IMPORT and EXPORT of containers to Spain
A useful guide to types and sizes
- Gorian Aduanas SL
IMPORT and EXPORT of SHIPPING CONTAINERS;
A Brief History.
The idea of loading goods onto lorries, so that they could then be transported on ships, originated 60 years ago thanks to Malcolm McLean, a lorry driver from North Carolina.
McLean improved and refined the process, and as a result it became possible for the goods to be transported in containers, which could be removed from the chassis from the lorry to be loaded or unloaded directly onto the ship.
As a result following a decade and with the intervention of the US Navy, which led to the standardisation of the dimensions of the containers achieved the establishment and development of the standard International ISO (International Standards Organization) shipping container.
Finally, it became possible for the manufacturers to offer throughout the world an infinite variety of products at low cost, loading the goods in their factories and shipping them directly to shops and warehouses in any part of the world.
Tailoring to the needs of exporters and importers, shipping in a safe and efficient manner all types of goods. These include standard 20 foot containers and 40 foot containers, and the most common types of container most commonly used worldwide in maritime freight transport.
The maritime shipping container , also known as just “container” dates back to the Second World War, with the purpose of transporting war materials (IMPORT and EXPORT of containers to Spain ).
Types of Containers and their Measurements
When realising an import and export of containers to Spain, it is important to take into account the types and dimensions of the containers in order to determine which is the most suitable for your specific shipment and goods.
Currently there are 12 different types of containers:
Standard 20 and 40 foot container
Standard 40 and 45 foot HC container
20 and 40 foot open top container
Refrigerated 20 and 40 foot container
ventilated 20 foot container
flat rack container 20 and 40 foot
Tank container 20 foot
Container Specifications
DIMENSIONS OF THE STANDARD 20 FOOT CONTAINER:
A standard container is is hermetically sealed and does not have any systems for cooling or ventilation.
Container opening dimensions in feet: WIDTH 7′ 8 ⅛” HEIGHT 7′ 6 ¼”
Dimensions of the container opening in meters WIDTH 2.34m HEIGHT 2.39m
Internal dimensions in feet: WIDTH 7′ 8 ⅝” HEIGHT 7′ 6 ¼” LENGTH 19′ 4 ¼”
Dimensions interior in metres WIDTH 2.34m HEIGHT 2.29m LENGTH 5.9m
CONTAINER WEIGHTS:
In lbs Max. gross weight: 52,831 lbs Tare weight: 4,914 lbs Max. payload: 47,899 lbs
In kg Max. gross weight: 23,956 kg Tare weight: 2,229 kg Max. payload: 21,727 kg
CONTAINER VOLUME:
Cargo Capacity1,172 CFT 33.2 CBM
A 20 foot container can hold either 11 stacks of European pallets or 10 stacks of standard pallets.
DIMENSIONS OF THE 40 FOOT STANDARD CONTAINER:
A standard container is is hermetically sealed and does not have any systems for cooling or ventilation.
Container opening dimensions in feet: WIDTH 7′ 8 ⅛” HEIGHT 7′ 6 ¼”
Dimensions of the container opening in meters WIDTH 2.34m HEIGHT 2.29m
Interior dimensions interior in feet WIDTH 7′ 8 ⅝” HEIGHT 7′ 6 ¼” LENGTH 37′ 11 ¼”
Interior dimensions in metres WIDTH 2.34m HEIGHT 2.29m LENGTH 12.01m
CONTAINER WEIGHTS:
In lbs Gross weight max. 67,199 lbs Tare weight – 5,220 lbs Payload max. – 59,039 lbs
In kg Gross weight max. 30,481 kg Tare weight – 3,701 kg Payload max. – 26,780 kg
CONTAINER VOLUME:
Cargo Capacity 2,389.75 CFT 67.67 CBM
A 40 foot container can carry up to 25 stacked European pallets .
DIMENSIONS OF THE 40 FOOT STANDARD CONTAINER:
A standard container is is hermetically sealed and does not have any systems for cooling or ventilation.
Container opening dimensions in feet: WIDTH 7′ 8 ⅛” HEIGHT 7′ 6 ¼”
Dimensions of the container opening in meters WIDTH 2.34m HEIGHT 2.29m
Interior dimensions interior in feet WIDTH 7′ 8 ⅝” HEIGHT 7′ 6 ¼” LENGTH 37′ 11 ¼”
Interior dimensions in metres WIDTH 2.34m HEIGHT 2.29m LENGTH 12.01m
CONTAINER WEIGHTS:
In lbs Gross weight max. 67,199 lbs Tare weight – 5,220 lbs Payload max. – 59,039 lbs
In kg Gross weight max. 30,481 kg Tare weight – 3,701 kg Payload max. – 26,780 kg
CONTAINER VOLUME:
Cargo Capacity 2,389.75 CFT 67.67 CBM
A 40 foot container can carry up to 25 stacked European pallets .
