How to transport goods that do not fit the container?

Transporting goods by container is the optimal mode of transportation in many cases. So when the goods do not fit into the container, can they be transported?

How to transport goods that do not fit the container
This method is used when goods exceed the size and weight allowed to fit into a container. Thus, goods that do not fit the container can still be transported. The option being used today is using Flat Racks or using container ships (Ro/Ro ships or by bulk carriers).

How to transport goods that do not fit into a container using Flat Racks
Flat Racks is a container with no roof, no walls around 4. Instead, they only have a very thick steel bottom deck (base) and two shields at the top and bottom. These two fenders can be easily opened and folded to bring goods on board.

Flat Racks are often used to transport goods with a height and width exceeding the size of a normal container, called out of gauge (OOG). If the goods are not too large, normal containers should be used to avoid unnecessary domestic transportation costs.

To pack into Flat Rack, the most important factor to keep in mind is to make sure the cargo is securely fastened to the base. Thanks to the anchor points, the goods are securely braced before being transferred to the ship.

The common sizes of Flat Racks in the world are 20 feet and 40 feet containers. Transport by Flat Rack is often used for goods such as steel coils, drums, equipment and machinery. Allowable cargo weight is less than 30 tons for Flat Rack 20 feet, less than 35 tons for Flat Rack 40 feet.

How to transport goods that do not fit in a container using a container ship
In this way, we can use Ro/Ro ship or by bulk carrier.

How to transport goods by Ro/Ro ship (RoRo/Roll on - Roll off ship)

Ro/Ro trains are often used to carry goods that can be operated on their own (types with wheels such as cars). Therefore, there will be a ramp to get the goods on and off the train (self-propelled vehicle on board).

In addition, RoRo ships are still able to transport wheelless and oversized goods. If the cargo has no wheels and cannot be operated on its own, there will be specialized loading and unloading devices to take the goods on and off the ship.

Cargo needs to be fixed on the deck of the ship, ensuring it is not moved during transportation.

Container transport using bulk carriers

Using a bulk carrier is also a way to transport goods that do not fit into a container. Bulk carriers are suitable for carrying bulk cargoes that are not suitable for packing goods into containers (without bagging or crates). Goods will be stored directly in the ship compartments (waterproof).

The goods transported by this means are usually raw goods, such as iron ore, coal, agricultural products, etc.

In addition, there is also a single-deck ship, which is a specialized bulk carrier with a sturdy hold.