Shipping Containers for Sale - Guide to Buying

Guide to Shipping Containers

Shipping containers have revolutionized the way goods are transported across the world. These large metal boxes, which come in standard sizes, have made it easier and more cost-effective to move goods by sea, land, and air. In this article, we will take a closer look at shipping containers, their history, uses, and the impact they have had on global trade.

History of Shipping Containers

The history of shipping containers dates back to the early 20th century when the need for more efficient ways to transport goods across long distances was increasing. In 1955, the first standardized shipping container was introduced by an American trucking entrepreneur named Malcolm McLean. McLean was looking for ways to reduce the time and cost of loading and unloading cargo from ships, and he realized that using containers that could be loaded directly onto ships could be the answer.

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McLean's idea was initially met with skepticism, but he persevered and established a company called Sea-Land Service to develop and promote the use of standardized containers. By the 1960s, containerization had become a widely accepted practice in the shipping industry, and it has since become the most common method of moving goods around the world.

Uses of Shipping Containers

Shipping containers have a wide range of uses beyond just transporting goods. One of the most popular uses is for housing. The sturdy metal construction and modular design of shipping containers make them ideal for creating affordable and sustainable homes. Architects and builders have been using shipping containers to create everything from single-family homes to multi-unit apartment buildings and even office spaces.

Another popular use for shipping containers is for storage. Shipping containers are weather-resistant and secure, making them a great option for storing items such as tools, equipment, and vehicles. They are also commonly used for temporary storage during construction projects or as a portable storage unit for businesses.

Shipping containers are also used for pop-up shops and restaurants. The modular design of shipping containers allows them to be easily transported and set up in various locations. This makes them a popular option for businesses that want to create a unique and mobile storefront.

Impact of Shipping Containers on Global Trade

The use of shipping containers has had a significant impact on global trade. Prior to the introduction of containerization, goods were transported in a variety of ways, including loose in the hold of a ship, in sacks or boxes, or on pallets. This made loading and unloading slow and labor-intensive, and it often resulted in damage to the cargo.

With the introduction of standardized shipping containers, loading and unloading became much faster and more efficient. The containers could be easily moved from ship to truck to train without the need for unpacking and repacking. This reduced the time and cost of transporting goods, making it possible to move larger volumes of cargo at a lower cost.

Shipping Containers are the cargo containers that allow goods to be stored for transport in trucks, trains and boats, making intermodal transport possible.  They are typically used to transport heavy materials or palletized goods.  Shipping Containers are used to protect transported cargo from shock and bad weather conditions, as well as keep storage products intact. They were first used in the 1950s and were initially developed for the purpose of commercial shipping.

Shipping containers are also referred to as, ISO container, conex box, railroad container, intermodal container and certain truck trailers. This industry term refers to the International Standards Organization (ISO), the largest developer of international standards and the organization that developed the standard dimension specifications for steel shipping containers used worldwide.

The design of the ISO standard containers allows for intermodal shipping, which is the movement of containers from one mode of transport to another, like ship, rail, or truck, without the need of having to load and unload, and reload its contents.

Shipping Containers are used to protect transported cargo from shock and bad weather conditions, as well as keep storage products intact. They were first used in the 1950s and were initially developed for the purpose of commercial shipping container transport.

Depending on the type of product that is going to be sent, the Shipping Container can vary in dimension, structure, material, etc. Characteristics of these shipping containers were later standardized, something that expedited transport without the need to load and unload the merchandise along the way.