RTC Container Sales

RTC Container Sales is a well-known name in selling new and used containers in Canada. We provide storage and shipping containers at the lowest possible price. We believe in customer satisfaction and apply customization to modified containers to suit client needs.       

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Shipping Containers - The New Language for Modern Business

Undoubtedly, the biggest usage of these huge containers is in the shipping industry. They are ideal to carry valuable and large amount of stuff from one location to another.

But, in the last decade several changes have been observed is their use. While the people searching for a perfect accommodation added their creativity to these containers to make beautiful shipping container homes, on the other hand the business world has found a new and easy way to construct their offices, shops and much more.

Have a look at some of the astounding examples here:

1. The Market 707:  Setting an example for others, the open air pedestrian mall ‘Market 707’ in Canada, gives you a reason to eat and shop. Along this, it also offers a superb idea to start your own business with minimum investment. 

It is created by a number of used & new shipping containers in Canada. Just add your creativity and begin today with the area of your interest. Isn’t it amazing!

2. The BoxGate:  Adding the new concept of tailgating, this amazing venue is basically made of a shipping container. It has been drafted for the professional and universities sport teams. Having all the necessities such as refrigerator, grill, sink, keg tap, fold down table, leather sofa, awning, bar, etc., it is a full packed solution for the teams.

Another extraordinary feature of this container rest bar is the 8 foot by 20 foot viewing deck on the top. If you are planning to start a short business, this can be useful to you.

3. A Container Restaurant:  Do you know, what is the latest trend in restaurants? It is the shipping containers. Yes, hotel owners are really excited about this. For example, the open-air bar-patio-restaurant space, at the Getaway beach bar/restaurant on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. It is a perfect destination to end your food cravings.

In all, it would not be wrong calling these shipping containers the new face of business. Ranging from the single shop to the large multiplexes, they are now used all over the globe. The incredible features of containers like durability, strength and cost effectiveness make them the first choice of business dignitaries!  

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Why Say ‘Yes’ to Moving Containers?

Moving is an inherent part of life. It is not possible to stick to one place in today’s world. It appears to be exciting, but in real, the stress of the process can horrify you. The reason of moving may differ; it can be due to a change in job location, shifting to a bigger space or for better opportunities. But, what remains the same is that the process, which includes a lot of planning and preparation to move from one place to another.

If you are planning to move to a new location, the moving containers is the answer to all of your problems. Why? Let’s have a look at the top 3 reasons:

1.  Affordable : They will not cost you much!

The biggest benefit to moving containers is that they are great value for money. You will not get any other cost-effective way to move your things besides them. If you buy your own storage container, you can move to a new location whenever you want to. You hardly need to seek anyone to come and help. No extra charges and no storage fees. If you have less number of items, you can easily move things in and out, saving extra bucks.  

2. Convenience : They will cut down your efforts!

Besides affordability, the other factor, which makes the movable cum  new storage containers the first choice of people nowadays is the ease they offer. The large size and the durability factor make it convenient for the users to place and carry things. They give you complete freedom and flexibility for deciding how to manage your belongings.

Secondly, these containers are easy to transport. Yes, not only they can easily take your goods, but also you can easily move them from one place to another. All you will need is a good company offering reasonable loading/unloading services.

3. Versatile : They can be used the way you want!

The biggest question, which comes to your mind the moment you think about buying movable containers is that what to do with them later. Well, it is not a big problem. These containers comes with an added advantage that they can be used for enormous purpose. Firstly, you can use them for moving and shifting. 

Once you are done with it, use them as a perfect storage for your valuable asset. In future, if you find your living space become short, these containers can be used as extra space with little modification. They are easy to modify or remodel. If nothing suits you, just use your creativity and turn it into something unique and useful.

Thus, make a smart decision, buy a movable container and say good-bye to all your shifting problems!

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How to Insulate your Shipping Containers?

Shipping Container architectures are getting overwhelming response all-round the Globe. Reason being – they are economical, sturdy, durable and moreover, highly customizable. However, you need to consider one important thing when it comes to building used shipping container homes - Insulation.

For any living space, you need to control the amount of heat, coming in and leaving the house in extreme climates. Insulation is one key consideration to be taken care of, which often novice builders fail to give enough attention to. It is therefore important to well insulate your shipping container home or else it’d be either burning hot or arctic cold. In addition to this, your home will be susceptible to condensation that can lead to its corrosion or mold.

