| Containerization is an inter-modal system of | | | | With the use of ISO standard containers, |
| transporting the general cargo or product in | | | | the size and shapes of commercial vehicles |
| lots which are too small for the traditional | | | | carrying containers are also getting |
| bulk transport system, using ISO standard | | | | standardized. Today, improved cargo |
| containers. The goods can be easily moved | | | | security is seen as an added benefit of |
| from one location to another in these | | | | containerization. The cargo is not visible |
| containers which can be loaded intact onto | | | | and hence less likely to be stolen and also |
| the container ships, trucks, railroad cars | | | | doors of the containers are sealed so that |
| and planes. The concept of | | | | its safety can be assured. Worldwide |
| containerization is considered as the key | | | | standardization of sizes of containers has |
| innovation in the field of logistics which | | | | lessened the problems of incompatibility and |
| has revolutionized freight handling in the | | | | gauge. Today most of the trains in the world |
| twentieth century. Benefits of | | | | operate on 4 feet 8½ inch gauge track but |
| Containerization Goods in lots which are | | | | many countries like Russia, Australia, Spain |
| too small for the traditional bulk transport | | | | and Finland while countries in Africa and |
| can be moved using containers. | | | | South America use narrower gauges. Some |
| Containerization is best option for | | | | of the largest global players containerizing |
| high-value and delicate cargo as it provides | | | | containers today are Bowen Exports, Theiler & |
| safety from human and natural factors. As | | | | Sons Goods, LLC and Patrick Global Shipping. |
| containers are moved intact, substantial | | | | Types of containers available to meet |
| amount of time and labor cost is saved which | | | | different needs: Open top bulk containers |
| would otherwise have incurred in loading and | | | | Open side containers General purpose dry |
| unloading goods. It prevents poor handling | | | | vans Platform containers High cube pallet |
| of goods that results from bulk transport | | | | wide containers Containers with temperature |
| systems. Containers can act as mode of | | | | controlling facility Ventilated containers |
| storage anywhere along the transport route. | | | | Tank containers Flush folding flat-rack |
| Container ships provide regular service to | | | | containers Future Containerization |
| overseas ports, thus it minimizes the waiting | | | | reduces time in transit, the inventory costs |
| time. Containerization reduces the transit | | | | and increases reliability. Such benefits are |
| time which not only offers a means of | | | | forcing the industry to make it more |
| marketing for the producer that bulk systems | | | | favorable in terms of cost, flexibility and |
| cannot provide, but also helps to reduce the | | | | speed. As the Internet and other new |
| inventory costs and increases reliability. | | | | communication technologies are developing, it |
| Following part explains the | | | | is expected to bring more innovations which |
| containerization in past, present future: | | | | will further simplify the tasks of logistics. |
| | | | Many companies are designing the |
| The carrying of containers through ships | | | | freighters capable of 14000 TEU. |
| started in 1951 between Alaska and Seattle. | | | | Container traffic from Asia is expected to |
| The first purpose built container ship the | | | | grow more rapidly in near future. The |
| Clifford J. Rodgers was built in Montreal in | | | | containerization in terms of expansion is |
| 1955 which was owned by the White Pass & | | | | expected to be far rapid in China. The Asia's |
| Yukon Route. In its maiden trip it carried | | | | share of containerized exports to world's |
| 600 containers between Skagway, Alaska and | | | | total exports is expected to reach nearly 64 |
| North Vancouver, British Columbia. These | | | | % in 2015. Past The effort to ship |
| containers could be moved by rail, truck and | | | | cargo in container initiated in the beginning |
| ships. This way gradually, the whole inter- | | | | of 19th century. These containers could be |
| modal system started operating. Malcom | | | | shifted from railroads to ships or trucks. |
| McLean, the US trucking industry player | | | | The containers used at that time were much |
| innovated the idea of using large containers, | | | | smaller than what we see today. In the |
| transferable on an inter-modal basis. With | | | | mid 1920s Milwaukee Railway and Chicago North |
| the abolition of Interstate Commerce | | | | Shore started using shippers' vehicles and |
| Commission's regulatory, deregulation of | | | | motor carrier vehicles on flatcars between |
| maritime rates, trucking and railway it | | | | the route of Milwaukee and Chicago. Later, |
| became possible to develop fully integrated | | | | Seatrain Lines carried railroad boxcars on |
| system. Present Today containerization | | | | ships to move goods between Cuba and New |
| has become the integral part of logistics. It | | | | York. Also, the Chicago Great Western Railway |
| has revolutionized the cargo shipping. Today, | | | | and the New Haven railroad began transporting |
| nearly 90% of non bulk cargo moves by | | | | highway freight trailers on flatcars. In the |
| containers put on transport ships. One fourth | | | | early 1950s, these flatcars got more equipped |
| of world's total containers start from China. | | | | with new decks. |