Trade and Transportation: Containerization

The container, a standard size metal box designed to be moved with common handling equipment into which cargo is packed for shipment aboard in specifically configured oceangoing vessels, has evolved into the key physical and logistical support of international trade and globalization. Although available in several sizes, all containers adhere to a single standard, which accelerated containerization by permitting full access to the distribution system by reducing the risks of capital investment in modes and terminals. Another notable reason for the accelerated adoption of containerization was the speed at which it can be transferred intermodally, that is, transferring between ships, railcars, truck chassis, and barges using a minimum amount of labor. The container, therefore, serves as the load unit rather than the cargo it carries. Their relevance does not relate to what they are simple boxes but what they enable: the movement of goods fairly seamlessly across a variety of modes.