Definition
A container is a large, standardized steel receptacle designed for secure, efficient, and intermodal transport of goods via ocean vessel and rail carriage. Its uniformity allows global infrastructure—ports, cranes, ships, and trucks—to handle cargo without manual unloading and reloading.
Core Function and History
The modern container system was conceptualized and implemented in the 1950s by American entrepreneur Malcolm P. McLean. McLean, who owned a steamship company, sought to eliminate the expensive and slow process of breaking bulk cargo.
His innovation allowed an entire standardized box to be lifted directly from a vehicle chassis onto a ship, establishing the efficiency standards required for modern global trade. This standardization drastically reduced port time and labor costs.
Standard Container Sizes
Containers come in various dimensions to accommodate different cargo volumes and weights. Common general purpose sizes utilized in global commerce include:
• 20-Foot Equivalent Unit (TEU)
• 40-Foot Standard
• 40-Foot High Cube (HC)
• 45-Foot High Cube (HC)
Expert Advice: Incoterms Usage
Due to the inherent difference in how containerized cargo is handled versus traditional break bulk cargo, shippers should prioritize the use of modern Incoterms tailored for intermodal transport.
We strongly recommend utilizing Free Carrier (FCA) for containerized shipments. The pre-container era Incoterm Free On Board (FOB) is often inappropriate for container transport, as it typically transfers risk only when goods cross the ship’s rail. Under FCA, the seller fulfills their obligation when the goods are handed over to the carrier nominated by the buyer at a specified location, which aligns seamlessly with the process of stuffing and delivering a container to a carrier's terminal.
Key Takeaways
• Containers are the backbone of efficient intermodal logistics (ocean and rail).
• Malcolm P. McLean invented the standardized system in the 1950s.
• Common sizes include 20,’ 40,’ and High Cube variants.
• Always use Incoterm FCA for container shipments instead of the outdated FOB.
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