CONTAINERIZATION

https://www.bms.co.in/what-is-containerization-and-explain-its-various-types/
A container essentially can be called as equipment utilized to carry goods or store goods.
Based upon this concept of a container, we can say that containerization is technique or a
method of distributing goods in unitized form thereby making it convenient to evolve or
establish an intermodal transport system which can be a combination of railways, roadways,
waterways or airways. Containers are usually standard sized and are referred to 20 ft.
containers, 40 ft. containers etc.
The international organization has defined freight container as an article of transport
equipment
• of a permanent character and accordingly strong enough for repeated use
• specially designed to facilitate the carriage of goods by one or more modes of
transport without intermediate reloading
• fitted with devices permitting its ready handling
• so designed as to be easy to fill and empty
• Having an internal volume of 1 m3 or more.

Benefits of containerization
1. It eliminates the need for intermediate handling.
2. The absence of intermediate handling as well as the goods being transported quickly
indicates that there are few chances for a cargo to get damaged or pilfered.
3. Since there is less risk of damage and pilferage due to containerization, transporting
companies can charge profitable cargo carrying premiums. Such premiums cannot be
changed in the conventional mode of cargo shipment.
4. Since the need for intermediate handling at terminal points such as ports, is avoided,
savings on labour can be realized.
5. Since goods are transport in standardized containers, saving on packaging materials,
labour required for packing, etc can be realized.
6. There is improvement in total quality service.
Various types of Containers:
General Cargo Container:
This container is packed with all general type of cargo that does not require any specific
temperature control. Today most of the containers that are in use are overwhelmingly the
general cargo type.
Thermal Container:
These containers are specifically designed to carry cargo that requires refrigeration or thermal
insulation. It is covered with a special material that has low heat transfer such as polystyrene
foam. Thermal containers are further classified in to three types
1. Refrigerated containers meant for food items that require cold storage facility. E.g.
meat, fish etc.
2. Insulated containers for fruit, vegetables etc. Here dry ice is used as cooling medium.
3. Ventilated containers which allow the passage and circulation of air through openings
made either on the sides of the containers or at the ends of the containers. E.g. coffee
seeds, tea leaves etc. are carried in these containers.
Dry Cargo Containers:
These containers are in maximum use. Such containers are very useful when cargo has to be
stuffed in to the container after the container has been mounted on to a wagon or a trailer.
Flat Container:
These containers have only a strong base and no side walls. They are useful when the cargo
is of odd size or when the cargo is very heavy. Trucks which carry heavy machinery, large sized
pipes or railway wagons which carry army tanks make use of such containers. These
containers are also called flat rack.
Bulk Containers:
Are basically large sized containers, which have man holes in them. Man holes are openings
or holes at the top of the container similar to what we see in petrol or water tankers. Such
man holes facilitate the loading of bulk cargo using gravity.
Garment Containers: These containers have hangers built in them. Clothes can be hung from
the hangers instead of folding and packing them in boxes. Such containers are thus used for
transport of garments only.
Liquid Containers:
These containers are usually made of stainless steel, they have manholes built in them. These
manholes are very useful to load or unload liquid cargo. Such containers in the transportation
of milk.
Gas Containers:
These are specialized containers that have fixture fittings which help to fill or empty liquefied
gas. E.g. Liquid oxygen. They have thick walls and are made of high quality stainless steel. This
is required for safe transport of liquid gas.
CLASSIFICATION OF CONTAINERS
Below are main types of containers used for transportation of cargo, and their characteristics.
1. DRY (UNIVERSAL) CONTAINERS
2. REEFER CONTAINERS
https://www.letterofcredit.biz/index.php/2019/07/13/freight-containers-classification-
sizes-dimensions-markings/
Containers are available in configurations to take almost every kind of cargo and mode of
transportation (ocean, air, road, and rail).
1. Dry Containers:
A dry container is a type of freight container, totally enclosed and weatherproof, with a rigid
