More about Shipping Containers

We are so used to seeing those big steel shipping containers, on ships, on trains or lorries that we probably don't realize that the global standardisation of containers was one of the important innovations in 20th century logistics.

There are three common standard lengths: 20-ft (6.1 m), 40-ft (12.2 m) and 45-ft (13.7 m), with the 40-ft container is the most popular container worldwide.
You have noticed the numbers on the container side. It is an unique number, comprised of a four character reporting mark or ownership code ending in the letter U, followed by a number up to 9 digits long.

Containerization has revolutionized cargo shipping. Today, approximately 90% of non-bulk cargo worldwide moves by containers stacked on transport ships; 26% of all containers originate from China.It is estimated that some 18 million total containers make over 200 million trips per year.