DIMENSIONS OF THE 45 FOOT HIGH-CUBIC STANDARD CONTAINER:
Dimensions of a container of 45 HC (High Cube) is sealed hermetically airtight and does not have any systems for refrigeration or ventilation.
Dimensions of the containers opening in feet WIDTH 7′ 8 ⅛” HEIGHT 8′ 6 ¼”
Dimensions of the container opening in meters WIDTH 2.34 m HEIGHT 2.56 m
Interior dimensios in feet WIDTH 7′ 8 ⅝” HEIGHT 8′ 10 ⅛” LENGTH 44′ 4 ¾”
Interior dimensions in metres WIDTH 2.34 m HEIGHT 2.69 m LENGTH 13.53 m
CONTAINER WEIGHTS:
In lbs Gross weight max. 74,960 lbs Tare weight – 10,910 lbs Payload max. – 64,050 lbs
In kg Gross weight max. 3,4000 kg Tare – 4,950 kg Payload max. – 29,050 kg
CONTAINER VOLUME:
Cargo Capacity 3,122 CFT 88.4 CBM
DIMENSIONS OF THE STANDARD 20 FOOT VENTILATED CONTAINER:
It is a type of container that features a system for ventilation thanks to its side openings, which allows air to circulate through the system.
Its ventilation system allows on one side the expulsion of hot air from inside and on the other side, the intake of fresh air from outside, ensuring that no condensation occurs from gases or moisture which could affect the load.
This makes it the most suitable container for the transport of goods which require maintaining a constant temperature without abrupt changes.
One of the main products transported in this type of container is coffee; for that reason it is also known it is known as a “coffee container”.
The weight, maximum load capacity, and external and internal dimensions are the same as those of a standard 20 foot container
DIMENSIONS OF THE STANDARD 20 FOOT REFRIGERATED CONTAINER:
Refrigerated containers are also known as reefer containers or refrigerated containers. These containers are equipped with a system that maintains a temperature between -25°C and +25°C. These containers cannot lower the temperature, as they do not generate cold air; they can only maintain it.
Some special refrigerated containers can maintain temperatures as low as -60ºC.
The refrigerated container is fitted with a built-in motor that regulates the temperature; the system must be connected to the power supply on ships, in ports or on lorries for road transport.
It is essential to ensure with the freight forwarder in question, that the entire chain of international transport, from the lorry to the port facilities, ensure the availability of the equipment necessary to maintain the refrigeration of this type of containers.
They are most commonly used for transporting fresh and frozen foodstuffs, such as fish, meat, fruit and other perishable goods. They are also frequently used for transporting medicines and other shipments from the pharmaceutical industry.
The only dimension that differs between a standard 20 foot container and a refrigerated 20 foot container is the INTERNAL LENGTH, which is 17′ 11⅝” or 5.45 m
DIMENSIONS OF THE STANDARD 40 FOOT REFRIGERATED CONTAINER:
Refrigerated containers are also known as reefer containers or refrigerated containers. These containers are equipped with a system that maintains a temperature between -25°C and +25°C. These containers cannot lower the temperature, as they do not generate cold air; they can only maintain it.
Some special refrigerated containers can maintain temperatures as low as -60ºC.
The refrigerated container is fitted with a built-in motor that regulates the temperature; the system must be connected to the power supply on ships, in ports or on lorries for road transport.
It is essential to ensure with the freight forwarder in question, that the entire chain of international transport, from the lorry to the port facilities, ensure the availability of the equipment necessary to maintain the refrigeration of this type of containers.
They are most commonly used for transporting fresh and frozen foodstuffs, such as fish, meat, fruit and other perishable goods. They are also frequently used for transporting medicines and other shipments from the pharmaceutical industry.
The only dimension that differs between a standard 20 foot container and a refrigerated 20 foot container is the INTERNAL LENGTH, which is 37′ 11 ¼” or 11.48 m
CONTAINER WEIGHTS:
In lbs Gross weight max. 67,053 lbs Tare – 10,778 lbs Payload max. – 56,275 lbs
In kg Gross weight max. 30.415 kg Tare – 4.889 kg Payload max. – 25.526 kg
DIMENSIONS OF THE 20 FOOT FLAT RACK CONTAINER:
Flat rack containers are designed to provide an option for transport multimodal for all cargo which due to its dimensions, distribution of parcels or weight do not allow their transport in standard containers or dry vans, whether they are 20, 40 or 40 foot HC.
They are made from sheets of metal, fitted to a standard 20 or 40 foot frame. The side panels are folding and do not have a roof or upper section.