roof, rigid side walls, and floor, having at least one of its end walls equipped with doors and
intended to be suitable for the transport of cargo of the greatest possible variety.
This is by far the most common type of container. It is suitable for the carriage of most types
of “Dry” goods, including those packed in boxes, cartons, cases, bags, bales, pallets, drums
etc.
▪ Dry container are available with standard height and high cube formations. The
internal height of standard dry containers are 2395 mm (7′ 10 1/4″) whereas the
internal height of high cube containers are 2700 mm (8′ 10 1/4″)
▪ Dry Container Dimensions: 20′ Dry Container, 40′ Dry Container, 40′ Dry High Cube
and 45′ Dry High Cube dimensions.
2. Refrigerated Containers (Reefer Containers):
A refrigerated container is a type of container which is equipped with an electrical appliance
(mechanical compressor) for the purposes of cooling or heating the air within the container.
Refrigerated containers designed for the transport of perishable goods in a temperature-
controlled environment (from -35°C to +35°C). (4)
What kind of goods should be shipped with reefer containers?
Generally foodstuff and some pharmaceuticals are transported via reefer containers.
Fresh Vegetables and Fruits: Lychees, grapes, grapefruits, mango, avocados, bananas, kiwi,
apples, stone fruits etc.
Frozen Vegetables and Fruits: IQF frozen vegetables and fruits such as IQF ocras, IQF
artichokes, IQF spinach, IQF green peas, IQF Strawberry, IQF Figs, IQF Apricots etc.
Fresh Fish: Fresh seabass, fresh sea bream, fresh sea trout, fresh pangasius, frozen sea food
etc.
Frozen Fish: IQF seabass, IQF sea bream, IQF sea trout, IQF pangasius, IQF frozen sea food
etc.
Other Foodstuff: Chilled and frozen meat, milk and dairy products, margarine, egg, juice and
concentrate, chocolate, butter etc.
3. Hardtop Containers:
▪ Hardtop container shares common features with standard dry container, except that
it has a removable steel roof.
▪ The walls of hard-top containers are generally made of corrugated steel. The floor is
made of wood.
▪ Removable steel roof of some hardtop containers has points for accommodating
forklift trucks, allowing the roof to be lifted by forklift. The roof weighs approx. 450
kg. In addition, the door header may be swing out.
▪ Hardtop Container Dimensions: 20′ Hardtop Container, 40′ Hardtop Container and 40′
Hardtop High Cube Container dimensions.
4. Open-Top Containers:
▪ Open-top container is a type of a freight container which has no rigid roof, but has a
flexible and movable or removable cover.
▪ Such containers may have movable or removable top end transverse members above
their end doors.
▪ Open-top containers are primarily used to carry heavy and/or bulky finished products,
which handling and loading can only be performed with a crane or a rolling bridge.
▪ Tiltable half-height open top containers are specially designed to carry bulk minerals.
▪ Open-Top Container Dimensions: 20′ Open Top Container, 40′ Open Top Container
and
▪ 40′ Open Top High Cube Container dimensions.
5. Flatrack Containers:
▪ Flatrack containers consist of a floor structure with a high loading capacity composed
of a steel frame and a softwood floor and two end walls, which may either be fixed or
collapsible.
▪ The end walls are stable enough to allow cargo securing means to be attached and
several flatracks to be stacked on top of one another.
▪ Flatracks are available in 20′ and 40′ sizes.
▪ The flat racks with collapsible ends also permit the transportation of over length cargo.
▪ Flatrack Container Dimensions: 20′ Open Top Container, 40′ Open Top Container and
▪ 40′ Open Top High Cube Container dimensions.
 ▪ Flatrack Container Dimensions: 20′ Flatrack Container and 40′ Flatrack High Cube
dimensions.
6. Platforms:
▪ Platforms consist solely of a reinforced floor structure with extremely high loading
capacity; they have no side or end walls.
▪ Platform containers are ideally suited to oversized, heavy load and awkward project
cargoes which cannot be transported in other container types such as high cube or
open top containers.
▪ Platform containers can be lashed together to create a larger platform for oversized
and heavy loads which exceed the standard platform container specifications.
▪ Platform containers are available in 20ft and 40ft sizes.
▪ Platforms Dimensions: 20′ Platform and 40′ Platform dimensions.
7. Bulk Containers:
▪ Bulk containers have three loading hatches in the roof, each of a diameter of approx.
455 mm (1 3/4′).
▪ On the door side, there are two discharge hatches, which are sometimes equipped
with short discharge tubes for guiding the bulk cargo.
▪ Alternatively, two unloading hatches may be mounted in the doorways, for emptying
