The container in logistics - what is it?
The term container is widely used in logistics and transportation. It describes the combination of different goods and materials. A container turns many individual goods, materials or raw materials into a manageable unit. This facilitates both transportation and the storage and retrieval of goods. Storage itself can also usually be carried out in a more space-saving manner.
However, the container also has different meanings in logistics:
- Packaging with filling
- An entire package (for example a wrapped pallet with goods)
- An empty package
However, a container is always a packaged unit, regardless of whether it is full or empty. A single package can also be a bundle, i.e. a single carton.
These types of containers are available
The term container is used for a wide variety of packaging types and items. These include:
- Foiled pallets
- Barrels
- Beer crates
- Plastic containers
Containers are also differentiated according to their frequency of use:
- Reusable containers
- Two-way containers
- Disposable containers
