Technology in the 21st century has greatly improved the condition of the contemporary man. What the preceding generations did not have are now possible. There is virtual improvement in various aspects of life. In the transportation and storage of perishable items, there is a remarkable improvement. Before now it is extremely difficult for perishable items to be stored and transported to a far distant place. In most cases, before the goods get to their final destination, a good number of them would have spoiled. This is no longer the case in the contemporary time with the introduction of refrigerated container or what is known as reefers.
Refrigerated containers are a type of controlled atmosphere containers. It is used in the transportation and storage of perishable goods. It is available in ships. There are also trucks that have such features. So, no matter the means of transportation you want to use, you will find a container that has controlled temperature feature. Besides containers used for the transportation of goods, there are also containers specifically meant for the storage of goods and other items that have these refrigerant for cooling the items. Refrigerated containers are not only used for the storage of perishable goods like vegetables and fruits, it can also be used for the storage of chemicals and drugs that required to kept under a cool atmosphere.
There are different types of refrigerated containers. The integral refrigeration unit utilized in controlling the temperature of the first type reefers is located right inside the storage unit. There is always a standard set by the ISO. Effort is made to ensure that this type of refrigerated storage unit meets the acceptable ISO standard. However, owing to the location of the refrigeration system inside the storage unit, the payload and internal volume of the storage unit is reduced. So, it is not the best storage option for a person that has a number of items to store.
If this type of refrigerated storage unit is carried in a ship, the on-board power supply system of the ship is connected to the integral unit for the supply of power. In a situation where the on-board power supply is not big enough to power the refrigerated unit in a ship, power packs are utilized. Large diesel generators are normally used to equip the power packs; the generator has to meet the standards of ISO as regards 20 foot container. At the terminal, the refrigerated unit of the storage facility is connected to the power supply unit of the terminal.
It has been said that a refrigerated storage unit is also available for ground shipping. When ground shipping either via train or road is used, a generator set is provided to power the integral refrigerated unit. The generator set can be part of the integral refrigerated unit of the storage facility. In some reefers, the refrigerating unit is connected to an external generator set.
References: Portable Containers > Understanding Refrigerated Storage Units
Containers are ideal for transporting various goods and products from and to other countries. Transportation of various types of goods and products via shipping containers makes work easier and more reliable. Various types of containers used in shipping or any other kind of goods transportation will depend on the number of or capacity of cargo shipped or aired. Small cargo need smaller containers as bigger cargos need bigger containers. The type and design of container must be specific and of particular measurements. Most containers range between 10, and 40-foot.
Most of the ports in the world are standardized for shipping containers. This helps in quality and efficiency whenever such containers are in use. Standardization comes along with an ISO mark-a code printed on every container to give it a specific purpose in terms of carriage and the capacity. A specific container’s capacity is known by the ISO mark on it. The markings not only helps in identifying a container but also port officers can easily know what kind of goods or products are inside a particular container. The ten-foot containers are ideal for onsite storage—the place where cargoes are checked before transportation.
40-foot containers come in handy especially for commercial purposes. These types of containers carry more number of products as compared to the ten- foot containers. Horticultural products, spare parts, vehicles, clothes, machines, and other commercial items are mostly transported on these containers. The reason behind this is that the 40-foot container has more space and is more secure for such products. The potential capacity in the containers holding such measurements helps in carrying more luggage is thus the number of containers for shipping. Foodstuffs and fragile goods are some of the products you are likely to find in the twenty- foot container.
The fact of the matter is that eight- foot container was the common and most preferred mode of carriage previously. However, things changed as the demand and high rate of transportation was on the increase thus, the measurements had to be changed. From eight foot, eight foot six inches was the new international and standardized measurement. The idea of the new measurements was overwhelmingly surprising as witnessed by countries across the globe. As if that was not enough, higher dimensions came to existence and they go with a new brand name—high cube containers.
The number of foot calibrated on each container greatly determines the weight in which the container can withstand. It is an international policy of any port in the world. It is a measure that most governments in the world came to agreement thus protecting the welfare of the customer’s goods or products. It is important to note that the policy is not uniform but there is a specified standard. The table below shows measurements in foot as compared to their weights:
- 40 ft. 670 lbs.
- 30 ft. 56000 lbs.
- 20 ft. 52900 lbs.
- 10 ft. 22400 lbs.
Assuming the above table is standardized and considering it is a point of reference, it is in violation of a 40 foot container to carry weight more than 670 lbs. such a simple table of illustration is very paramount not only to staff members but also to the general public as a whole.
Also See: Storage Containers > Differences between 10, 20 and 40 Foot Containers
The United States has literally thousands of national parks reserved for the pleasure of millions of tourists. While every state in the Union has national parks, Arizona has some of the most beautiful and unique parks available for tourists.