the containers.
▪ Such containers may also be used for general cargo. Lashing rings are mounted in the
top side rails for securing the cargo. Some bulk containers are equipped with forklift
pockets, which allow handling by forklift trucks.
ROLES OF ICD & CFS
1. Roles and Functions of ICD
https://www.vskills.in/certification/tutorial/role-and-functions-of-icd/
This lesson focuses on ICD and CFS, which are essential for freight movement, across
countries.
With the liberalization of Indian economy, considerable growth in import and export
volumes has taken place over the last two decades.
With the new modes of transportation, increase in international trade and containerisation,
the ports were getting congested. Further, with widespread industrialization and economic
growth, the imports for use in hinterland and exports originating from there have increased
over time.
It was difficult for importers or exporters based in the hinterland, to come to a
gateway port for clearance of imported or export goods. The development of multi-modal
transport system with its stress on greater facilitation to importers/exporters, a need was felt
to develop Inland Container Depots (ICDs) or Container Freight Stations (CFSs). These were to
essentially function like a dry port.
An Inland Container Depot / Container Freight Station is a common user facility with
public authority status equipped with fixed installations and offering services for handling and
temporary storage of import/export laden and empty containers carried under customs
control and with Customs and other agencies competent to clear goods for home use,
warehousing, temporary admissions, re-export, temporary storage for onward transit and
outright export.
Transhipment of cargo can also take place from such stations.
The primary functions of ICD/CFS may be summed up as
• Receipt and dispatch/delivery of cargo.
• Stuffing and stripping of containers.
• Transit operations by rail/road to and from serving ports.
• Customs clearance.
• Consolidation and desegregation of LCL cargo.
• Temporary storage of cargo and containers.
• Reworking of containers.
• Maintenance and repair of container units
Basic minimum functions of inland container depot
• Custom Clearance
• Warehouse facilities
• Container and cargo Handling
• Office of an Operator
• Office of Cargo Handling Agent
• Efficient Communication facilities
• Cargo Stuffing and De-stuffing
• Shipping line office
 • Complete Security
• Custom Clearance
Additional Functions of ICD
• To accommodate the completion of Administration and documentary procedures
• Warehouse storage including cold storage and reefer storage
• Container storage and inventory control
• Container maintenance and repair
• Offices of shipping line agent
• Railway goods office
• Road haulage brokerage
• Consignment consolidation services
• Container clearing services
• Computerized cargo-tracking services
• Clearing and fumigation services
2. Roles and function of CFS
https://www.dripcapital.com/en-in/resources/blog/container-freight-station
CFS Meaning in Shipping
A CFS stands for Container Freight Station (CFS). It is a warehouse station responsible
for the consolidation or deconsolidation of cargo before the products/goods are imported or
exported. The station is involved in an export-import transaction, both at the point of origin
as well as the destination. In simpler terms, it is a space where goods are stored before loading
and after unloading the cargo.
For LCL, wherein the shipments belong to several customers, the cargo is loaded in
one container and is brought to a CFS to be consolidated before the goods are sent to their
final destination.
The CFS is operated by a shipping line or a terminal and its warehouse is located close
to the port or shipping terminal. These stations are also responsible for customs clearance
procedures and documentation for its shipments. It is a customs notified area where all
dealings are processed through customs authentications. A Customs House Agent (CHA)
serves as the main link between container freight stations and the parties involved in the
transaction.
Why Container Freight Station?
CFS facilitates intermodal transport and optimizes the process of sending smaller
shipments to their respective locations with appropriate safety measures and tracking
facilities. Here are a few reasons why CFS service is an essential part of import logistics &
export logistics.
▪ At the CFS, goods are consolidated into the several different types of containers and each
vessel is provided with a unique identification number, helping the trader track the
container and the product.
▪ The goods sent via CHS being containerized reduce the risk of damage, facilitating a smooth