Ways to Shield your Shipping Container Home:

Before insulating you house, keep in mind these two key points, and then decide appropriately:

1. Roll Insulation: Also known as Blanket Insulation, is one of the cheapest and DIY friendly form of insulation. If cost is your prime concern, this is the best option. It requires stud walls to place the insulation in. The most common blanket insulation is mineral, popularly known as rock wool. 

2. Foam Insulation: Spray insulation is the quickest type of insulation, but it requires you to loosen your pockets and provides the highest R rating which indicates how well the insulating material can resist heat flow. Moreover, it is very flexible and can be sprayed into gaps of variable size. The best part is that it can be applied on both the external and internal walls of your used shipping containers architecture. And, if you want to stop any moisture from the ground creeping into your containers, you can also spray it underneath your container.

3. Insulation Panels: This insulation technique also requires stud walls to fit in and is DIY friendly. Just buy the panels at predefined sizes and fit them in between the stud walling gaps. Although, panel insulation is quicker to fit than blanket insulation, it is somewhat more expensive.

Besides these techniques, other Eco-friendly insulation includes wool insulation, cotton insulation, and living roof installation.

So, how have you decided to insulate!

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Business Setup Is Not a Big Worry Now – Here Is the Key for It

Due to the dearth of jobs, thousands of people set up their own business, every year. But, one thing where they lack is in the mess of setting up their business. Whether it is about obtaining land on desired location or the initial cost involved in buying the land or the construction, setting up the business is definitely a tedious job. 

Here’s a great solution for all such passionate people, who want to run their own business. Set-up your small, middle and even large scale business in the Shipping Containers. 

Why Shipping Containers for Commercial Set-Ups?

If you are looking into building a new office or commercial space, consider a shipping container office. Reason behind this recommendation is as simple and clear! 

Thousands of containers are sitting idly and taking up space in the ports. Using these cargo holders as office space is not only beneficial to your wallet, but also helps cut down on the rising number of boxes that sit unused.

With these reusable, modified containers one can set-up small one-cabin office, two- room Retros and even mulch-storied hotel or a company.

Benefits of Owning a Shipping Container Business?

• Reliable Strength: These giant boxes in their originality were meant to hold thousands of pounds of cargo. Using the same strength to build container offices make you feel confident that your constructed space will withstand high hurricane force winds. And that the walls of these industrial spaces will not rust or break in the intense weather. 

• Cut Down Costs: Shipping container offices help you save during the construction process, and utility costs. Since these spaces are compact and efficiently built to be well insulated, it helps in avoiding damage repairs and cutting down the heating and cooling costs.

• Eco-Friendly Construction: Building with these pre-formed materials cut down the resources usage that would normally be used to build an office space.  Even reusing these containers save a lot of energy that would otherwise be wasted for melting them down.

• Easily Customizable: With time, if you want to expand your business ever, you can add one-two-three or as many number of floors, simply by placing boxes one over the other. 

Setting up a business is no more a burden with these giant boxes. It is typically the best method of design and construction today.

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Important Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Shipping Container

Are you thinking of making a container home, or a small mobile office, or any other structure out of shipping containers? Go through this mini guide to help you with the do’s & don’ts of buying a shipping container.

Here is some information that will help you save money and a lot of time.

1. Location

Depending on the location, buying a shipping container can be easy or very tedious. For those living near a port should be able to find many suppliers and if not, they need to have the container shipped at their place. Picking up the container yourself using a truck with a tilting bed can save you some money.

2. Requirement

Your requirement is the most important thing to be considered while you buy a shipping container. The size, dimensions, quality, quantity, etc., depends completely on your purpose of buying a shipping container. Make sure you understand your purpose well.

 3. Go for Used Containers

Look around for some used shipping containers. You can find several at a local warehouse near you. Make sure the container you’re buying belongs to the same company you’ve approached because some shipping companies certainly might sell other brand’s products. Also, be careful while purchasing the used containers - check thoroughly its exterior, interior and overall quality of the container, etc.

4. Material

Whether you are buying a new container or a used one, look for those made from “Cor –Ten Steel”. Shipping containers made up of this Steel last the longest and can stand up in any weather and rust.

