Here at LGI Transport, LLC, we know that shipping containers offer practical storage and shipping solutions for a variety of customers. While they may seem incredibly simple, shipping containers are actually quite fascinating. Everything from the banana you ate for breakfast to the clothes you’re wearing was probably shipped overseas in a shipping container.Since they are so rugged, containers may find use on land after their time at sea. We have used shipping containers for sale in TX and across the United States. Here are a few facts that you might not know about steel containers.
- 1. Shipping containers are a more recent invention than you might have thought. Inventor Malcolm McLean invented the container in 1956 to replace “break bulk” shipping methods, in which items were individually loaded onto ships in boxes, bags, and barrels. Shipping containers were found to be far more efficient, allowing ships to load and unload faster, as well as reducing theft and damage to transported goods.
- 2. Almost 97% of shipping containers are manufactured in China. One reason for this is that the majority of the world’s products are also produced in China. With both the product and the container manufactured in the same place, it is more convenient and cost-effective. In fact, the two busiest ports in the world, Shanghai and Singapore, are located in China.
- 3. Over 90% of all cargo worldwide is transported by ship. When moving large quantities of goods between continents, ships are still the most sensible choice.
- 4. The global container fleet, or how many shipping containers are currently active in the shipping industry, is measured in TEU, which stands for “Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit.” It is estimated that there are over 34 million TEU worldwide.
- 5. When properly maintained, shipping containers should last for over 25 years. This a testament to their durability, which is part of what makes them perfect for both short and long-term storage.
- 6. Each year, thousands of shipping containers are lost at sea. While many sink to the bottom of the sea, some may stay adrift in the waves, which can cause damage to other vessels crossing the ocean.
After a container has lived out its life at sea, sometimes it makes its way to us at LGI Transport, LLC. We are experts when it comes to shipping container sales and rentals for both individuals and businesses who need shipping and storage solutions. Contact us today for a free estimate.