We should ask about the goods and services we purchase. Especially since there is so much information on the internet, although it may not all be true. If you had the time and patience, you could probably figure out the container business yourself. However, a container agent with a finger on the pulse could simplify things for you.

Not All Storage Units are the Same – Our Container Agent Explains

The container industry is imperfectly regulated space. There are standards, but there is nothing preventing you making your own containers. Nothing that is, until you have an insurance claim returned with a rejection letter.

So what are the standards you have to meet - unless you employ a container agent to represent your interests?

• A container must have dimensions suitable for automated container-handling equipment
• Moreover each of the eight corners must have a ‘twistlock’ fitting for lifting, stacking, and securing safely
• A container must also have key construction features to withstand handling and stacking
• Finally, it should also bear an IOS mark affirming the owner, country, size, type and equipment category, as well as any operational marks.

What a Container Agent Can Learn from This Information

The International Container Bureau is a registry for intermodal shipping containers. It founded in 1933 to set mandatory parameters for cranes, conveyors and other lifting gear. These factors include.

• The design of the container, its capacity, and type
• The total safe loading capacity of the container

A container agent uses the information referenced in ISO 346 to verify information regarding a particular container, and current owner. In this regard it’s important to note the insurance angle. Shipping and all risks insurers may base their rates on the information on the ISO 346 register.

How Do I Know Whether a Particular Container Is Right for Me?

Our container agent can help you right-size and type a container whether for shipping, or storage. Or for one of the alternative conversions that are proving increasingly popular. The sky really is the limit for these incredibly versatile devices.

We can help you select and ship your containerised solution to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Dubai, or Saudi Arabia. Please contact us as soon as you are ready to start your next project.

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The international standard for intermodal shipping containers ensures their footprints are the same so they are stackable. The standard height is approximately 2,5 meters, although the high cube container version at approximately 2.9 meters has become increasingly popular. Shippers say this reduces handling slightly because there is more volume per vehicle.

So Why Does South Africa Want to Ban the High Cube Container?

The South African Department of Transport wants to ban the high cube container version from the nation’s roads. They say it exceeds the permitted vehicle height when on a transporter.

The country would face chaos at its ports if the Department meets its avowed intention to ban them outright on January 1, 2019. Just imagine incoming high cube containers stacking up at container handling depots in Cape Town and Durban. The chaos at inland border posts would be unimaginable.

Cape Town Chamber of Commerce Fights High Cube Container Ban

The Cape Town Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a Transport and Transport Infrastructure Portfolio Committee meeting on 6 August, 2018. It wanted to know the effect of a high cube container ban on trade.

The chair of the Exporters Club Western Cape said it was vital for the industry to reach an agreement with government. This was because more containers would be crossing South Africa’s borders under the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.

“There is an incredible potential, he said. “We can’t say, ‘We’re sorry, you can’t use your trailers, because trailers in Zimbabwe are different to South Africa.’ “Every bit of trade that we have we’ve got to fight for,” he added.

The president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed concerns over the cost of converting high cube container transporters. This could be in the region of R300,000 per trailer (US$ 25,000 at 12:1).

Transport Minister Blade Nzimande Steps In and Calms Waters

After the high cube container task team failed to reach consensus, the minister announced there would be no penalties during 2019. However it is unclear whether officials and shippers will come any closer during next year. Perhaps it is time to take the high road and put workers in the transport and agriculture industries first.

If there is a road bridge in South Africa a high cube container could damage, could somebody please send the coordinates and a photo?

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