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What is an ISO Container?

ISO Containers are also known as shipping containers, and are the cargo containers that allow goods to be stored for transport in trucks, trains and boats, making intermodal transport possible.  They are typically used to transport heavy materials or palletized goods.  These containers have become the standard for global shipping due to their efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.

In this article, we will explore what ISO containers are, their history, and their role in the modern global supply chain.

ISO Containers are large, steel boxes designed to transport goods by sea or land. They have become an integral part of the global economy, enabling businesses to transport goods across oceans and continents with ease. ISO Containers are ubiquitous in ports around the world, stacked high on container ships and transported across the globe.

ISO Containers are also referred to as shipping container, conex box, railroad container, intermodal container and certain truck trailers. This industry term refers to the International Standards Organization (ISO), the largest developer of international standards and the organization that developed the standard dimension specifications (commonly 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet) for steel shipping containers used worldwide.

ISO containers are standardized metal boxes used for the transportation of goods and materials across the world. They are designed to be easily loaded and unloaded from ships, trains, and trucks, making them ideal for use in the global supply chain. ISO containers come in various sizes, from small 10-foot containers to large 40-foot containers, and are constructed from durable materials, making them weather-resistant and able to withstand the rigors of long-distance transportation.

The design of the ISO standard containers allows for intermodal shipping, which is the movement of containers from one mode of transport to another, like ship, rail, or truck, without the need of having to load and unload, and reload its contents.

History of ISO Containers

The history of ISO Containers dates back to the 18th century when wooden barrels were used to transport goods across the seas. However, the use of containers as we know them today didn&#;t become widespread until the mid-20th century.  ISO Containers are used to protect transported cargo from shock and bad weather conditions, as well as keep storage products intact.

In , American businessman Malcom McLean revolutionized the shipping industry by introducing the first container ship, the Ideal X. This ship was designed to carry standardized ISO Containers, which made it much more efficient and cost-effective than traditional cargo ships. McLean&#;s innovation led to the development of standardized containers, and the shipping industry has never been the same since.

The development of ISO containers can be traced back to the s when the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) established standards for intermodal containers. These standards established the size, strength, and specifications of intermodal containers, ensuring that they could be easily transported between different modes of transportation and handled by different countries and ports around the world.

Since then, ISO containers have become the standard for global shipping, with millions of containers in use around the world. They have made it possible for goods and materials to be transported from one place to another more efficiently and cost-effectively than ever before.

Role in the Modern Global Supply Chain

ISO containers play a critical role in the modern global supply chain. They make it possible for goods and materials to be transported from one place to another quickly and efficiently, reducing the time and cost of shipping. This has made it easier for companies to access new markets and has increased the speed of global trade.

In addition, ISO containers standardize the size and shape of shipping containers, making it easier to handle and transport goods and materials. This standardization also makes it easier to automate many of the processes involved in shipping, reducing the risk of damage to goods and improving overall efficiency.

There are different types of ISO Containers for different types of transportation:

Standardized Sizes

ISO Containers are available in a range of standardized sizes, with the most common being 20 feet and 40 feet in length. The 20-foot container is known as a TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) and the 40-foot container is known as a FEU (forty-foot equivalent unit). These standard sizes allow containers to be easily loaded onto ships and transported across oceans and continents.

Depending on the type of product that is going to be sent, the ISO Container can vary in dimension (commonly 10 feet, 20 feet, 40 feet), structure, material, etc. Characteristics of these shipping containers were later standardized, something that expedited transport without the need to load and unload the merchandise along the way.

Construction of ISO Containers

ISO containers are typically made of steel and are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of sea transport. The walls, floor, and roof of the container are all made of steel, and the container is welded together to ensure strength and durability. The steel used in the construction of shipping containers is high-grade, corrosion-resistant steel that can withstand the rigors of sea transport.

Features of ISO Containers

Shipping containers are designed with a range of features to ensure the safety and security of the goods being transported. These features include:

• Locking doors: ISO Containers are equipped with heavy-duty locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and theft.
• Ventilation: ISO Containers have ventilation holes or vents to ensure that air can circulate inside the container, preventing the buildup of condensation and reducing the risk of damage to the goods being transported.
• Tie-down points: ISO Containers are equipped with tie-down points on the interior to secure goods during transit.
• Forklift pockets: ISO Containers have pockets on the bottom corners that allow forklifts to easily lift and move the container.

