Progress Of Container Globalization
- 30/07/2021
Progress Of Container Globalization
The progress of container globalization was game changer in the 20th century, with a greater impact than the airplane or the microchip. It brought new designs for ships and cargo facilities, allowed for global door-to-door transportation, utilized early information technology, and caused structural change in the industry through mergers and alliances.
By the late 1990s, companies like Maersk Line, MSC, and Evergreen were offering worldwide freight service. Today, shipping lines pre-book port berths and use technology to predict delivery dates, and some even run “inland ports” or mini ports for large customers.
Maersk, the largest shipping liner company with a 15% market share, operates over 500 containerships, 50 terminals, and 150 local offices worldwide. The development of the container industry resulted in a total restructuring of the global port systems and the rise of regional shipping lines.
The widespread use of shipping containers has revolutionized the transportation and logistics industry, making it faster, cheaper, and more efficient to move goods around the world. The standardization of container sizes and the ability to stack and easily transfer containers between ships, trucks, and trains has allowed for the streamlining of global trade and has opened up new markets.
The containerization of shipping has also had a significant impact on the world economy, enabling global trade and leading to the growth of many businesses that rely on efficient and reliable transportation of goods. Shipping containers have also made it easier and more affordable to import and export goods, thereby driving economic growth in many regions and contributing to globalization.
Despite its numerous benefits, the containerization of shipping has also had its share of challenges, including environmental concerns, security issues, and a growing need for infrastructure development in ports and other cargo handling facilities. Nevertheless, the shipping container remains one of the most significant inventions of the 20th century, and its impact on global trade and commerce continues to be felt today.