This type of container is used for the transport of the following goods:
Goods that are very heavy and which must be loaded into the container using cranes or specialised equipment, such as yachts and boats from the nautical sector or items used in the machinery industry.
Goods with a height greater than that of a 20 or 40 feet High Cube container or with very irregular volumes, such as industrial vehicles or pipes.
As it lacks both sides and a top, this container presents certain complexities. The goods travel exposed to rain, wind and other weather conditions. That being the case, the only way to ensure ensure that the cargo is kept secure or inside the container by means of lashing of the cargo.
CONTAINER DIMENSIONS:
Interior Dimensions in feet WIDTH 8′ 7″ HEIGHT 3 ⅞” LENGTH 19′ 9 ¾”
Interior dimensions en metros ANCHO 2.438m ALTO 2.233m LARGO 5.638m
CONTAINER WEIGHT:
Weight in lbs – Gross weight max. 99,200 lbs Tare 6,400 lbs Payload max. 92,800 lbs
Weight in kg – Gross weight max. 45,000 kg Tare weight 2,900 kg Payload max. 42,100 kg
LOAD CAPACITY:
1,154.3 CFT 32.7 CBM
DIMENSIONS OF THE 40 FOOT FLAT RACK CONTAINER:
Flat rack containers are designed to provide an option for transport multimodal for all cargo which due to its dimensions, distribution of parcels or weight do not allow their transport in standard containers or dry vans, whether they are 20, 40 or 40 foot HC.
They are made from sheets of metal, fitted to a standard 20 or 40 foot frame. The side panels are folding and do not have a roof or upper section.
This type of container is used for the transport of the following goods:
Goods that are very heavy and which must be loaded into the container using cranes or specialised equipment, such as yachts and boats from the nautical sector or items used in the machinery industry.
Goods with a height greater than that of a container of 20 or 40 feet High Cube or with volumes very irregular, such as those, industrial vehicles or pipes.
As it lacks both sides and a top, this container presents certain complexities. The goods travel exposed to rain, wind and other weather conditions. That being the case, the only way to ensure ensure that the cargo is kept secure or inside the container by means of lashing of the cargo.
CONTAINER DIMENSIONS:
Internal dimensions in feet WIDTH 8′ 7′ HEIGHT 3 ⅞” LENGTH 39′ 3 ⅞”
Interior Dimensions in metres WIDTH 2.438 m HEIGHT 2.233 m LENGTH 11.98 m
CONTAINER WEIGHT:
Weight in lbs – Max. gross weight 98,326 lbs Tare weight 12,897 lbs Payload max. 85,429 lbs
Weight in kg – Max. gross weight 44,600 kg Tara 5,850 kg Payload max. 38,750 kg
LOAD CAPACITY:
1,860 CFT 52.7 CBM
DIMENSIONES DEL CONTENEDOR OPEN TOP DE 20 / 40 PIES:
The open-top container can be either 20 or 40 feet long and does not have an upper section. Therefore it has the same dimensions as a standard 20 and 40 container
The type of goods transported in this type of container is the same as in a flat rack container, but maintaining dimensions that are more uniform on the sides.
It is ideal for loads that are too heavy and which need to be lifted with cranes or are too tall and therefore do not fit into a 40HC container.
The open-top container has side walls and it is possible to cover its top with a tarpaulin so that the goods travel more securely.
A 20 foot open-top container allows for a maximum load of approximately 25 tonnes approx.
A 40 foot open-top container can hold up to 30 tonnes approx.
DIMENSIONS OF THE CONTAINER TANK (20 FEET):
Tank containers, also known as isotanks, are specially designed for the transport of liquids or gases. They are also known by their English acronyms: Isotank, Tanktainer, Tank Container and ISOTank Container.
They enable the transport by sea of cargo in bulk, including foodstuffs liquids as well as oil or wine and substances that are hazardous.
Tank containers that are intended for the shipment of dangerous goods must comply with a series of additional regulations when realising an import and export of containers to Spain.
Once an isotank container has been marked for use as a dangerous goods container, it can no longer be used for the shipment of other types of conventional bulk cargo.
In this container, the tank or cistern travels inside a frame which allows the lashing and is adjusted to the dimensions of the ISO standards. The tank is coated with an insulating material which protects it from the elements.
Isotanks are one of the most effective solutions for intermodal transportof bulk goods. They have the advantage of being more secure, flexible, environmentally friendly and and cost-effective than other options such as the drums.
The container tank most commonly used are those of 20 and 40 feet, but there are also other sizes such as 10 feet or 30 feet.
The information, dimensions, weights, etc. provided on this page by Gorian Aduanas is for guidance only and is approximate. We always recommend that you carry out your own due diligence regarding dimensions and load capacity, or consult a logistics company before making any decisions.
To import and export of containers to Spain; What Container Do I Need?
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