Benefits of ISO Containers

Shipping containers offer several benefits, including:

1. Durability: ISO Containers are made from high-strength steel, making them durable and able to withstand harsh conditions during transportation and storage.
2. Weather-resistant: ISO Containers are weather-resistant, providing protection for goods in harsh environments.
3. Security: ISO Containers are secure and provide protection for goods during transportation and storage, with locking mechanisms and the option for added security features.
4. Standardization: ISO Containers are standardized in size, making them easy to transport by sea, rail, or road, and providing a convenient and cost-effective solution for the transportation of goods.
5. Modifiability: ISO Containers can be modified and adapted to meet specific needs, including adding windows, doors, insulation, and more, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

Uses of Shipping Containers and ISO Containers

Shipping containers and ISO Containers can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

1. Storage: Both shipping containers and ISO Containers provide a secure and weather-resistant storage solution, making them ideal for storing goods in harsh environments.
2. Transportation: Shipping containers and ISO Containers can be loaded onto ships, trains, or trucks for the transportation of goods, providing a convenient and secure way to transport large amounts of goods.
3. Temporary or permanent housing: Shipping containers and ISO Containers can be modified to provide temporary or permanent housing, either as a standalone structure or as part of a larger building.
4. Retail spaces: Shipping containers and ISO Containers can be modified and used as retail spaces, providing a unique and cost-effective solution for businesses.
5. Workshops and studios: Shipping containers and ISO Containers can be modified and used as workshops or studios, providing a cost-effective and flexible solution for small businesses and artists.
6. Modular homes: Shipping containers and ISO Containers can be converted into modular homes, offering an affordable and sustainable housing solution. These homes can be designed and built off-site, then transported to their final location.
7. Pop-up stores: Shipping containers and ISO Containers can be converted into pop-up stores, allowing businesses to set up shop in a variety of locations. These stores are often used for temporary events or as a way to test out new markets before committing to a permanent location.
8. Swimming pools: Shipping containers and ISO Containers can be converted into swimming pools, offering a unique and affordable pool option.

Common Types of ISO Containers or Shipping Containers

ISO Containers are another name for the standard shipping containers most used on the market.  ISO Containers are typically suitable for any type of dry cargo: pallets, boxes, bags, machines, furniture, etc.

Common types include:

• Dry Storage Container
• Refrigerated Container
• Open top container
• Flat rack container
• Open Side Container
• Tanks Container
• Ventilated containers

Dry Storage ISO Container

Dry Storage ISO containers are your typical standard shipping containers.  Basic construction is made of steel, and hermetically sealed, without cooling or ventilation.  Sizes typically come in 20 &#;, 40&#; or 40 &#;High Cube.  The High Cube category facilitates an increase of 13% of the internal cubic capacity and can handle the heaviest loads (coal, tobacco, etc.)

Refrigerated ISO Containers

Reefer ISO containers provide a temperature-controlled environment. They have a power supply that connects to energy sources during transport. This allows the products to be transported at a constant temperature throughout the journey. They have the possibility to lower temperature from -18 ° to 30 °.  There are 20 and 40-foot models, in addition to the High Cube.

This type ofISO Container is especially recommended for transporting food or products that need a low storage temperature.

Open Top ISO Container

Open Top ISO containers have the same measurements as the standard containers but are open at the top because they have a removable canvas roof.  These containers facilitate the transport of bulky loads.

Flat Rack ISO Container

Flat Rack ISO containers are like the Open Top, but also lack sidewalls and even, in some cases, front and rear walls. They are used for atypical loads and pay supplements in the same way as Open Top.

Open Side ISO Container

Open Side ISO containers have the same measurements as standard containers; 20 or 40 feet, with the difference that they have a side opening. This allows for transporting very long merchandise, whose dimensions prevent it from being loaded by the back door.

Tank ISO Container

Tank ISO containers are used for liquid transport and made to carry dangerous as toxic, corrosive, highly combustible chemicals, as well as oil, milk, beers, wine, mineral water, etc. They have the same dimensions as Dry ISO containers, but their structure is different, as they include a polyethylene tank inside.

Ventilated ISO Container

Ventilated ISO containers are made for transporting products such as coffee or cocoa beans, which must be ventilated in transit; sometimes these units are called &#;coffee containers&#;.

ISO Container Door Diagram and Troubleshooting

1. Doors

Two door leaves are fabricated from two vertical rolled hollow sections and 2 horizontal c section members. The frame is infilled with corrugated steel paneling.

These are normally attached to the rear corner posts each with four drop forged steel hinge blades. The blades allow 270 degree opening which allow the doors to swing back against the container side wall.

(Cargo may shift during transit. Look at the container to make sure that the doors are aligned and level, both top and bottom.  In cases where the container frame is racked and the door gear will not operate correctly.)

2. Lockbox

The lock box is a steel box welded to the right hand door which overlaps a staple welded to the left hand door. A padlock, normally type CISA type 285 66 can then be attached inside the lock box through the staple and is then protected from direct attack, hindering attempts to gain entry to the container.

3. Lockrods, cam keepers, handles

Each door is fitted with 2-4 vertical lock rods to enable opening, closing and locking of the doors.