transaction between the exporter and importer.
▪ A proper list is maintained - including the name of the importer/exporter, CHA agent
name/house, product, on boarding/unloading port, product name, truck number, shipping
line, quantity, size, etc.
▪ Customs clearance procedure is not required at the gateway ports.
▪ Since CHS serves as a concentration point that consolidates smaller shipments, it helps in
reducing empty container movement, thus making LCL shipments cost-effective.
▪ Automation for loading and unloading containers at the dock port.
How does a Container Freight Station Work?
Container freight stations play a role both at the time of embankment as well as
disembarkment of goods from the point of origin (export) to the destination (import). The
procedure followed by CFS during import and export is explained below.
Role of CFS while Importing goods
CFS acts as an extended part of a port. While importing goods, it can be sent directly to the
CFS instead of sending them straight from the port itself, thus reducing port congestion
significantly.
For example, Company ABC from India has a shipment coming from US-based Company XYZ.
The exporter will prepare the necessary export documents and accordingly notify the CHA
house. Once the goods are at the port, they will be transferred to the CFS and the subsequent
processes are followed -
Step 1:- The goods received at Indian port are first verified by customs and stacked at the
station.
Step 2:- Before taking the consignment to CFS, the steamer agents/liners/importers have to
file the Import General Manifest at the port.
Step 3:- The CFS then de-stuffs the goods from the containers.
Step 4:- The CHA/Importer has to file a Bill of Entry with customs after which the goods are
assessed, and payment of duty made.
Step 5:- Post customs clearance, the department gives “out of charge” order, and the goods
are released from the CFS with a “gate pass” to the trader.
Role of CFS while Exporting Goods
As explained above, a CFS is responsible for the consolidation of cargo and stuffing it in
containers before the goods are shipped. This process reduces congestion at the port of origin
and ensures that the cargo is shipped efficiently.
For example, Company ABC from India has a shipment going to Company XYZ in the US, the
procedure involving CFS for export of goods will be as follows:-
Step 1:- The exporter will load the goods in a truck and deliver it at the nominated CFS along
with the shipping bill
Step 2:- The goods will then undergo the process of loading and carting
Step 3:- The goods will be scanned and verified in the warehouse and then stuffed into
containers
Step 4:- The container is then sealed by the customs officer and sent out of the CFS to the
port
Step 5:- Once the goods are at the port, they are sent out through the shipping line (the
shipping line is the company decided by the party for processing the shipment)
The entire objective of CFS's are to accelerate and systematize the export process so all types
standardized containers, especially the TEU export containers, are regularly operated at
Container Freight Stations.
What are the main functions for a Container Freight Station?
The main freight station achievements are listed below:
▪ Receiving and dispatching cargo
▪ Consolidation and deconsolidation of the cargo (for LCL shipments)
▪ Stuffing of containers for export and de-stuffing or stripping of containers for import
▪ Temporary storage for cargo and laden or empty containers, and also for onward
transit or re-export
 ▪ Transit from rail/road to and from ports
▪ Examination and assessment of export-import shipments by customs authorities for
customs clearance
▪ Tracking system to locate containers or cargo
TYPES OF SHIPS
https://dailylogistic.com/types-of-ships/
There are different types of ships available in the worlds vessel fleet. According to the
UNCTAD data in 2019, the world fleet has 95,402 ships with 1.97 billion deadweight capacity.
In January 2021, the deadweight capacity reached 2.1 billion dwt which is 63 million dwt more
than the year 2020. The container ships play a big role in the merchant shipping fleet as most
of the finished goods carry in containers. You may have come across different types of ships
and their unique use and specifications. Having a specialized ship is easy when handling cargo
in international trade as it reduces the handling time, cost and increases efficiency.
Here are some interesting facts on the global shipping fleet. Half of the worlds fleet is
owned by Asian companies. This is 1,065 million deadweight tons. Mainly China, Japan,
Singapore, and Hong kong contribute to Asias share of the world DWT. And 16% of the total
