10 Facts About Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are essential to modern trade, carrying goods across oceans and continents with incredible efficiency. But there’s more to these steel boxes than meets the eye. From their origins to their surprising uses, here are ten fascinating facts about shipping containers you might not know.

1. The Birth of the Shipping Container Revolution

Shipping as we know it today wouldn’t exist without Malcolm McLean, the American entrepreneur who invented the modern shipping container in 1955. His design standardised cargo transport with a modular, stackable system that revolutionised the shipping industry. Thanks to his foresight, freight became faster, safer, and more economical. What’s even more remarkable is McLean made his design patent available for free, encouraging global adoption and setting the foundation for international trade.

2. Made in China: The Hub of Container Production

If you’ve ever wondered where shipping containers come from, the answer is mostly China. Around 97% of the world’s containers are manufactured there. The country’s extensive infrastructure, skilled labour force, and proximity to many goods’ production origins make it the natural hub for container manufacturing.

3. A Global Network in Motion

At any given time, approximately 20 million shipping containers are in transit around the globe, whether on massive container ships, trucks, or trains. In a single year, one container can travel a distance equivalent to a round trip to the moon. This staggering statistic highlights the critical role these containers play in the movement of goods across the planet.

4. Durability Built to Last

A well-maintained shipping container can last over 25 years, thanks to its robust steel construction. This durability makes containers versatile even after their shipping days are over. They’re often repurposed into homes, offices, swimming pools, shops, and even classrooms, proving their value far beyond transport.

5. The Mystery of Lost Containers

Each year, approximately 10,000 containers are lost at sea due to extreme weather or improper securing. While most sink to the ocean floor, some float and eventually wash ashore, sometimes with their contents intact. These lost containers can pose environmental challenges but also spark curiosity about their journeys.

6. The Science of Tracking

Every container is marked with a unique identification code, including an owner prefix, a category code, a serial number, and a check digit. This system ensures precise tracking throughout the global supply chain, minimising the risk of errors and making international trade more efficient.

7. Who Owns All These Containers?

Shipping giants like Maersk and MSC own nearly half of the world’s shipping containers. The rest are leased to smaller companies or independent operators, with leasing contracts typically ranging from one to ten years. This shared ownership model helps balance global demand for containers. The new ‘One Way’ containers are owned by trading companies like ourselves, for containers to be sold in the UK once the cargo has been discharged.

8. Strict Rules for Safe Cargo

Shipping containers designed for food or chemicals must adhere to strict regulations. These containers can only transport specific types of cargo to prevent contamination. For instance, chemical containers are carefully tracked to ensure their contents are safe and comply with stringent standards.

9. Exporting ‘Fresh Air’

Here’s an odd but true fact: the UK imports so many goods that many containers leave the country empty, a phenomenon known as exporting “fresh air.” This imbalance highlights the UK’s reliance on imported goods and the logistical challenges of balancing container usage.  Scotland is different however, where whisky exports swing the imbalance.

10. A Second Life in Architecture

Shipping containers have proven their versatility by becoming a cornerstone of innovative architecture. From stylish homes and trendy pop-up shops to eco-friendly offices, containers are repurposed into structures that combine sustainability with creativity. This trend reflects a growing awareness of their environmental and economic potential.

Why Shipping Containers Matter

Shipping containers are more than just metal boxes; they are a symbol of global connectivity and innovation. From revolutionising trade to inspiring sustainable architecture, they continue to shape our world in unexpected ways. Understanding their history and versatility offers a new appreciation for the role they play in our everyday lives.

Whether you require even just a single shipping container, or multiple containers, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always happy to help!