Containerization is an intermodal freight transport method that’s been practiced worldwide. The reason the containerized shipment is widely adopted is the safety and efficiency it entails.
So how do we define containerization? What is the history behind containerized shipment? And in what ways does it help enhance your shipping experience? Let’s read on to learn more!
The old way of shipping: Chaos on the docks
Before we understand containerization in shipping, let’s go back a century ago, and what do we see? Crates, barrels, sacks, and bundles are carried onto a ship by hand or using rudimentary cranes. This was what was known as “break-bulk” shipping, where items had to be loaded and unloaded piece by piece.
However, this process was inefficient, time-consuming, and messy. Loading and unloading a single ship could take days or even weeks. Each item had to be accounted for individually, and the chances of something going missing or getting damaged were high. On top of that, goods were stored in a disorganized manner, which often resulted in wasted space on ships.
However, a standardized, systematic approach came that changed everything, which we know today as containerization.
The birth of containerization in shipping
When were shipping containers invented? Containerized shipment is the brainchild of an American entrepreneur named Malcolm McLean. In 1956, McLean saw the inefficiencies of break-bulk shipping firsthand and realized there had to be a better way.
He imagined goods being packed into large, standardized shipping containers that could be easily loaded onto ships, trucks, and trains. His vision became a reality when the first container ship, the Ideal-X, sailed from Newark to Houston in 1956.
It carried 58 containers, each measuring 35 feet long. The experiment was a success, and it didn’t take long for the shipping industry to catch on. By the 1970s, container shipping was becoming the new standard.
Today, cargo containers are built to standard dimensions (Learn Shipping Container Dimensions). You can easily load, unload, stack, and transport them over long distances. Plus, they can be moved seamlessly between ships, trains, and trucks without needing to be opened.
The entire process is mechanized, using cranes and specialized forklifts for handling. Each shipping container is numbered and tracked through computerized systems for efficiency.
What are shipping containers?
So, containerization is the process of transporting goods of similar sizes and shapes in containers. But what do those shipping containers look like? And how do they make the whole process streamlined?
Shipping containers are actually metal-built boxes that contain the shipping goods. When it comes to freight cargo containers, you might think of maritime containers only, right? But containers are not just for ocean shipping. Road and rail freight also include containerized shipment.
You might also have heard about “Conex box”. A Conex box and a shipping container are actually the same thing. “Conex box” is a term that originated from the U.S. military, meaning durable, steel, intermodal shipping containers used for storage and transport.
In commercial shipping, they are commonly called shipping containers, cargo containers, or ISO containers. Both serve the same purpose; whether it’s ocean containers, rail containers, or trucking containers, all make international shipments really easy and efficient.
Types of Containers
Different types of freight shipping containers have been created so far to suit different purposes. Let’s break down some of the most common types to help you choose the right one for your goods:
Standard Dry Shipping Containers
There are standard 20’, 40’, or 45’ containers, mostly made up of steel or aluminum, and designed to protect the containerized loads from humidity and elements.
High Cube Containers
If your containerized shipment needs a little extra height, high cube containers are perfect. They’re about a foot taller than standard cargo shipping containers, around 9.5 feet. And just like standard cargo shipping containers, they come in lengths of 20 ft, 40 ft, and 45 ft.
Open-Top Containers
If your project cargo is too tall to fit in high cube containers, then without any roof is there for you. These are open-top containers which are similar to standard containers but without a fixed roof. You can cover these containers with a removable steel roof or tarpaulin to protect your containerized shipments during transit.
Flat Rack Containers
An open-top freight container minus side walls makes a flat rack container. You need this container if your items are too large or bulky that they wouldn’t fit into a standard container. But don’t worry, your equipment will stay secure as heavy-duty tarps are used to cover them while shipping.
Related Reading: OOG Freight
Flexitank Containers
This one is for your liquid cargo, but the non-hazardous one like water or cooking oil. Flexitank is essentially a big, collapsible bag that fits inside a standard container for transport. This type of container holds anywhere from 10,000 to 24,000 liters.
Reefer Containers
Reefer containers are short for refrigerated containers. As you can guess from the name. These containers are equipped with cooling systems to maintain temperature, humidity, and airflow control. So, they are perfect for goods like frozen food, dairy products, or pharmaceuticals.
Insulated Containers
These are non-operational refrigerated containers. Here, you can put things at a stable temperature over long distances. They have thermal regulation but aren’t quite as sophisticated as reefers. They’re commonly used for pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, or chemicals that need to stay within a specific temperature range during transport.