carrying capacity is registered in Panama. And did you know that 94% of global ship
construction is carried out in China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan.
Different types of vessels
1. Break Bulk
Breakbulk is the oldest shipping method. Before introducing the containers, all the
cargoes were packed in pallets, barrels, boxes, drums were carried in one ship. The term break
bulk originated from the word breaking bulk as different types of bulk cargo carry in one ship
by breaking them with different packing. Though the breakbulk vessels were very popular
prior 1960s, the use of breakbulk shipping has reduced with containerization.
2. Bulk Carrier
Bulk vessels are designed to carry cargo in cargo holds of the ship. Bulk carriers are
available with single cargo holds to more hold with a deadweight up to 400,000. Cargo can be
loaded into the holds without packing and in bulk form. Steel, sugar, ore, grain, cement are
the most popular cargo to carry in bulk ships. Bulk vessels are available with geared and
gearless forms. Grabs are fitted to ship cranes or port/terminal cranes in order to lift the cargo
from cargo hatches.
Some bulkers discharge cargo to trucks while some discharge into hoppers which are fitted
to sailos through conveyor belts to transport cargo to the factory.
Bulk ships are single-decked and available in different sizes.
3. Container Vessels
Container vessels are popular to carry non-bulk cargo and around 90% of non-bulk
cargo carry in container ships. Faster handling, efficient use of ship space, minimize pilferage,
low unit cost, and multimodal transportation are a few advantages of moving to container
shipping. Shipbuilders construct different sized container ships and the largest container
vessel in the merchant ship fleet can carry up to 24,000 TEU. HMM, shipping fleet has 12
container ships of Algeciras class and HMM Algecira remained the largest container ship in
the world until Evergreens Ever Ace was added to the world fleet in 2021.
4. Tankers
Tankers are ships designed to carry liquid products and gasses. Oil tankers, chemical tankers,
and gas tankers are the main tanker categories.
▪ Oil Tankers
Oil Tankers are ships designed to carry liquid cargo. There are two types of oil tankers as
crude oil tankers and product tankers. Crude oil tankers are designed to carry unrefined oil to
the refineries from oil wells. Product tankers carry refined oil and are small in size than crude
oil tankers. Oil tankers move around 2 billion metric tons of cargo annually.
Oil tankers sizes vary from Handysize, Panamax, Aframax, Suezmax, Very Large Crude
Carrier (VLCC), to Ultra Large Crude Carrier (ULCC). Mont is the largest oil tanker in the world
fleet with 564,763 DWT capacity.
▪ Chemical Tankers
Chemical tankers are designed to carry chemical products. The International Convention
for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships; MARPOL Annex II - Regulations for the Control of
Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk and the International Convention for the Safety
of Life at Sea; SOLAS Chapter VII - Carriage of dangerous goods covers the regulations for
chemical tankers. Further chemical vessels should adhere to the International Code for the
Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code).
As per the IBC code, there are 3 types of chemical tankers namely ST1, ST2, and ST3
5. LPG and LNG Carrier
▪ Gas Carrier-Types of Ships
LPG tankers carry petroleum gases in bulk form while LNG tankers carry liquid natural
gasses. Some LPG tankers carry other gasses like ammonia, propylene, and ethylene.
Generally, both LNG and LPG ships are single decked and LNG ships have 4 to 6 cargo tanks.
Both types of ships come under the category of gas carriers.
6. RORO Vessel
RORO vessels stand for Roll On Roll Off. These ships are specially designed to carry
wheeled cargo. There are different types of RORO vessels available like pure car carriers (PCC)
and combined with other cargo categories like containers (CON-RO).
RORO ship has adjustable decks to park vehicles. These Wheeled cargo drives in and
out of the ship when loading and unloading. Once vehicles are loaded they are secure with
lashes on-board to avoid damages while transporting.
MV Tønsberg is operated by Norwegian shipping company Wilh. Wilhelmsen remains
as the largest RORO ship with a cargo capacity of 138,000 cubic meters. She has six fixed decks
and three adjustable decks to load cargo.
7. Cruise Ship
Cruise vessels are designed for the purpose of entertaining. Cruise ships provide world
tours through the sea and different sized cruise ships are available in the world. The tour fee
depends on the facilities available on-board same as hotels. Cruise ships are equipped with
