The Container Is Invented
In 1956, one of the greatest engineered inventions was created and patented by the American Businessman Malcolm McLean. Malcolm McLean led this international trade revolution called containerization during the 20th century. Containerization is responsible for the shipping of more than 90% of cargo globally.
The Container Revolution
Containerization has revolutionized many different industries. The shipping industry has changed drastically by making costs much more efficient and keeping cargo more secure from weather and theft. While making cargo more cost effective and time efficient, it also shaped the world that we live in today because it allowed countries to trade with ease and at a much faster pace..
Many new businesses came along with the invention of the shipping container. Shipping containers transformed how freight moved throughout countries. The shipping container created a new process called the intermodal process. Intermodal freight transport usually involves the transportation of freight in an intermodal container or vehicle, using multiple modes of transportation, without any handling of the freight itself when changing modes.
From the shipping container industry, the storage container business was born. Storage containers are a portable storage solution that give various types of companies a secure way of storing goods at a very low cost, while their portable nature has the benefit of being a temporary structure with little or no permits needed.
Containers in Every Industry
Almost every industry can find use within the storage container and shipping container industry. Construction companies use Conex boxes to store building materials at project sites. Hotels rent storage containers to store spare furnishings or renovation materials temporarily. Big Box retailers as well as local shops lease these steel containers in order to better manage their inventory in a more efficient manner, while these are also useful to keep an abundance of goods during the holiday season to meet the demand of consumers.
Many trucking companies lease shipping containers mounted onto chassis for their daily operations to transport freight locally and even internationally. Containers have much versatility; mail houses such as USPS, FedEx, and UPS use containers mounted on chassis to move light loads of mail, while heavy duty equipment companies can move up to 60,000lbs of freight per load.
Customizability
Shipping Containers are easily customizable, which helps companies and individuals modify these storage units to fit their exact needs. Many individuals and businesses are converging on the brand-new concept of shipping container homes. Shipping Containers can be welded together, cut with special saws, and framed very simply. Containers get their structural strength from the corner castings, top and bottom rails, and the floors. Full side panels can be removed if the rails are not removed, which allow for containers to be placed together and for windows and doors to be installed.
Shipping Containers come in different shapes and sizes. The standard units include 20’ x 8’ x 8’6” as well as the most commonly used 40’ x 8’ x 8’6”. There are also containers called High Cube Containers, which are used for taller equipment and increased storage. These High Cube Containers typically come in 40’ x 8’ x 9’6” (the 20’ high cube container is less common). Recently, units such as the bicons (also known as duocons) became more prevalent in the residential customer demographic. Bicons arrive from the manufacturer as 20’ units that are able to be cut in half to create 10’ x 8’ x 8’6” units. These are great for tight areas such as large cities with very little space and can also be used residentially as a heavy duty shed.
As you can see from the history of the shipping container many industries were dramatically transformed, while many were formed! At Ark Container Rentals, we must thank the pioneers like Malcolm McLean for creating such great opportunities in the fields of shipping, storage and increasing great efficiency globally!
