Containerization is a term used to describe the system of transporting goods globally using shipping containers. Before the arrival of shipping containers the transport of bulk goods and other products was done in a very inefficient manner. The transport used to be cumbersome and required large number of workers at the shipping and receiving ports to handle the cargo. The containerization has standardized the dimensions of shipping containers thus enabling packing as well as loading and unloading of cargo in a much more efficient manner. Not only can the same containers be transported on the ship, but after they arrive at the port they can be attached to trucks or trains easily.
Containerization has given rise to international trade. Globalization is the term being used to describe the movement and trade of goods across various countries that never used to exchange goods in the past. Containerization is the prime enabler of globalization. It is hard to imagine the amount of progress China would have been able to make if it were not for the ease of global trade enabled by containerization.
With standard sized containers there is no need to sort or warehouse the goods. They can be readily transported using the same containers in which they were transported in ocean thousands of miles. Containers also reduce the need for number of workers at the port. Many of the ports have been automated to handle standard containers. This has also resulted in shortening of shipping times and given rise to just in time delivery. It is not uncommon for a large automotive manufacturer such as Ford to manufacture auto parts in China and ship them to the U.S. for final assembly. It would not have been possible before the arrival of shipping containers.
While primary purpose of containers remains shipping goods, some innovative companies have found novel uses of those containers. Due to their large size containers can be used as temporary housing or office space. They can also serve the purpose of storage areas on a temporary or permanent basis. Air conditioned containers can be used to store perishable items. Some companies even use the containers for computer data centers.
Demand for converting standard containers to serve specific continues to rise. This has given rise to manufacturers of accessory makers for converting containers to canteens, dying rooms, furniture storage, pop up cafes and much more. Companies such as Port Container USA provide portable storage containers that can serve these varied needs.
