In over ten years of business, Freightquote.com has seen it all. In terms of freight, that is. If you can imagine it, Freightquote has shipped it. Cargo in every shape and size has been quoted, booked, shipped and delivered using Freightquote’s incredibly efficient online freight management system.

But just how wide of a variety of items has Freightquote actually booked for shipment?  The spectrum is extensive because freight is not just cardboard boxes and pallets. Carriers also haul machinery, liquids, perishables and more. But how are those items transported?

On the largest end of the container spectrum are intermodal freight containers, which are basically the size of a railroad boxcar – generally, 20 feet of corrugated steel (although there are some cube containers as well). An intermodal shipping container can be used on ocean-going vessels, railcars and over-the-road trucks and can hold just about anything.

For the transport and storage of liquids and bulk granular or similar materials, many shippers use intermediate bulk containers or IBCs. IBCs are substantially smaller than a steel shipping container and can be constructed of plastic, steel or composite materials. Some are even collapsible.

Other shippers of liquids and granulars choose steel, plastic or fiberglass drums.

Air freight can require its own type of containers. Often, air cargo planes are loaded with unit load devices.  ULDs are metal pallets or containers specifically used to load freight on aircraft.

In addition to containers of different shapes and sizes, specialized containers are available for unique cargo. Insulated shipping containers are used to ship temperature sensitive products like food, pharmaceuticals and chemicals when an entire refrigerated or insulated trailer is not needed.

Other items require customized cushioning or bracing.  Freight such as musical instruments, electronics and even weapons are shipped in specifically designed cases.

When shippers contact Freightquote.com to quote and book a freight shipment, the type of container used is important to obtaining an accurate quote from the right carrier. Freightquote has long-standing relationships with many different, reputable carriers and can easily find the right one to haul any type of load and any type of container.