Arizona is located in the Southwest region of the United States. Characterized by its deep rich red colored deserts and dry, hot temperatures Arizona is a unique blend of American and Mexican culture. If you are looking for a great place to start your tour of national parks, Arizona is the perfect state to start.
Grand Canyon National Park
This powerful and awe inspiring landscape is made up of 277 miles of river, which is 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. While the north rim of the canyon usually cooler due to the elevation, the climate on the south rim is generally moderate until the summer. Once summer rolls in, the climate at the interior of the canyon can reach a scalding 105 degrees. Winters are often severe with road closings due to snow and ice. The best time to visit this amazing site is in the fall and spring seasons. During these times the climate is usually dry and the temperatures are often in the 80s.
Petrified Forest National Park
This unique national park can boast the largest and most colorful collection of petrified wood in the world. This amazing park displays over 200 million year old fossils and historic structures. The weather in this amazing location is variable with hot, dry summers and thunderstorms from July to September. This park also contains the largest, most diverse collections of prehistoric pottery fragments, as well. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, be prepared for any type of weather and great time.
Saguaro National Park
The symbol of the southwest has become that of the Saguaro cactus, with its large spiny arms pointing upright to the blazing sun. This truly unique portion of Arizona lies in the Sonoran Desert located just on the outskirts of current day Tucson. Saguaro National Park has well-known hiking and backpacking treks. The weather is wonderfully pleasant in the winter where temperatures get up to the mid60s. However, trying to attempt a trek in the summer, where temperatures climb in excess of 110 degrees, requires careful planning.
Tumacacori National Historical Park
This park protects three Spanish colonial mission ruins in Southern Arizona. Tumacácori, Guevavi, and Calabazas missions are among more than twenty established in the Pimería Alta by Father Kino and other Jesuits. The climate in this region of the upper Sonoran desert is warm and dry most of the year. However, some of the guided tours are only offered at particular times of the year. Preparation for this visit will be necessary.
While Arizona has these four diverse national parks, it has even more national monuments and national historic parks. If you are considering taking a driving tour of Arizona, you would be able to visit the majority of these locations in one trip only if you plan on staying close to a full month. While Arizona is rich in history and culture, it will take time to get to see all of the special gifts the landscape has to offer.
When most people think of Arizona, they think hot and Grand Canyon. However, there is so much more to Arizona than its superb weather and awesome canyon. If you are looking for a unique and different vacationing experience, consider some of the other options available to you.
White Water Rafting
If you crave a little excitement in your vacation, you just may want to try rafting the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River. You will be able to commune with nature in a way very few have the opportunity to in a lifetime. By rafting down the 187 miles of the Colorado River, you will have 6 or 7 days of hair raising fun as you go over 60 rapids found in the Grand Canyon.
Many tourists will arrange personal rafting events with large families or friends all camping and rafting together. While a 7 day tour will cost just shy of $3,000 per person, the experience will be one that lasts a life time. For a less expensive alternative, there are 3-day tours and as well as 1 day white water rafting which hones on the higher class rapids.
If interested in creating a tailored vacation that includes Grand Canyon rafting, it will take prior planning. You should look to start organizing your expedition approximately 6 months in advance, to ensure that you can get what you would like.
Guest Ranches or Dude Ranch Experiences
For a truly different experience, why not work on your vacation. That is what happens when you take your vacation at a working dude ranch. Grapevine Canyon ranch is located in the heart of Arizona’s Apache country. This small, working cattle ranch provides an opportunity that few people ever get the chance to experience. You can choose the amount of time that you wish to stay at the ranch; however, due to its working nature, if you want to participate in the cattle drive you will have to arrange your visit during their regular working trail times.
The housing accommodations at Grapevine Canyon are small, yet cozy. All facilities are non-smoking and a decorated in unique designs. There are several free standing casitas, as well as two cabins in a duplex. Due to the nature of the size of the ranch, no more than 30 guests can be housed. This makes the entire ranching experience feel intimate, as though you are truly one of the crew.
The riding experiences are available from beginning riders (those who have only seen horses on TV), to advanced riders. Depending on your need for riding lessons, those are offered daily at the start of every day. The options of wrangling cattle, riding trails, or riding mountain territory allow you to choose the level of adventure that you are interested in. The cost for a week at this working ranch includes all meals, accommodations, and showering facilities. However, due to water shortages in Arizona laundry service is only offered once a week and will cost $8 per bag.
If you are looking for an experience that you will remember for a lifetime, try Arizona’s unique vacationing experiences. Try something different, you just may like it.
The Grand Canyon State is known for its sunny weather, dry, hot desert, and the famous Grand Canyon. Yet many avid sports enthusiasts love Arizona due to their professional sports teams. If you are interested in taking a tour of Arizona at some point, take the time to look up these professional sports and their teams. It is worth the effort if you love sports.