At the end of each lock rod (top and bottom) is a cam welded in place which engages with knuckles, also known as cam keepers.

The action of engaging the cams to the keepers forms an anti-racking function.

(In certain cases, often unfortunately too many, contents of the shipping container may have shifted, or containers even dropped, causing shipping container doors and lockrods to warp)

The door handle rotates the lockbar to initiates the door opening process by forcing the cams out of their keepers.  Each door handle has a door locking handle retainer that slides over the door handle when in locked position.

4. Rubber gaskets

Rubber gaskets are fitted to the container doors during the manufacturing process and prevent water ingress.

(Door gaskets are designed to present two or more fins against the structure or adjacent door. These are generally flexible but when the gasket is damaged, they may become hard or blocked thus jamming the door closed, or preventing it being closed.)

5. ISO markings and CSC plate

ISO markings and a consolidated data plate allow worldwide intermodal transport when left in place and updated as necessary.

6. Hinge pins

Of course for a door to work, you need hinges.

(In certain cases when doors are difficult to open, hinge pins and blade are seized due to corrosion.)

Find Shipping Container Doors and Parts Here

Choosing the Right Company for Buying a ISO Container

When doing research in finding the right ISO container, follow some of these tips:

Research Online

Choose which companies have a good track record of excellence and reputation.  Read reviews and what other customers have to say.

Are you interested in learning more about ISO horizontal container tank? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Check for Availability

If you are shipping from various locations, check for availability if containers can be delivered to your required areas.

Check for Best Pricing

If money matters, you can find used container resellers online that might be able to offer half the price on used containers.

Check for Good Customer Service

If you plan to order often, you might want to check for good customer service.  Ask potential container companies a question through or their online customer service. See how fast they respond.

Check for Warranty

Check with companies to see if they offer any warranties or buy back or trade in plans.

There are millions of ISO Containers in use around the world, and a lucky few get a second life as repurposed shipping container structures. While they look a bit plain and boxy to the untrained eye, shipping containers play a critical role in our lives, whether embarking on ocean crossings to deliver the goods we use every day or venturing into a second life as a container structure.

Here are Some Fascinating Facts about ISO Containers

• ISO shipping containers can be safely stacked nine high.
• Well-maintained ISO shipping containers hold 759, of their original value for 25+ years.
• There are over 37 million ISO shipping containers in use around the world.
• An ISO container floor can hold up to 55,000 lb. of goods without warping.
• ISO Container flooring is made of 1-1/8&#; marine-grade plywood.
• Most ISO containers are 20 feet or 40-feet long.
• ISO containers are made of 16-gauge corten steel.
• Common container modifications include personnel doors, windows flooring, shelving, work stations, insulation, climate control & even restrooms.

Fun Ways to Use ISO Containers

ISO containers are not just used for cargo these days. There are many innovative and imaginative uses you may like to consider.

Here are a few ideas of how shipping containers have been used for modern, cost-effective buildings.

Homes

The trend to build cost-effective homes from recycled shipping containers started in the USA and has reached Australia.

Art Galleries

Architect, Tomokaza Hayakawa designed an art gallery in Japan using two shipping containers stacked on each other.

Drive-Thru Coffee

Starbucks in Washington has used four old shipping containers to create an architect-designed drive-thru store.

Cafes

A cafe in Footscray (Melbourne) called Rudimentary has been built using three 40-foot shipping containers.

Polar Stations

India has built a Polar Station in Antarctica using 134 shipping containers. They cover three floors and are well insulated for the weather conditions.

A well-maintained ISO container can hold 75% of its original value for 25+ years. Every day, container ships transport goods all over the world on the international seas.

ISO tank containers comply with the International Standard Organization (ISO) standards. They are suitable to transport both hazardous and non-hazardous bulk liquids.

ISO containers are made with stainless steel and housed inside a protective layer. The type of protective frame used depends on the tank&#;s contents. The ISO tank container features a manhole at the top for easy access and one valve each at the top and bottom.

In situations where there is unexpected liquid leakage due to an accident, containment berms or secondary storage tanks are helpful. Ironclad Environmental Solution&#;s tanks provide a safe temporary storage solution while you get your ISO tank repaired.

What is ISO Certification?

ISO certification is a globally recognized standard applicable to all business operations to ensure continued high standards. This means standardization of size, strength, and durability with regular inspections for compliance for the ISO containers. ISO containers should also include a Container Safety Certificate (CSC).

Types of Liquids That Can Be Stored in ISO Tank Containers:

• Molasses

• Milk and other dairy products

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Liquefied sugars

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Sulfuric acid / Nitric acid

• Chemicals / Solvents

• Liquid food products

• Heating oil / Vegetable oils

• Gasoline / Diesel / Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)

• Liquid resins

ISO Tank Container Specifications (Sizes and Dimensions)

According to the ISO standards, a steel frame surrounds the tank container. The standard 20-ft frame encloses a tank that holds 21,000 liters (5,547 gallons) of liquid. The frame dimensions are:

• Length &#; 20 ft.

