of foreign commodities throughout the country.  More consistent state weight limitations on federal level might improve trucking operational efficiency, lower overall expenses for businesses and increase productivity.

See also:

Manufactured Housing Transportation

Claims, Liabilities and Risks

Brokers and Oversize/Overweight Loads

Order Permits