The Most Common Variety and Sizes of Shipping Containers
The International goods transporters utilize different containers to guarantee a guarded delivery of your products from your country to the destination. They need various structures, sizes, materials, and constructions of containers to accustom several non-identical goods.
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The International goods transporters utilize different containers to guarantee a guarded delivery of your products from your country to the destination.
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They need various structures, sizes, materials, and constructions of containers to accustom several non-identical goods.
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Size Details of the Shipping Containers
Following are the heights, lengths, widths, weights, and detailed specifications of the shipping containers. The numerical values may differ a bit based on the conversion and manufacturing methods.
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Most Common Variety and Sizes of Shipping Containers
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The Most Usual Varieties of Shipping Containers
OPEN TOP CONTAINERS
These containers are designed with a demountable top and. You can use them to contain over-height goods.
DRY CONTAINERS
These are the most usually utilized containers around the world. Forty feet, 20 feet, 10 feet are the currently available sizes of these containers.
TUNNEL SHIPPING CONTAINER
These tunnel containers have openings on both terminals. These have made shipping, loading, and unloading much effortless.
SIDE OPEN CONTAINER
The open side containers have openings on the side to ensure some particular loading and unloading necessities.
CAR CARRIER CONTAINERS
These containers are specially designed for the transportation of cars over long distances. To secure the car damages, these are designed with collapsible sides.
FLAT RACK CONTAINERS
These containers are foldable and can load large-sized products, construction tools, heavy-weight machinery, or building supplies.
STORAGE ROLL CONTAINERS
The solid and thick, strong mesh foldable, easily movable rollers can be utilized to ship stacks and sets of heavy-weight goods.
INSULATED CONTAINERS
These containers feature a regulated temperature control device that is majorly suitable for transporting long distances.
REFRIGERATED ISO CONTAINERS
These ISO Containers or reefer containers are utilized to secure temperature-sensitive materials such as seafood or fruits.
HALF-HEIGHT SHIPPING CONTAINERS
These containers are commonly utilized to transport materials that are necessary for smooth loading and unloading.
Learn More: Cheapest Way to Ship Large or Oversized Packages
What is Priority Mail Cubic?
Priority Mail Cubic is a specialized service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that prices packages based on their outer dimensions rather than weight. This unique pricing model can lead to significant savings, especially for small, dense packages weighing up to 20 pounds.
Key Features:
- Dimension-based pricing: Rates determined by package size, not weight
- Weight limit: Up to 20 pounds
- Delivery timeframe: 1-3 business days
- Insurance: $100 included for free
- Tracking: Free package tracking included
- Savings: Up to 90% off retail shipping rates
USPS Cubic Pricing Tiers
Priority Mail Cubic uses a tiered pricing system based on the package's volume. There are five tiers:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 0.1 cubic feet
- Tier 0.2: 0.101 to 0.2 cubic feet
- Tier 0.3: 0.201 to 0.3 cubic feet
- Tier 0.4: 0.301 to 0.4 cubic feet
- Tier 0.5: 0.401 to 0.5 cubic feet
Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier
For Boxes and Rigid Packages:
- Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
- Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
- Multiply length x width x height
- Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
- The result is your package's cubic feet measurement
Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":
- Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
- 12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
- 349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
- This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier
Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches
For Envelopes and Soft Packs:
- Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
- Round down to the nearest quarter inch
- Add the length and width together
- Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
- Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
- Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
- Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
- Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
- Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"
Restrictions
- Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
- Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches
Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic
- Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
- Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
- Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
- Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
- Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
- No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price
Tips for Maximizing Savings
- Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
- Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
- Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
- Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
- Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings
2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates
[Insert current rate table here]
Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates
Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.