luxury rooms, swimming pools, sporting facilities, bars, magic shows, and many more
entertainment activities.
The Wonder of the Seas remains as the world’s largest cruise ship operated by Royal
Caribbean. Symphony of the sea, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line International, and
Seaborne are a few more cruise ship operators in the world.
8. Tug Boat
Tug boats are designed to assist ships in maneuvering. When ships enter the ports for
berthing, tug assistance is required to push and pull the vessel as the ship engine is unable to
handle the ship itself.
If the vessel is not under command (NUC) which means, the vessel is unable to
maneuver due to her engine failure, she requires eternal force to maneuver the ship. During
such time, tug assistance is required for the ship.
 Ships have specific locations marked on the hull, where the tug can pull and push the
ship without harming the ship structure.
Tugs have rubber tires around the tug in order to avoid damaging the ship when
pushing and pulling. The ability of the tug to push and pull the ship depends on her towing
power. Tugs are small in size though they provide propulsive power to bigger ships.
9. Pilot Launch
The pilot launch is a small sized boat. In most of the ports, it is compulsory to get the
designated pilot of the port on-board to maneuver the ship through the port access channel
until it is berthed wise versa.
To go on-board pilot has to go to the sea (Generally the outer anchorage of a port)
and the craft which delivers the pilot to the sea calls a pilot launch. This is also known as pilot
boat, pilot cutter, and pilot tender.
10. Dredger
The dredger is a vessel uses to excavate the materials on sea bed. When it is required
to deepen the depth of a particular place especially the access channel and the water basin
inside a port, a dredger uses to excavate the sand and other materials on the water bed.
Dredging is essential when constructing a new port/terminal or harbour, recover
deposits with a value for marine life and for mining.
There are different types of dredgers available under suction dredgers, mechanical
dredgers, Bucket dredgers, grab dredgers, dipper dredgers, trailing suction hopper dredgers,
cutter suction dredgers, auger suction dredgers are a few main types of dredgers.
OPERATION SYSTEMS: LINER AND TRAMPS
https://orissadiary.com/what-are-liner-and-tramp-services/
Liner Services:
Liner services are most commonly associated with container cargo. However, such
services also include Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) services for automobiles, carriage of bulk cargo,
break-bulk cargo, oil-tankers, LNG tankers, transport of passengers, etc.
The sailing of these vessels follows a fixed shipping timetable. Also known as a sailing
schedule, it provides details on the sailings of ships between ports. For example, it could be a
weekly, fortnightly, or monthly timetable subject to regular updates.
Sailing schedules are normally published by the shipping companies that operate liner
services. However, it is also available on various specialized and trusted websites.
A shipping schedule can be checked by vessel, by port of call, or by routing. It allows shippers
or business people to analyse the best routes and transit times to plan their shipments
accordingly.
Tramp Services
Ships that follow no fixed schedule or route are known as tramp services. When
compared with liner services, they are usually much slower.
Tramp services are often considered unstable and unorganized. However, they may have
fixed clients who go for the lower rates offered.
Information on the sailing of such vessels is published by the respective shipping companies
and is also available online on public websites.
A tramp ship may suddenly show up on a shipping timetable when enough cargo is
needed to run a schedule. In such cases, when it has more cargo space available, it may accept
other cargo from customers for transport to ports on its schedule.
Tramp services are not very regular, and most of them do not offer any value-added services
that may be expected from certain liner services.
Most tramp ship services operate as simple organizations, and therefore their
overheads are considerably less. They pass on savings in these areas to their customers in the
form of lower rates. The cargo rates on tramp services are often less when compared with
those of liner services.
Tramp ships do not follow scheduled routes and mostly cover ports from where they
have cargo to load or unload. Having said that, cargo such as automobiles, bulk or break-bulk
cargo, oil, or LNG are also transported on tramp ships. In these cases, tramp ships are
chartered by the client and covered by a charter party.