Baseball
Arizona is home to Major League’s Baseballs 2001 World Champs, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Based out of Phoenix, the Diamondbacks have been playing baseball at Chase Field (formerly Bank One Ballpark) since 1998. The Diamondbacks won the 2001 World Series, when they came from out of seemingly nowhere to take the title. With a regular, loyal following, the Diamondbacks frequently play at home to near sell-out crowds. If you are an MLB baseball fan, get a couple of tickets and plan on a round of peanuts and popcorn for a fun-filled evening.
Basketball
If your preferred sport is basketball, then you will want to get to an Arizona Sun’s game when you are in Phoenix. The Arizona Sun’s are the only in their division not housed in California. This makes them unique in a variety of instances. Since 1992, the Sun’s have played in downtown Phoenix at the US Airways Center, otherwise known as the ‘purple palace’ due to its bright purple seats. Although the Sun’s have never won an NBA Championship, they have had 40+ years of success. So, if you decide to check out the Sun’s, plan for a trip to the Purple Palace.
Hockey
If you are a hockey fan, it may seem odd that one of the only deserts in the United States has a professional hockey team. But don’t be fooled. The Arizona Coyotes are an NHL ice hockey team based out of Glendale, Arizona. While the Coyotes have had some problems with ownership and after a public bankruptcy in 2009, they are now owned by the NHL. But, despite the financial trouble, the Coyotes made a comeback in the 2010 season making it to the playoffs against the Detroit Redwings. If you are looking for a fast-paced game with excitement, then try and get tickets to this playoff team at jobing.com hockey rink.
Football
While some sports aficionados like to spread their wings and watch the other professional sports in Arizona, football will always be the state’s most popular team. The Arizona Cardinals have a loyal following that cannot be denied. The Cardinal’s were officially established in 1898 and are the longest continually run football franchise in the United States. While many good years were spent at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, they now play in Glendale at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Getting tickets for the Cardinals can sometimes be an issue, but if you plan your visit early enough, you should be able to secure a couple of seats and enjoy the game.
Golf
If a mind game is more your speed, you can catch the World Golf Championships in Marana, near Tucson. Although not as fully charged with testosterone, you can watch some real pros at this beautiful golf course.
When most people think of Arizona, the words ‘winter wonderland’ are the farthest thing from their minds. Most people think of hot deserts and the Grand Canyon. Although Arizona is well-known for these things, there is another side to this state that is a well kept secret. Winter in Arizona is just a fun as summer.
Contrary to popular belief, Arizona can boast about some good old fashioned winter fun. Take skiing for example. In Flagstaff, Arizona the elevation is over 7000 feet. In fact, the San Francisco Peaks are as high as 12,633 feet high. With those altitudes, Flagstaff gets plenty of winter snowfall, making it a prime location for some winter skiing. In the winter of 2009, Flagstaff had so much snow fall that it was named the 2nd snowiest city in the US, only behind Alaska.
If skiing is not your favorite pastime, then you can always take part in snowboarding or sledding excursions. With no shortage of large, snowy hills, a day of outside play can wear out your kids as well as yourself. However, if you are a little put out by cold outdoor play, there are several indoor skating rinks that will cater to your adventure. You can take lessons or just try it from scratch, but skating on ice can be much more challenging than sledding down a mountain.
Another fun and unique winter activity in Flagstaff is the annual pinecone drop contest. If you happen to be visiting during the break between Christmas and New Year’s, you can literally try your hand at pine cone dropping. While this tradition is basically the same as the ball drop in New York’s Times Square, you can join your friends in a pine cone dropping competition while your ring in the New Year.
A little further south, Lake Havasu offers entertainment of a different sort for winter. With its mostly mild winter climate, many people are water skiing, bass fishing, or taking advantage of a few rounds of winter golf. This low key part of Arizona is perfect for the older generation, or for those younger types that want rest and relaxation rather than in your face excitement.
If being entertained is more to your liking, you can plan on a winter visit to Phoenix and watch the Radio City Spectacular with the famous Rockettes. You can also make time, while you are in Phoenix, to take a tour through the always enjoyable Christmas Lights Parade. Load up your car and you can take an hour long tour of some breath-taking holiday decorations.
Another unique winter opportunity is to visit Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo. The entire landscape is decked out for the holidays with the animals setting the scene. And nothing is quite so uniquely strange, as the annual showboat lights parade in Tempe, Arizona. Join hundreds of tourists as the boats of Tempe light up the night and parade around the lake for all to see.
Always remember that Arizona has a lot more to offer than just fun in the sun. If you prefer a treat of the wintery sort, then plan a trip to Arizona in the winter. It is truly a wonderland.