5. Inspect for CSC Plates 

Container Safety Convention (CSC) plates are like a passport for the shipping containers. It contains all the necessary details of the container. CSC plates are used to regulate safety standards for ISO shipping containers to the benefit of all involved in handling and moving containers. Make sure that the container you buy does have the CSC plate attached on it.

So, we hope these tips will help you in simplifying your purchase for buying a shipping container. All the Best!

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Container Homes for Homeless: They are Perfect!

Well, you must be aware of the housing crisis Canada and nearby regions are facing for a long time. The number of homeless people is also rising day by day. In such circumstances, the shipping container creations prove to be an ideal solution. Due to the astounding feature like building efficiency, robust modular scalability, and cost effectiveness, the recycled shipping containers are becoming a staple in the global architecture industry.  Here are some more reasons to prove this.

Affordable

It is one of biggest advantage. Those who are looking for an accommodation can easily invest a little amount and own a shelter. The recycled shipping containers are now available at an affordable price. Converting a container into a home is far less expensive than building a home in conventional style. Thus, it proves to be an affordable and faster deal.

Ease to Construct

You must be aware of the problems; you might face in constructing a home in traditional style. Undoubtedly, it is an extreme tedious process. On the contrary, shipping container home design is an easy job. All you need is a used shipping container, and then either takes professional help or DIY and convert into living space. If you are really on a budget, adding simple doors or windows, will also serve your purpose.  

Consume Less Time

Another advantage is that it is possible to turn the container into a home sooner. It will take up to a couple of weeks even for a simple and small house. But, shipping container homes can be prepared just in few days or a week. It is all about selecting the right container for you.  

While, these container houses are cheap and easy to build, on the other hand they bring forth enormous eco-friendly benefits. Thus, using these containers as building blocks for housing structures is perfect for homeless!

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3 Things to Learn from Hive-Inn Structure!

The idea of using the shipping containers in constructing amazing buildings has changed the definition of conventional architecture. One of the examples is the hotel Hive-Inn in Hong Kong. This stunning colorful structure consists of stacked recycled container blocks, which can be swapped in and out. Have a sneak peek at the amazing features of Hive-Inn, you need to learn: 

1)   Durable Structure: Undoubtedly, this structure is unique in itself. Besides, it is well known for durability too. The containers are designed to withstand harsh weather condition. Moreover, they can withstand thousands of pounds weight. Also, these are least effected by natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes, preventing huge structural damages. So, you can use them for constructing buildings of various type, including hotels, schools, homes, etc.

2)   Convenience: When it comes to ease, nothing can beat the shipping containers. In this model, the ease to swap in and out the container blocks is really tremendous. These future structures will offer a real, functional abode. Not to forget, putting in plumbing, electricity, insulation, and a firm foundation is also very easy as compared to concrete structures. Thus, the professionals today can get right away on the  interior and exterior necessities, saving their time and labor.

 3)   Economical: You cannot miss this point. Used or recycled shipping containers are available at a reasonable price today. While the conventional building costs a huge amount, these containers can easily replace them. And, this is what Hive- Inn hotel experimented with.

So, why to go for expensive, less durable and difficult constructions, when you have a simple option!

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Top 4 Creative Architect Designs Using a Shipping Container

Architects are said to be born with creativity in their genes. The outstanding buildings with exceptional designs are the resultant of their hard work and thought process. Same goes with the architects in South Korea. From the past few years, the designers here have been widely experimenting with shipping containers. They have come out with a number of functional and durable results, ranging from animal shelters to high-end retail spaces.

Check out some of the stunning designs below:

An Open Book Store

This stunning design represents very useful kiosks. It caters every single need of customers, including food, hand-made objects, magazines, newspapers and much more. On the other hand, the structure serves several purposes such as commercial activities, surveillance, exchange of information, and interaction.  

Playful Basketball Pole

This basketball court will appeal the players greatly. Moreover, this unique design includes a hollow space, which can be either used by the referee’s or as a soda shop to entertain the players, whenever they are tired.

The Convenient Cafeteria

What about this stylish and comfy cafeteria, offering scrumptious food and an astounding sitting area? Looks great! Formed from used shipping containers, this is a wonderful creation, which brings usability and exceptional designing together.

