Final answer:
The maximum haul weight for container ship flatbeds on routes like Shanghai to Los Angeles is around 100,000 tons, and they can ship a wide variety of commodities including consumer goods and bulk materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum haul weight of a flatbed will depend on various factors, including the design of the vehicle, the road regulations in the area it operates, and the engine capacity. However, if we're talking about container ships like the ones operating between Shanghai and Los Angeles, a typical vessel can carry a significant amount of weight. These large container ships can transport approximately 10,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with each container carrying an average load of about 10 tons.
Considering this average, the maximum load a ship might carry on this route would therefore be in the vicinity of 100,000 tons. As for the types of commodities that can be shipped, the range is quite broad. Anything from consumer goods, electronics, furniture, and vehicles to bulk materials like metal ores, grain, and other raw materials can be transported via these container ships. The versatility in shipping is one of the major advantages of this method of transport, as it allows for a wide variety of items to be moved across vast distances.