Thousands and thousands of shipping containers travel the globe daily via the ocean. Maritime shipping is essential to the world economy and trade. In fact, according to Maritime News, about 80% of goods are transported via sea. With this in mind, here is what you need to know about the maritime industry.
Standard Containers Are Standard for a Reason
Shipping containers are the backbone of the maritime industry’s shipping capabilities and what makes it all come together so well. Standardized containers are metal containers of standard height, width, and length. Standard containers like tractor-trailers can easily move from the vessel to on-land transport.
Standard containers ensure the goods can continue on their next leg of the journey. Without standardized containers, the logistics would be chaotic.
Different Categories of Freight
Freight is labeled as FCL (full container load), RORO (roll on, roll off), LCL (less than container load), Dry Bulk (goods that have to be stored in the container in the hull of the ship), and Break Bulk (goods that do not ship in a container). The categories are another important standardization.
The type of goods being shipped and the type of container used will determine the type of ship necessary to transport the goods. For example, some ships are specifically designed to manage RORO.
Regulatory Agencies
Two primary regulatory agencies control ocean freight shipping in the United States. These include the Federal Maritime Commission, a United States federal agency, and the International Maritime Organization. Each agency has specific rules that need to be followed for ocean freight shipping.
These agencies regulate everything from surety bonds to standardization of shipping containers, how laden bills are designed, labeling containers, and more. There are many regulations that need to be adhered to.
There Are Many Pros
Ocean freight shipping in shipping containers delivers many benefits. For example, it is the most cost-effective option for transporting goods internationally. It is also a great option for shipping large amounts of goods. Other options, like air freight shipping, are often cost-prohibitive.
The maritime shipping industry is an essential activity, and containers make it all possible. Learn more about the maritime shipping industry and how containers are essential to the success of the process by contacting Integrated Equipment Sales today.