Transparent Store

Though, this one is somehow similar to the ‘open book store’, but it makes a difference with the half transparent roof. It offers a clear view of the store, along with a lovely sitting and discussion place outside.

These designs might appear to be impractical, but they are not. Definitely, they will leave you thinking about the vision of the designers! 

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Maximize Space in Your Tiny Modified Container Homes

Introduction

Here are a few tiny house hacks to make your modified container home look spacious, livelier and bigger. Catch these out….

1. Use Semi-Opaque Materials in Windowless Rooms

For rooms that doesn’t have windows installed in them, you can opt for semi-opaque materials  to allow the light to brighten up the space. 

2. Add a Loft Anywhere

Lofts are a great way to increase space in a house.  Create space above your kitchen, living room, bedroom-anywhere you want. Actually, there is no end to the versatile vertical spaces. 

3. Let Your Space Breathe with Sliding Walls

You can give your home a  much larger feel than its actual one with large sliding doors with wide doorways.

 4. Use Open Storage to Draw the Eyes

An open storage in the kitchen or any room can help you live well-organized. It also provides huge storage space. 

5. Let Colors Speak!

Add a pop of color or two… let the colors describe the space in your house.

6. Paint or Wallpaper the Ceiling to Make the Room Look Taller

Anything that draws the eye upwards makes a room feel bigger! To accomplish this, use a good and attractive paint or wallpaper on the walls of your tiny rooms.

7. Hidden Storage in Multi-Purpose Items

If you want to keep your precious assets hidden in your modified container house without installing those visible safes and lockers, this is a great idea for you. 

8. Install Glass or Lucite Items

Glass and Lucite pieces are totally in style today. Buy a few to get an added flavor of not occupying up too much visual space. 

9. Say ‘Seeya’ to Overhead Lights

Harsh top-down lighting poles were the talk of the past. Use a few cool sconces or small lamps to spread the light around and change the tempo of  the room. 

10. Break the Rules

Let you romance dement the atmosphere! You can use swings or bean bags instead of wooden furniture or sofas in the living room to make the space more open, fun and personal. Go wild.

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Portable Playroom for Kids

The used shipping containers have always been kind enough to lend their space to build various stylish and significant structures-from small vacation cabins to movable cafes, green homes, schools, skyscrapers, etc.. Adding further, now it’s time to do something for our kids- creating a fun and functional kids' room.

Below are a few tips to design your used container kids' room with these amazing ideas.  

1. Be playful: Think playfully when it comes to designing a kid’s room! Decorate the walls of the used container with a mix of your kid’s art and some photography. Choose the colors of your kid’s choice.  Go for pictures like dinosaurs, Barbies or any cartoon character, as per your kid’s liking. Removable wall tattoos can help you here.

Make sure to use Eco-friendly and mild paint, keeping your kids' health in mind.

2. Don’t forget about function: Install hardwood floors, window rolls and open shelving in the room. These will make the used container kid’s room more spacious.  You can also install sophisticated overhead lightnings and some wall decor with wall graphics that matches the aesthetics of a kid’s room.

 3. Storage is essential: Choose a bed that blossoms, reveal layers, comfortable and be the focal point of the room. A loft bed can serve your purpose. Install cupboards with bright colors like pink, blue, etc., depending on the choice of your kids. You can also ask your child to put their signature on it with personal handprints or fingerprints. Allocate different areas for their things like books, clothes and toys.

4. Place educational thing in the room: Do not just stick with the design! Make your kids room a learning center by placing things like books, charts and toys for education. Make it a ‘learn while you play’ room for kids.

5. Use soft and light fabrics: Select the bedding that matches the theme of the kid’s room. You can mix and match pillows, comforters and sheets. Aside from this, add some extra pillows, just for accent.

Although, designing a room, especially those for kids, can cost you a lot, but still it will be very affordable as you would definitely save a lot if you create a kid’s room in a Used shipping container.

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Why Your Storage Business Plan Should  Include Shipping Containers?

Many storage site entrepreneurs are realizing that shipping containers can limit the necessary start-up expenditure and can add value to their businesses. 

Below are 5 reasons why used shipping containers should be a part of your storage business plan.

 1) Lower Your Cost While Setting Up a Storage Site 

Why spend buckets of money on buying those expensive storage spaces if you have a much better and a cost-effective option available- the Used shipping containers. Shipping container storage units can save up to 60%  than using commercial spaces.