• Width &#; 8 ft.

• Height &#; 8.6 ft.

Other sizes available in ISO tanks are:

• 15,000 liters (3,963 gal)

• 17,500 liters (4,623 gal)

• 23,000 liters (6,076 gal)

• 24,000 liters (6,340 gal)

• 25,000 liters (6,605 gal)

General Specifications

• Maximum gross weight: 36,000 kg (79,366 lbs.)

• Working pressure: 4 bar (58 psi)

• Test pressure: 6 bar (87 psi)

• Allowable vacuum: .41 bar (12 in Hg)

• Stacking weight: 9 high of 24,000 kg (ISO)

Tank Linings

ISO tanks use a protective lining for additional protection against corrosive liquids such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. The ship holds, rail cars, and over-the-road tank trailers use the same linings for protection.

Benefits of ISO Tanks

The 15,000-25,000 liter containers are a preferred choice for shipping a variety of goods because of the following factors:

• High efficiency and safety.

• Ease of transportation.

• Standard size.

• Enclosed in a mechanically stable frame with connections to lock them securely.

• ISO tanks are easy to stack, just like a shipping container.

• Reliable and cost-effective solution for transporting liquids in bulk. ISO tank containers have up to 30% lower shipping cost vs. over-the-road tankers.

• The tanks can be designed to match the safety criteria of specific liquids.

• ISO tanks are unlikely to leak and do not require additional packaging material.

• It is possible to maintain a specific temperature for sensitive cargo.

• The stainless steel body with added lining is highly resistant to corrosion. It can withstand temperature and pressure variations.

• ISO tanks are a sustainable transportation solution with up to

  50% less carbon footprint

  . They have a 15-20 year lifespan, which means you can use them more than other options.

Challenges Associated With an ISO Tank Container

Container Lifespan

If you pump solids into a container as high-pressure liquid, it may re-solidify in transit. You may have to do steam heating for the cargo to melt and drain out at the receiving end. You may also have to use air pressure to drain viscous material. This is not good for the overall life of the product. It can cause extraordinary stress on the shell, which can cause cracks and leaks.

Maintaining the Temperature

Temperature-controlled ISO tanks have inbuilt heating and cooling equipment that needs regular electrical supply from the ship or truck. This means that the electricity supply has to be reliable for the tank&#;s contents to remain safe.

Breaking/Chipping of the Protective Coating

Accidents and individuals working with heavy tools can cause minor scratches on the tank&#;s body. This can cause the protective coating to wear off gradually and expose the metal to the atmosphere or other corrosive materials. While workers can repair some protective coatings on the field, others may need complete sandblasting and recoating.

ISO Tank Container Maintenance

Accidents during loading, unloading, and transits, and changes in the temperature and pressure of the ISO tank can cause stress to the shell. There could be breaking or chipping of protective coating, which can expose the metal to corrosive liquids. ISO tanks require an inspection at least once in two years and a re-coat if needed.

ISO Tank Alternatives

Many of the challenges associated with an ISO Tank Container can be mitigated by other types of specialty equipment such as steel frac tanks, poly tanks, or stainless steel tanker trailers, depending on the application. Contact our team to learn more about our containment solutions and waste transportation services. We will be happy to help answer your questions and provide ideal solutions from our portfolio of products.

FAQs

What is the need for a standard ISO container?

The design of ISO tank containers allows convenient, safe, environment-friendly and cost-effective transportation of hazardous and non-hazardous bulk liquids. With up to 30% less transport cost and up to 50% lower carbon footprint, containers are preferred compared to over-the-road transport.

What are the dimensions of an ISO container?

A standard ISO container is a horizontal cylindrical pressure vessel encased inside a 20&#; x 8&#; x 8.6&#; steel framework.

How do you clean an ISO tank?

It is essential to completely remove any residual solid or liquid cargo and odor of contents and cleaning substance from the ISO tank containers.

• Tanks should be cleaned at a certified cleaning terminal only. Food grade tank containers are cleaned at a separate facility.

• Declare the previous cargo (hazardous or non-hazardous) to the facility superintendent.

• Remove all discharge valves, pressure release valves, and other components for cleaning and inspection.

• Normal steaming, low-caustic detergent-based cleaning, and pressure washing are the most preferred cleaning methods.

• Circulation of 15-20% nitric acid before pressure washing with fresh water really helps.

• A survey by an independent and qualified surveyor.

• Clean with hot water spinners or steam sterilization.

• Dry the container and seal the lids and valves.

• Issue the cleanliness certificate.

  Want more information on ISO horizontal container storage tank for cryogenic storage? Feel free to contact us.