Liner services operate scheduled routes, picking up and delivering cargo at

predetermined locations and times. This type of service is offered by container ships, which
can hold large quantities of freight. Tramp services, on the other hand, do not have fixed
schedules. Instead, they wait for freight to be offered to them by customers who need to ship
items urgently or at a discount. Because they don’t have regular routes, tramp ships often
travel to many different destinations.
Shipping freight can be a complicated process, so it’s essential to understand the differences
between liner and tramp services before you choose one to use. By knowing what each type
of service offers, you can decide which is best for your needs.
What are the primary differences between the two?
Cargo Capacity
Liner ships are container ships, which means they can hold large quantities of freight. Tramp
ships typically don’t carry containers and instead rely on smaller shipments. It often leads to
an inflated price for shipping freight with tramp services.
Destinations
Since tramp services don’t have fixed routes, they visit many different destinations. Liner
services generally stick to predetermined routes, which often means they don’t go to as many
places.
Timing
Liner services offer fixed schedules while tramp services do not. It can be beneficial or
detrimental, depending on your needs. Tramp services are likely not the best option if you
need to ship something urgently. However, if you have some flexibility in timing, tramp
services can often be cheaper than liner services.
Service Quality
The quality of service can vary between liner and tramp services. Liner services are often more
reliable because they have fixed schedules and operate according to a routine. Tramp services
may be more variable in quality, depending on the individual company.
Cost
The cost of shipping freight is usually higher with tramp services due to their smaller cargo
capacity and lack of fixed routes. However, if you are shipping freight urgently or need a
discount price, tramp services may be better.
Flexibility
Tramp services are generally more flexible than liner services. It can be an advantage if you
need to ship something on short notice or at a discounted price. However, it can also mean
that tramp services are less reliable overall.
Experience
Liner services have been around for longer and are typically run by larger companies. They
often have more experience than tramp services. Tramp services may be newer and smaller,
but they can still offer quality service.
Reputation
The reputation of a freight shipping company is essential to consider when choosing one to
use. Liner services typically have better reputations because they are established and have
been in business for a more extended period. Tramp services may be newer, but that doesn’t
mean they can’t offer quality service. It would be best to do your research to find the best
company for your needs.
Specialisation
Liner services are typically more specialised than tramp services. For example, liner services
may specialise in shipping freight by container, while tramp services may specialise in freight
by truck. This specialisation often leads to a higher quality of service.
What to consider when choosing between liner and tramp services
The size of the
shipment
If the shipment size will significantly decide when choosing between liner and tramp services.
If have a large shipment, liner services are the better option. Tramp services may be more
affordable if have a small or medium-sized shipment.
The urgency of the shipment
If the shipment is urgent, tramp services are not likely to be the best option. Liner services
offer fixed schedules and operate according to a set routine, which often means they can ship
freight more quickly than tramp services.
The destination of the shipment
Tramp services may be the only option if the shipping freight to a remote location. Liner
services generally stick to predetermined routes, which means they might not go to as many
places.
 FEATURES OF LINER & TRAMPS
The Liners
The name liners have been derived from the word ‘Line Voyages’ which means a
voyage or trip that follows a set schedule and route. The ships that move shipments across
the routes are called liners, following strict routes, and schedules and delivering on time
under all circumstances unless there is a delay caused by natural events.
These liner ships not only carry shipments through containers but provide other services also
from RORO services, bulk cargo service to breakbulk service. The types of liner services are
available:
•Independent service
•Conference service
•Consortia service
• Alliance service
Tramp Service
A tramp service, also called a tramper is a service that is even available at a short
notice, so it does not follow any strict schedule or routes. With tramp service, goods can be
on and offloaded at any port. Trampers are also used to carry bulk cargo, apart from usual
cargoes.
Liner Service Tramp Service