Aside from the comparatively small investment needed, used shipping containers also provide long-term financial advantages. There’s a very healthy buyers’ market for Used containers which means that you’re likely to get a fair price, if you ever want to sell your containers. In short, used shipping containers are an option of ‘No or less investment with greater profit’ deal. They have a longer life span and potential re-sale value.

2) Maximize Your Income and Space by Stacking Containers 

Obviously, with the passage of time, you might need to expand your business. As such, you might need more land. Fortunately, used storage containers are engineered to be stacked several units high, so taking advantage of this feature allow you to get more from your storage site. With this, you can expend your business as well as your income without much investment. 

3) Easy Modifications

 With a used shipping container, you can have it modified to meet the needs of your business or your customers, including partition walls for smaller storage units, lighting, personnel door access, etc. 

4) Security 

One of the main priorities for anyone choosing a storage site is the security. Because of their sturdy construction and secure lockbox feature, shipping containers are known to be a secure storage option.  It is almost impossible to tamper the highly secured lock system of these containers.

5) Durability

Besides external security, used shipping container also offer security for your material and items from external threats like water and sunlight since, these are built from high strength Corten steel.  Also, containers are coated with marine grade paint, which  helps fight off rust.

Shipping containers not only offers you maximum flexibility and help keep you cut down the costs, but they also allow you to provide your customers a secure storage.

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Freight Farms: Transforming Used Shipping Containers into Urban Farms

Introduction

While used shipping containers have provided a solutionfor the house crisis in Canada, it is now again serving yet another indistinct benefit. If you wish to have a personal garden, or like to grow fruits and vegetables in urban area, shipping containers are the right choice for you. Wondering! Yet true!!

A Modern Green Solution

Creativity has no limitations and humans have proved it again. With the super creative ideas, the designers have managed to transform these used containers into portable farms that can be placed either on rooftop of buildings or even in uninhabited spaces in cities.

With the aim of creating local, sustainable, fresh food that also tastes better, this innovative, green idea is inspiring many, everywhere.

Converting Used Shipping Containers to ‘Podlands’ 

· These structures are called “pods,” that create an environment for themselves and are often self-sufficient and have the ability to produce ample food.

· These used containers are an effective solution that fits several types of vegetables and can be used on the roof where you can grow grass.

· These shipping containers are turned into small hydroponic farms to grow vegetables, herbs, lettuce, grass, etc. Instead of using sunlight, LED lights are used and nutrient-dense water is used in place of soil.

· Agriculturists or the owners of these farms monitor the temperature, pH, carbon dioxide and humidity levels to optimize these variables for maximum growing potential.

· Red and blue lights are used, which automatically cycle on and off to simulate day and night.

· A high-tech irrigation system circulates the water to help the plants grow, naturally.

· Since, these used containers are insulated; external temperatures do not affect plant growth at all.

· Moreover, there’s no need for any land cover as a standard, 8-by-40-foot container is spacious enough to yield as much produce as a 1-acre farm.

Definitely, this idea of turning a used shipping container into a ‘natural green-tract’ is very environment friendly and can help greatly in saving and increasing GREEN on mother Earth!

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Canada Home Crisis: Build Your Dream Home in Little Expense !

Glimpse of the Canadian Housing Crisis: A report

Accordingto the latest news, housing market in Canada is bearing an ‘unhappy resemblance’to what the US picture looked like before the financial crisis. The Mayors of Canadian cities say that there is an increasing housing crisis in Canada as many people are unable to buy the homes due to high household debt, new economic realities and changing demographics.

Words from the Canadian Authorities

“We need to start working with the federal government and our provincial governments on a national view on housing,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. The average price of a new home has doubled than the price from 2001 to 2010. There is a crisis of homelessness, as well, said the federation, with 1.5 million families in need of housing and an estimated 300,000 in shelters and on the streets- the mayors reported.

Although, the Canadian Government has started making efforts to solve the crisis in different cities of Canada, yet there is an easy and affordable solution for the Canadians-Building homes out of used shipping Containers. Wondering!! Continue reading to know more….