Special Purpose Containers
And if you are transporting dangerous or sensitive cargo like weapons or explosives (of course, legally), special-purpose containers are built. These containers have no standard design or size, they’re customized to meet strict requirements. For instance, some specific material is used to ensure safe handling and transport.
Advantages of Containerization
Containerization didn’t just make shipping easier; it revolutionized the entire logistics and supply chain industry. Here are some of the key advantages of containerized shipment.
Efficiency
The most obvious benefit of containerized shipment is the speed and efficiency it brings to shipping. Loading and unloading goods is much faster because containers can be moved in bulk. Instead of handling individual items, entire containers are lifted and placed on ships, trucks, or trains with specialized cranes.
Ships spend less time in port. This, in turn, reduces transit times and allows goods to reach their destinations faster.
Cost-Effectiveness
For containerized shipments, most of the work is done by machines. This means lower labor costs and faster execution. Another cost-reducing factor is less risk of damage. And this translates to lower insurance costs and fewer headaches.
Security
Containerized shipment provides an added layer of security for the goods being shipped. Once a cargo shipping container is sealed, it normally remains locked until it reaches its destination, so it reduces the chances of theft or tampering. This is essentially important when goods are passing through multiple ports or borders. Additionally, with fewer people handling the goods directly, there’s a lower risk of accidents or damage.
Global Standardization
Another compelling advantage of containerized shipping is that it relies on standardized containers that can be used worldwide. A 40-foot container in China is the same as a 40-foot container in the U.S. This standardization has made global trade seamless, as metal shipping containers can move across different modes of transport without needing to be repacked.
Environmental Impact
So, what do we achieve by containerized shipping? Carriers spend less time idling in ports, which means less fuel consumption. And this, in turn, equates to less greenhouse gas emissions.
Besides, modern container ships are designed to be more fuel-efficient, further reducing their environmental footprint. There is also more space in ships leading to the reduced number of trips needed, which also reduces the carbon footprint.
Challenges of Containerized Shipment
Well, so far what we have discussed are the benefits of containerized shipment. But there is, of course, a dark side which we are going to explore now!
Repositioning Empty Containers
The equation is to fill the container up to the neck and proceed with the shipment. But it’s an ideal scenario. Due to trade imbalances, around 20% of containers are moved without container cargo. Empty or full, a container takes up the same amount of space. Repositioning them across long distances is expensive and time-consuming.
Theft and Loss
Without any use of tracking technology, your goods inside containers are vulnerable to theft while in transit. Weather is also a major culprit, as about 1,500 containers are lost at sea every year due to bad weather.
Illicit Trade
It is not so common, but containers are sometimes used to smuggle illegal goods. These include drugs or weapons. And in the worst-case scenario, these containers can involve human trafficking.
Future Trends and Innovation
Challenges are there, no doubt. But with the advent of technology, we are witnessing upgrades in the safety and efficiency of our containerized shipment.
Let’s take a look at some of the key developments that are set to make a big impact.
Blockchain
One major trend is the use of blockchain technology. This technology offers a secure and transparent way to track shipments from start to finish. What it essentially does is create a tamper-proof digital record.
This helps in improving efficiency and cutting down on fraud. Plus, the communication between global trade partners can get much more smooth as a result.
Automation
Another exciting development is the rise of automation. Automated container terminals, AI-powered self-driving containerized cargo ships, and whatnot. As tech keeps advancing, we can expect even more automation to be integrated into various stages of the shipping process.
Sustainability
Businesses are facing increasing pressure to integrate sustainability into operations. The containerized freight industry is no exception. Innovations like solar-powered containers, LNG-fueled ships, and biodegradable packaging materials are some greener shipping solutions in containerization.
Final Words
So the concept of containerization is all about revolutionizing the shipping world. Goods from multiple shippers are packed in one assembly and distributed to end users. Plus, the technology coupled with containerized shipment makes the process even more streamlined.
If you want to learn how to ship containers internationally or you want to get the most out of containerized shipments, it’s best to consult a freight forwarder like Foresmart. They will help you understand the logistics involved and choose the right shipping options.
FAQs
How do containers stay on ships?
Containers are secured using different methods like lashing bars, twist locks, and fastening belts. The containers themselves have strong locking systems to keep everything safe during transit.
What are the most common types of containers used?
The most commonly used containers include standard dry containers, refrigerated (reefer) containers, flat racks, and open tops.
What can not be shipped in a container?
You should never include highly flammable substances in shipments. The term “highly flammable” covers a wide variety of items, such as aerosols, batteries, fireworks, fertilizers, cleaning products, among others.
