Common Container Types for Importing Sake
Sake bottles and other cargo on ships are usually transported in containers. Freight containers are generally made of steel, ensuring durability and the ability to withstand heavy use. They are stackable, allowing for easy transport by ship, train, or truck. To be used internationally, these containers must meet the standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
There are four main types of freight containers:
- Dry freight containers are the most common and are simple metal boxes with no special features. They come in sizes such as 20-foot, 40-foot, 40-foot high cube (HC), and 45-foot HC.
- Insulated dry freight containers are equipped with liners to keep goods at a consistent temperature, often used for products like wine that require temperature control.
- Refrigerated freight containers (reefers) have built-in refrigeration systems, maintaining a steady temperature in extreme climates. These are used for items like wine that need specific temperature conditions during shipping.
- ISO tank containers are specialized containers for transporting liquids, including hazardous materials. These food-grade containers are suitable for transport by rail, road, and sea, and are often used to ship products like distilled spirits or wine, which are then packaged closer to point of sale.
When it comes to importing sake, choosing the right type of container is essential to maintaining the quality and integrity of the imported sake. Sake, particularly premium types like Daiginjo and Nama (Unpasteurized sake), is sensitive to high temperatures and temperature fluctuations.
Therefore, a reefer container, equipped with a built-in refrigeration system, is highly recommended. This type of container can maintain a consistent temperature throughout the journey, protecting the sake from spoilage. While a reefer container may cost an additional ¥100,000 to ¥300,000 per 20-foot unit (or ¥20-50 cents per bottle), depending on the destination and shipping route, it is a worthy investment to ensure that the sake arrives in the best possible condition.
In contrast, distilled beverages such as shochu and whiskey are more stable and can be shipped in dry containers, which are standard metal boxes without temperature control. These containers are ideal for products that do not require a controlled environment and are widely used in the global shipping industry due to their versatility and lower cost.
Common Pallet Types for Importing Sake
Pallets are crucial in the logistics of importing sake, serving as the foundation for stacking and transporting cases efficiently. Choosing the correct pallet size for the region is essential for maximizing the number of cases per shipment and minimizing transportation costs.
The most common pallet sizes for shipping sake are:
- Standard Pallet (48” x 40”): Predominantly used in North America, with a safe working load of up to 4,600 kg.
- Euro Pallet (1200 mm x 800 mm): Widely used across Europe, capable of carrying up to 1,500 kg.
- Industry Pallet (1200 mm x 1000 mm): Common in Europe for larger loads.
- Japanese Standard Pallet (1100 mm x 1100 mm): Standard in Japan and parts of Asia.
- Half Pallet: Ideal for smaller shipments, available in 40” x 24” (North America) and 800 mm x 600 mm (Europe).
Selecting the right pallet size not only ensures secure shipping but also optimizes the number of cases per shipment. Freight forwarders charge by weight, making it crucial to have accurate spec sheets listing the physical dimensions and weight of cases and pallets to avoid logistical issues.
For example, a standard 40-foot container can accommodate approximately:
- 20 Japanese Standard Pallets (1100 mm x 1100 mm)
- 21 Industry Pallets (1200 mm x 1000 mm)
- 25 Euro Pallets (1200 mm x 800 mm)
Accurate planning and pallet selection help streamline the import process, ensuring efficient and cost-effective sake transportation. Alternatively, bulk loading—placing sake cases directly into the container without pallets—can increase capacity by up to 30%.
However, this method requires careful packing to avoid damage during transit and may increase unloading time. Factors such as loading and unloading efficiency, the risk of breakage, and the additional labor required should be considered when deciding between palletized shipping and bulk loading. While bulk loading can optimize space, it may lead to longer handling times and a higher risk of damage, potentially offsetting the benefits of increased capacity.
How Many Sake Bottles Fit on One Pallet and in One Container?
The number of sake bottles that fit on a pallet or in a container varies based on pallet size, case dimensions, and bottle size (1.8L or 720ml). The examples below use standard sake packaging dimensions and can differ depending on the product.
When importing 720ml sake bottles (12 bottles per case), one palette can hold 600-720 bottles for 5 layers of stacked cases. With a full 40' container over 15,000 sake bottles can be transported.
- Case Dimensions: 24.0 cm x 35.0 cm x 43.0 cm (0.036 m³)
- Case Gross Weight: 18.0 kg
- Japanese Standard Pallet (1100 mm x 1100 mm)
- Cases per Layer: 12
- Total Cases per Pallet (5 Layers): 60
- Total Bottles per Pallet: 720
- Pallet Height: 229.4 cm
- Gross Weight: 1,080 kg
- Industry Pallet (1200 mm x 1000 mm)
- Cases per Layer: 12
- Total Cases per Pallet (5 Layers): 50
- Total Bottles per Pallet: 720
- Pallet Height: 229.4 cm
- Gross Weight: 1,080 kg
- Euro Pallet (1200 mm x 800 mm)
- Cases per Layer: 10
- Total Cases per Pallet (5 Layers): 50
- Total Bottles per Pallet: 600
- Pallet Height: 229.4 cm
- Gross Weight: 900 kg
- Japanese Standard Pallet (1100 mm x 1100 mm)
When importing 1800ml sake bottles (6 bottles per case), one palette can carry 240-360 bottles for 5 layers of stacked cases. In a 40' container almost 7000 large sake bottles can be transported.
- Case Dimensions: 27.0 cm x 35.5 cm x 31.5 cm (0.030 m³)
- Case Gross Weight: 14.2 kg
- Japanese Standard Pallet (1100 mm x 1100 mm)
- Cases per Layer: 11
- Total Cases per Pallet (5 Layers): 55
- Total Bottles per Pallet: 330
- Pallet Height: 171.9 cm
- Gross Weight: 781 kg
- Industry Pallet (1200 mm x 1000 mm)
- Cases per Layer: 11
- Total Cases per Pallet (5 Layers): 55
- Total Bottles per Pallet: 330
- Pallet Height: 171.9 cm
- Gross Weight: 781 kg
- Euro Pallet (1200 mm x 800 mm)
- Cases per Layer: 8
- Total Cases per Pallet (5 Layers): 40
- Total Bottles per Pallet: 240
- Pallet Height: 171.9 cm
- Gross Weight: 568 kg
- Japanese Standard Pallet (1100 mm x 1100 mm)
These calculations assume optimal stacking of cases on the pallets to ensure stability during transport. Note that the gross weight includes the cases and their contents but excludes the pallet weight, which can vary by material.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the right pallet size and container type is crucial for the efficient and safe transport of sake when importing sake. Sake, being sensitive to temperature fluctuations, benefits greatly from shipping in refrigerated containers, which maintain a consistent environment and safeguard the quality of the product.
Here at Sakura Sake Shop, we prioritize quality control and collaborate exclusively with sake importers who use reefer containers to ensure that every bottle of sake arrives in optimal condition. This commitment to excellence helps us uphold the highest standards for our customers and partners. Get in touch if you are looking to import premium Japanese sake.