Crate Idea to End Up the Housing Crisis

As known, there are countless used shipping containers around the world just sitting on shipping docks taking up space. Earlier, these used containers were used for storage. But, a more productive option to reuse these spare containers can be to turn them in a living space. These used containers can be customized to install housing elements such as Air Conditioners, windows, doors, etc. to make a house more comfortable than those regular houses made of concrete and bricks. Undoubtedly, using these used containers serves many benefits over the traditional method of building houses. Used container houses are, undoubtedly, durable, strong, easily customizable and inexpensive.

Best Out of Waste

Here are few remarkable examples of luxurious houses built by recycling and  customizing the used containers.

1. The Social Housing for Women in Vancouver marks to be the first housing container in Canada. The house covers an area of 280 to 290 sq. ft. It is a 3-leveled building built out of 12 used shipping containers with beautifully colored walls. 

2. The Shipping Container Canstay Motel is yet another example serving the housing crisis in Estevan-a Canadian city. Each 40 foot-long sea-can has been adapted into two rooms, each with a door, window, bed, television, kitchenette, and private bathroom with a shower. 

With similar ideas, you can try your own innovative ideas to build a comfortable and affordable dream house for you!!

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What to Look for While Purchasing a Shipping Container?

A modular and stackable metal container generally used for carrying goods across ocean and land, is termed to be a shipping container. Known for durability, they are prefect to withstand heavy weight and harsh weather conditions. Besides, shipping goods these containers are used for storage purposes by individuals and businesses. To add here, they have been shaped into astounding homes, offices, schools, stores and much more by a number of architects and builders worldwide. So, when you are all set to buy a shipping container, read on few tips to consider for a wise purchase:

· Location: Firstly, you need to consider your current location. Things become much simpler for you, if you are situated somewhere near a local port. The reason being, here you will find plenty of suppliers for shipping containers. But, not to worry if you don’t find a port near you as it can be shipped to your place. All you need is a reliable provider!

· Budget: New shipping containers are now available at affordable prices. Hence, if you are buying it for shipping purpose, go for the new ones. But, if you want to save more money or cut down the cost, look around for some used containers in good condition.

· Material: You need to know that not all shipping containers are made from the same material. It is advisable to go for ‘Corten Steel’, as they are highly durable and stand up to inclement weather and rust upto a great extent. If you are buying a shipping container made from some other material, you can take help of some experts to inspect your container.

· Delivery: If you are not near to the port, get it delivered by tilt bed roll off truck. Doing so will save your efforts and money both, else you have to call a small crane or huge forklift to move and position it. Even a 20′ shipping container weighs almost 5000 lbs. Hence, it cannot be done manually as it requires at least 50 really strong men.

· Other Features: If you need it for storing purpose, and want them to be ovens or freezers (depending on the outside temperature), you need to check for their insulation and ventilation in advance.

Buying a shipping container will become a memorable purchase, if you consider the aforementioned tips. Also, if you have some other important points that could affect a container purchase, mention it here.

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5 Most Important Things Deck Officers Must Check during Cargo Watch

During a freight, shipping container vessels has tostay at a number of ports, as per the interest of their company. The deck-officers are the authority to monitor the loading and unloading of cargo and various other activities, at each port stay. This is really a hectic job for the officers.

Monitoring cargo activities at port stays can be very easy if the officers have an appropriate knowledge and a well formulated plan. Here are 10 important things that Deck officers must  check during their Cargo watch.

1. Have Knowledge of IMDG Containers Loaded Onboard: Deck Officers must have a good knowledge of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code. The IMDG Code was formed to prevent all types of pollution at sea. The Deck Officers are responsible for the paperwork and documentation of the IMDG code. Also, reassuring the position of all the DG containers loaded as per the plan, is the responsibility of the officers. 

2. Plan and Monitor Loading and Unloading of Cargo: Loading and unloading the freight container cargoes at ports, monitoring the execution of the entire action plan, ensuring safe keeping and safe removal of the hatch covers and noting the gantry number should come under the responsibilities of deck Officers. 

3. Handle Reefer Container with Care:  Since Refrigerator containers are very sensitive cargoes and should be handled with care. The Deck officers should ensure that the loading and unloading of these reefers should be accomplished with proper knowledge and supervision of the electrician. 

4. Ensure Utmost Level  of Security and Safety On board Ship: The ISPS (International Ship and Port facility Security) code is the code for security and safety of ships, ports, seafarers and government agencies. Different security measures should be monitored to ensure security at various levels, as per the ISPS Code.