Tramp service does not have a fixed schedule or

Liner service follows a fixed route and schedule as route and is even available at a short notice. It is
well as the destination. less expensive and even has the capability to fit in
ships with lesser speed.

The liner owners follow pre-defined rules, terms,

and conditions related to the carriage and delivery There are no such conditions for tramp services.
of the cargo.

Trampers generally do not take a huge load, they

The liners have modern equipment through which prefer to transport one or two shippers’
loading and unloading can be faster. consignments and limit their loading and loading
to a lesser number of ports.

The freight rates are fixed The freight rates are negotiable
The liner ship is huge enough with many facilities to
carry even refrigerated items. They can carry a
Tramps are a little smaller and can carry only
variety of goods. As the liner has many cabins and
simple and uniform cargo in larger quantities. It
compartments, it has the capability to contain
can carry only one kind of specific goods at a time.
consignments from multiple shippers and can place
them accordingly.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Liners & Tramps
With all the different types of transportation, shipping still remains one of the top
methods. Shipping can be arranged either through a regular liner or through tramp services,
which do not have a fixed schedule. Able to suit different needs and functions, these two
services have long been the lifeblood of the vast transportation market. Liners carry goods
in large quantities from merchants and consigners. Tramp ships, on the other hand, often
carry cargo on a more random, per-load basis.

ADVANTAGES OF LINER SHIPPING

Capacity: Liner ships can carry a lot of goods. This is one of their key advantages over air
shipping. Also, the shape of what you need to transport doesn't matter. You can pick the ship
to match your cargo. Heavy machinery, cars, and plastic bottles for recycling can all be carried
on a liner ship.
Cost: Shipping is simply the cheapest way to transport goods, which is why its a method used
by many companies. If time isn't important, a ship is the way to go. Also, if you don't have an
entire shipload, you can share space and cost on a cargo ship with other businesses.

DISADVANTAGES OF LINER SHIPPING

Speed: It's not the fastest way to get cargo from one place to another. That's the major
downside of liner shipping. An air shipment may take one or two days, while a liner shipment
could take a month or more.
Reliability: Ships are unreliable in terms of time of arrival. They run on a weekly schedule and
delays can be common. They are reliable in terms of maintaining the quality of the goods they
are shipping, but if customers are waiting on the other end, it could hurt your business if you
rely only on ships.
COMMON ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF LINER & TRAMP
Large Loads
As time progresses, so does the size, science and structure of ships. Today, they are relied
upon for an assortment of tasks that still cannot be done as successfully through other means.
The primary advantage of ships is their ability to carry tons of merchandise and equipment.
They transport many of the world's finite resources, including oil and coal.

Low Cost
The secondary advantage of liners and tramps is their low cost. Transporting goods across the
sea is much cheaper than carrying them through the air, mostly due to the massive quantities
that can be delivered at once with a tramp or liner. Shipping via air cargo would require
several planes — costing much more in fuel — to equal the load of a ship.

Time
Unfortunately, liners and tramps have disadvantages too. Although ships are better than
planes for cargo loading, they are much slower than airplanes. Liners and tramps can travel
for days and even weeks to deliver cargo. In many industries where time is of the essence,
this can be a central issue. Although rare, problems with sinking or crashes can occur. Tankers
that carry oil can cause a significant environmental impact if a catastrophic event takes place.