Shipping Container Origins
Shipping containers, standardized by Malcolm McLean in 1956, revolutionized cargo transport. These steel boxes increased efficiency, security, and reduced theft, fundamentally changing global trade.
Standard Sizes
Standard containers come in two lengths: 20 feet and 40 feet. They're 8 feet wide and 8.5 or 9.5 feet high, termed as 'standard' or 'high cube' respectively.
Size Matters: TEU
Cargo capacity is measured in TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). One TEU represents the volume of a standard 20-foot container. A 40-foot container equals 2 TEUs.
Containers Beyond Cargo
Repurposed containers serve as affordable housing, offices, and emergency shelters. Their modular design facilitates creative uses, from swimming pools to art studios.
Temperature Controlled Units
Refrigerated containers, or 'reefers', maintain a controlled temperature for perishable goods. They're essential for global food and pharmaceutical transport.
Specialized Container Types
Beyond standard boxes, there are open-tops for tall cargo, flat racks for heavy loads, tank containers for liquids, and ventilated options for organic products.
Container Ship Evolution
Container ships have grown, from carrying a few hundred TEUs to today's mega-ships handling over 20,000 TEUs, exemplifying the scale of modern global trade.
Who standardized shipping containers?
Henry Ford
Malcolm McLean
James Watt
Company