5. Check Lashings Thoroughly: Lashing is the securing of cargo for transportation with the goal of minimizing shifting, using various means like wires, chains, nets, etc. The deck officer is responsible for ensuring every lashing activity to be satisfactory. For this, the officers need to have a good understanding of lashing gears and plans.

Undoubtedly, a cargo catch is a tedious and a busy stretch. But, if the officers keep the above points in their mind, nothing will be problematic. Relax and find time for yourself. Working with a hush-and-rush mind might create problems.  

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Shipping Container Prices Rise by 25% in Asia-Europe

According to a latest bulletin, the freight rates of shipping containers increases by 25% in Asia and North Europe as a twist in the general rate increase (GRIs). Although, the increased price nowhere matched to the expected figure $800-850 as announced by the carriers, earlier. With the aim of minimizing this difference between the expected figure and original price increase, the carriers have raised it some more.

With the effect, G6 alliance partner OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line) raised its rate for a high-cube 40ft by $300 to $2,300 from Chinese base ports. Meanwhile, K Line’s rate for a high-cube 40ft today raised at $2,554 and Mediterranean Shipping Co at $2,900 on the same leg.

OOCL has decided to approve a PSS (Peak Season Surcharge) of $350 per turn on the trade, K-line  a further GRI of $300 per teu, while MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) and MOL (Mitsui O.S.K Lines) have also proclaimed GRIs of $600 per teu, all to take effect from 1 February.

However, Freight Investor Services container derivatives broker Ruichard Ward said: “Although utilization is reportedly in the 90%-plus range, sentiment is more bearish than it was 12 months ago, when many shippers struggled with the huge spike in rates just before the Chinese holiday period.”

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Challenges for the Freight Transportation Industry in the Coming Years

With just a quarter of the year left, it’s time to review the challenges, opportunities and success attained in the respective industries. As far freight industry is considered, this year was full of leaps and bounds. There were number of challenges faced, which are expected to continue in the next year too. Find them below;

1.    The Climate Change:

This is surely not a new challenge to the world but now it is a matter to concern for the freight transporters too. The near-total population relies significantly on petroleum fuels; and some way or the other transportation sector is responsible for those climate changing emissions. According to the stats, about 15 percent of manmade carbon dioxide emitted in the environment arrives from the cars, trucks, airplanes, ships and various other vehicles. And thus, today the whole transportation infrastructure is at a risk due to the effects of global warming.

Moreover, in the coming year it is also expected that severe weather, climate extremes and rising water levels will impact the transport of freight greatly. The reports also state that the coming years will bring along very hot days and heat waves. This will also increase the Arctic temperatures, making the sea level high. And all this will lead to storm surges, frequent intense precipitation and increases in the intensity of strong hurricanes, which is not desirable for the freight transportation industry. The impacts will not be limited to environment, but significant changes in the constructing, planning, operation and maintenance of transportation systems will be seen.

2.    Change in the Capacity:

Earlier it was said, that as the weather improves, the supply of freight shipping container also improves. But, since the economy is undergoing one of the slowest recoveries from the recession, the demand for trucking seems to increase slowly. The capacity shortage for freight industry is due to various reasons. One of the biggest challenges as per the recent reports is that trucking companies are facing lack of quality drivers. Besides, this report also stated that the trucking companies are nowadays spending more money on driver recruitment rather than sales and marketing.

The reason behind this shortage is that truck driving is not concerned as a respected profession. The young people are not ready to spend their lives on the road, far away from their friends and family. Thus, the positions left by the aging drivers are still waiting. Secondly, truckers are now less interested in purchasing expensive assets without commitments from the customers to pay the freight.

3.    There is Not Much Drive Behind Fixing Infrastructure Problems:

Recently a new report by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association stated that ‘nearly 63,000 bridges around the country are structurally deficient’. There are several other stats pointing towards the bad infrastructure all over the globe. Although the politicians commit to spend money on fixing bridges, freeways and potholes, but the reality is far away. The deteriorating condition of the infrastructure contributes to the challenge for freight transportation too.

These are the three most crucial factors influencing the world of freight transportation. And, with the passing time, the freight industry will undergo severe changes in the coming years!