Container ships are the fastest and safest way to move goods across the world in bulk, but when each container is roughly the size of a garage, how can you make the process financially viable for vehicles? This article tells you everything you need to know!
What Is An R-RAK?
R-RAKs are high-strength steel racks that reduce the horizontal footprint of vehicles inside a container. In container shipping, the shape of the box is often problematic because it leaves large, expensive pockets of vacant space. When the correct type of racking solution is applied, space can be optimised. As such, a 40 ft container can be tweaked to safely hold up to four regular-sized vehicles, meaning only 250 containers and 500 racks are required for shipping 1000 vehicles.
Can A Racking System Be Used With Any Vehicle?
Yes! All Trans-Rak racks are designed to be used with any make or model of vehicle, so it is possible to ship 1000 different types of car using the same rack. Trans-Rak also offer a portfolio of racks for specialised requirements, such as the Pallet-Wide rack, featuring identical benefits to the R-RAK but is able to be loaded in Pallet-Wide containers as well as ISO standard sized containers.
Does The R-RAK Offer Good Return On Investment (ROI)?
With their larger choice of ports, faster routes, and enhanced safety, shipping vehicles via container is often a way of reducing costs and delivery times. Combining container infrastructure with racking technology increases the ROI. For instance, the training required to safely install an R-RAK is minimal, and the protection it offers to vehicles when compared to RoRo methods is enhanced, leading to increased savings. As R-RAKs are reusable, the savings are cumulative, with racks paying for themselves after an average of around ten journeys.
What Happens To An R-RAK Once I Have Used It?
R-RAKs are designed as a sustainable solution. When used continually, each rack has a lifespan of between seven and ten years. At the end of each journey, the cassette can either be immediately re-used, or can be folded into a neat pod. Each 40ft container can hold up to 60 R-RAK pods, so returning the racks from a shipment of 1000 cars would require only 9 containers. Once the high-grade steel has reached the end of life, the racks can be fully recycled.
What Factors Affect Shipping Cost?
The cost of racks and the savings that they offer are based upon two core variables. The first is the price of steel, which is variable. Unlike some companies, at Trans-Rak we always use high-grade steel for optimal results, even if this means paying a little more, as this guarantees safety and lifespan. The second is the cost of container shipping, which can be influenced by external factors such as fuel prices. Industry forecasts continue to suggest that with continued investment, this is a more efficient and cost-effective shipping solution for trans-continental voyages than slower, heavier, RoRo methods.
What Next?
To talk through numbers, prices, and potential returns – or simply to learn more about our racking systems – please get in touch with one of our technical sales team today.
Image source: Unsplash
